Adventure and touring bike finance

Why adventure bikes are a different budget

Adventure and touring bikes are built to carry weight a long way, and the extras tend to come with that. Panniers, crash bars, a bash plate, a taller screen, off-road tyres and navigation mounts can add up quickly, and many riders want them fitted before the first long trip.

That matters for finance because the amount you borrow, the term, and the way the lender treats accessories can all differ. It is worth asking whether accessories fitted at purchase can be included in the amount financed, and what that does to the total you repay.

Questions worth asking before you commit

• What is the total amount financed, including on-road costs and any fitted accessories?
• What are the establishment and ongoing fees, and what is the comparison rate?
• Is there a limit on bike age or kilometres for a used adventure bike?
• What happens to the loan if I sell the bike early?

Plan for the running costs

Big-capacity bikes often use tyres faster than commuters, and long-distance riders tend to rack up service intervals sooner. Put a realistic yearly figure on tyres, servicing, chain and sprockets, insurance and registration, then see whether the repayment still sits comfortably alongside them.

New or used for touring

A used bike with accessories already fitted can look like a bargain, but check that the accessories are in good condition and that the bike has a clear service history. Before buying privately, run a search on the Personal Property Securities Register to check for money owing.

Next steps

If you want to see what finance might look like for a specific bike, you can start a free, no-obligation enquiry. If you are upgrading, selling your current bike may reduce what you need to borrow.