Electric Versus Gas Motorcycles
Whether you need an electric or gas motorcycle depends on many factors, from your budget to your riding style. We've created the following comparison guide to make your shopping experience easier. If you want personalized recommendations or want to shop gas and electric motorcycles for sale, contact Bluegrass Harley-Davidson. Our dealership is based in Louisville, Kentucky, and we also serve those in Jeffersonville as well as Jefferson, Indiana.
Electric Versus Gas Motorcycle: The Financial Aspects
Budget can be a big determining factor for many folks, so it can be helpful to start with comparing the cost of ownership for each type of motorcycle.
The Sticker Price
Electric motorcycles usually cost more upfront. It's partly because electric technology is newer and not developed at the same scale as gas technology.
The average electric motorcycle would start at about $11,000 while the average gas motorcycle would start at about $4,000.
Insurance Costs
Due to their higher asking price, electric motorcycles also have higher insurance costs.
Fueling Costs
Gas motorcycles cost much more to fuel up. The difference can be hundreds of dollars each year. The more often you ride, the bigger this cost difference would be.
Maintenance Costs
Electric motorcycles usually have half the annual maintenance costs. But they will need a battery replacement about every eight years, which will cost about $3,000.
Recouping Costs Through Resale
Some of the motorcycle ownership costs can be recouped by selling the model. The resale value of an electric motorcycle is about $4,000 while the resale value of a gas motorcycle is about $1,000.
Electric Versus Gas Motorcycle: The Ownership Experience
The ownership experience is also different between electric and gas motorcycles.
Maintenance
Electric motorcycles need much less maintenance. There will be minimal tasks, such as changing drive belts, tires, and brakes as needed. Plus, the engine is less likely to overheat because there are fewer moving parts causing friction. Annual maintenance costs for electric motorcycles tend to be about half as much as gas motorcycles.
Gas motorcycles have the above maintenance needs - and then more. These include changing the oil, battery, and fluids. Plus, the engine is more likely to overheat and experience maintenance issues.
Performance
Electric motorcycles can be immediately ridden after starting up. Gas motorcycles, in contrast, need some warm up time to reduce wear. But they are also usually able to hit higher speeds.
The Power Source
It's usually easier to find a gas station than it is to find an electrical charging station, which can make gas motorcycles more convenient to power up. Plus, electric motorcycles are more susceptible to battery degradation from lack of use. Extreme cold weather can even reduce the battery charge.
But electric motorcycles are cheaper to fill up and emit much less CO2 than gas models.
Noise
Electric motorcycles run almost silently. This can create a peaceful ride, but it also causes a safety concern. Since other motorists are less likely to hear you, they are also less likely to notice you.
Gas motorcycles run loud and proud. Everyone will take notice as your motorcycle announces your presence for you!
Ready to shop gas or electric motorcycles for sale? Check out the selection at Bluegrass Harley-Davidson. Our experts can help you find the best model for your lifestyle, so reach out today. We are located in Louisville, Kentucky. We are also proud to serve those in Jeffersonville, Kentucky, and Jefferson, Indiana.