Finance 
Motorbike finance in New Zealand works along similar lines to vehicle finance — but there are a few things that apply specifically to motorcycles that are worth understanding before you start shopping.
What Finance Is Available for Motorbikes
Finance Worx arranges finance for a wide range of motorcycles: road bikes, adventure bikes, touring bikes, cruisers, naked bikes, and sport bikes. Both new and used motorbikes can be financed, and Finance Worx works with lenders who accommodate private purchases as well as dealer sales.
Loan terms typically run from one to five years, with rates depending on your credit and income profile and the age of the bike.
LAMS Approval and Licence Class
If you hold a learner (class 6L) or restricted (class 6R) motorbike licence, the motorcycle you purchase must be a LAMS-approved model. LAMS — the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme — sets power-to-weight limits designed to make learner and restricted licence riding safer.
LAMS-approved bikes are generally 660cc or under, but displacement alone doesn't determine eligibility — the power-to-weight ratio is what matters, so some larger-displacement bikes with lower power outputs are LAMS-eligible while some smaller-displacement bikes are not.
Before committing to a purchase, confirm the specific bike is LAMS-approved if your licence requires it. Your dealer or the NZ Transport Agency website can confirm eligibility. Finance Worx will identify whether LAMS approval needs to be confirmed as part of the application process.
New vs Used Motorbikes
New motorbikes are typically simpler to finance — the process is straightforward and most lenders will accommodate them without issue.
For used motorbikes, the age and condition of the bike matters. Mainstream lenders have age restrictions, and an older or high-kilometre bike may require a specialist lender. Finance Worx works with lenders across the full spectrum and will identify the right option for the bike you're looking at.
Private Sale Motorbike Finance
Buying privately is common in the motorbike market. Finance is available for private purchases — Finance Worx manages the verification process and ensures the transaction is handled correctly.
If the seller has existing finance on the bike, this can be cleared as part of settlement in the same way it works for private vehicle purchases.
What Lenders Look At
The same factors apply as for any personal finance application:
- Your income and employment situation
- Credit history
- Existing financial commitments
- The age, condition, and value of the bike
Insurance
Most lenders require comprehensive insurance as a condition of finance. For motorbikes this is particularly important given the risk profile — ensure you have appropriate cover in place from day one. GAP insurance (also known as Low Equity Insurance) and Credit Care Insurance are also available through Finance Worx for added financial protection.
Find out more about motorbike finance or apply now. Contact usif you'd like to talk through your options first.