Comparison shows that the savings in buying a used motorcycle can be great, but requires attention to extra costs
The motorcycle market is growing more and more in Brazil, whether among the zero kilometers, sought after by those who want to escape the rise of cars or traffic, or among the used ones, often sought after by those who want to escape the prices of new ones. But here comes the big question: is it more worth buying a used motorcycle or paying a little more for a brand new one?
We put the main values on the tip of the pencil, considering the most sold motorcycle in the country, and compared the acquisition of a new motorcycle with what a used one can cost, taking into account the most common and necessary maintenance.
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The best-selling motorcycle in Brazil for decades has been the fifty-year-old Honda CG, which alone licenses about 20% of the country’s entire zero-kilometer fleet every year, according to data from the National Federation of Motor Vehicle Distribution (Fenabrave).
We took the 160 Titan version as the basis for the survey. According to Fipe (Foundation Institute for Economic Research), a reference in the vehicle price market, the Honda CG 160 Titan zero kilometer costs today in Brazil, on average, R$ 24.106.
When compared to the same model year 2026, but already used, the value drops to R$ 21.691. This depreciation of 10.02% would represent a saving of R$ 2,415 in the consumer’s pocket.
The point is that it is not only the acquisition of the motorcycle that counts. A brand new motorcycle still has, immediately, the expenses of registration, licensing and IPVA.
All of them vary from state to state. In São Paulo, the state with the largest fleet of motorcycles in the country, the vehicle licensing fee costs R$ 174.08 and the IPVA corresponds to 2% of the price of the model in the Fipe Table, which, in the case of the motorcycle in question, would be R$ 482.12. It is important to note that, in the case of new vehicles, the tax is proportional to the remaining period of the year. That is, if the purchase is made in the middle of the year, the charge will be reduced. In June 2026, the IPVA of the motorcycle in question is R$ 281.24.
These values can be considered average for all states, since few like Minas Gerais have a much cheaper licensing (R$ 35.62) and the IPVA also has this percentage in several other states – although some cover 1% or even have an exemption depending on the size of the motorcycle.
Finally, in the state of São Paulo, the license plate costs R$ 31.47 for the authorization fee and R$ 143.34 for the license plate.
Price of a brand new motorcycle in São Paulo
In the case of the used motorcycle, the costs are different. It is already licensed, and licensing and IPVA will depend on the agreement with the former owner, but it is common for the buyer to purchase the model already paid off.
Based on this scenario, the costs will be with maintenance. A used motorcycle in excellent condition still requires, at the very least, the change of fluids and filters. Engine oil, brake fluid, suspension fork fluid, as well as fuel, oil and air filters, must be replaced to ensure the perfect functioning of all systems. Pipe and candle are also usually exchanged.
All of these items are considered low maintenance costs, and the new owner will only have to shell out higher amounts if they need to replace damaged components or more expensive wear and tear items such as brake discs and tires.
Those who want to save as much as possible can change only the engine oil and filter, in addition to the brake fluid.
Price of a used motorcycle and essential maintenance
Although the math in the example above shows that, clearly, the used motorcycle is the most financially advantageous option, even more so if it is an older and cheaper motorcycle, Everything will depend on the state of conservation of the vehicle.
As already pointed out here at AutoPapo, a badly damaged popular motorcycle can easily cost more than R$ 5.000 in spare parts alone. It is a risk that the customer should be aware of when purchasing a motorcycle with a short warranty or without any warranty.
The brand new motorcycle usually comes with a warranty of three to five years, in addition to the certainty that all components are new and that the probability of a sudden problem is very low.
The consumer should always analyze each case so as not to end up buying the cheap that is expensive or even missing a more advantageous opportunity.
