Buying vs Renting a Bike or Scooter in India: Pros, Cons, and Key Considerations

Until recently, the idea of renting a motorbike wasn’t even on most people’s radar. If you wanted to ride, the assumption was you had to buy one. Let’s be honest—we’ve all dreamed of owning one more bike than we actually need. But now, thanks to a post-COVID revival in travel and mobility, motorbike rental has become a viable and accessible option, especially in cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Pune. And not just any bike—you can now ride everything from a KTM Duke to a Harley-Davidson, from a Triumph to a Ducati Monster, and even a BMW Adventure series.

Imagine cruising from the Bangalore Palace to Leh-Ladakh or exploring the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace—all on a rented bike that doesn’t require years of EMI. Sounds too good? Let’s dive deeper.

Contents

1 Why Buying a Bike Isn’t Always the Better Deal
2 The Financial Case for Renting
3 Cost Comparison: Buy vs Rent
4 Flexibility and Ease of Use
5 Drawbacks of Renting
6 Lifestyle and Riding Habits Matter
7 Conclusion
8 FAQs: Renting vs Buying a Bike in India

Why Buying a Bike Isn’t Always the Better Deal

The traditional advantage of buying a bike lies in ownership—ride when you want, where you want, no need to return it, no questions asked. However, buying also comes with its share of commitments and costs, especially if you’re someone who’s recently moved to a new city or is still exploring their lifestyle.

For instance, purchasing a motorbike in Bangalore can cost anywhere from ₹70,000 to ₹2,50,000, a significant sum for someone who’s still figuring out their stay. And let’s not forget the cost of RTO paperwork, insurance, road tax, regular maintenance, and the inevitable depreciation of resale value.

You may think of buying a secondhand bike to save money, but that’s a gamble. You can’t verify how the bike has been treated. Often, expats or locals list bikes after they’ve had accidents or faced mechanical problems. And the prices? Usually inflated way beyond the actual value.

The Financial Case for Renting

Renting a bike makes sense when you’re not ready to make a long-term commitment or want to test different models before choosing one for yourself. A decent rental service in Bangalore charges around ₹3,500 per month for an entry-level bike, making it a smart option for short-term stays or casual riders.

And the best part? If you’re not happy with the model, you can simply swap it for another. No strings attached. Reputable rental companies also offer roadside assistance, insurance, and maintenance, sparing you the headache of unexpected breakdowns and service center visits.

Cost Comparison: Buy vs Rent

Let’s do some basic math.

Buying a bike like a new Harley-Davidson Fat Bob might cost you around ₹18–18.2 lakhs, with monthly EMIs going upwards of ₹30,000–₹50,000.
Add insurance, service, and road tax, and you’re easily spending more than ₹60,000/month.
Renting a similar bike, however, would cost approximately ₹5,000–₹10,000/day, or ₹12,000–₹20,000/month with long-term plans.

Of course, the cost-effectiveness depends on how often you ride. If you’re only riding on weekends or for short trips, renting is the clear winner.

Flexibility and Ease of Use

Another great advantage of renting? Flexibility.

Rent a bike for a weekend getaway or for a month-long adventure. No worries about paperwork, insurance, or servicing. If something breaks down, your rental company takes care of it—or gives you a replacement. You don’t get that kind of backup when you own the bike yourself.

Moreover, first-time riders or people new to Indian traffic conditions can rent different bikes to find their perfect fit. Try out a scooter, then a cruiser, then a naked streetfighter—see what fits your body and riding style before making a long-term investment.

Drawbacks of Renting

While renting sounds amazing, it isn’t all rosy.

If you go for a low-cost rental company, chances are the bikes will be poorly maintained, customer service will be bad, and you’ll face more trouble than it’s worth. Think of it like budget airlines—you get what you pay for.

To avoid this, ask for referrals, check online reviews, and stick to established platforms that have solid customer service records. Companies like Ontrack offer not just good bikes, but also maintenance, insurance, and even emergency assistance.

Lifestyle and Riding Habits Matter

Are you someone who rides every day? Or only on weekends? Do you love trying out new bikes every month? Or do you want to customize your ride to match your vibe?

If you crave variety and travel often, renting suits your lifestyle. But if you’re a performance rider, someone who wants to modify their machine, or you ride daily for work, buying might be better.

Some riders even own multiple bikes—a commuter for weekdays and a cruiser for long trips. If your budget allows, buying two or three bikes may fit your lifestyle. But if space or money is tight, renting gives you access to a wide fleet without the overhead.

Conclusion

In 2025, the line between renting and owning a motorbike has blurred. While buying still holds strong for hardcore riders and daily commuters, renting is a fantastic alternative for casual riders, frequent travelers, expats, or those simply exploring their love for two wheels.

So, what’s right for you? Only you can decide. But thankfully, platforms like Ontrack let you do both. Rent a bike, try it out, and if you fall in love—buy one through their financing partners.

FAQs: Renting vs Buying a Bike in India

Q1. Is it cheaper to rent or buy a motorbike in India?

Answer: It depends on your usage. Renting is generally cheaper for short-term or occasional riders. Buying becomes cost-effective if you ride daily and long-term.

Q2. Can I rent high-end bikes like Harley-Davidson or Ducati?

Answer: Yes, several rental services offer premium bikes like Harley-Davidson, Ducati, BMW, and Triumph for both short and long-term rentals.

Q3. Are rental bikes reliable for long-distance trips?

Answer: Yes, if you rent from a reputable company, the bikes are well-maintained and can be used for long road trips, including routes like Leh-Ladakh.

Q4. Do rental services in India offer insurance and roadside assistance?

Answer: Most reputed services include basic insurance and roadside support. Always confirm what’s included before booking.

Q5. Can I test different bikes before deciding which one to buy?

Answer: Absolutely! Renting allows you to try various models, helping you choose the bike that suits your height, weight, and riding style best.

Q6. What should I look for in a good bike rental company?

Answer: Look for proper documentation, clean service history, transparent pricing, good reviews, and responsive customer service.