Bad Credit Motorbike Loans
Whether you’re after a scooter, cruiser, touring or off-road bike, having bad credit isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to motorbike loans.
Motorbikes are a practical and popular choice for Australians looking to cut commuting costs, explore the open road or simply enjoy the ride. As of January 2025, there were just over 982,000 motorcycles registered across Australia, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE).
Whether you’re after a commuter scooter or a weekend cruiser, though, having bad credit doesn’t have to stand between you and the motorbike loan you need. Whatever your credit history looks like, it’s worth knowing what options are available to you.
Can I get a motorbike loan with bad credit?
Yes, you can get a motorbike loan even if you have bad credit. Specialist lenders in this space focus more on your overall financial situation than your credit score alone. Having defaults or a past bankruptcy on your file won’t automatically rule you out like it often does with mainstream lenders like banks.
It’s worth noting that the nature and severity of your bad credit will influence your options and the rates and fees you’re offered. That’s why working with a broker who specialises in bad credit motorbike loans can help point you in the right direction if you aren’t sure where to start.
By getting help from a professional in the space, they can help you identify which lenders are most likely to approve your application, saving you time and protecting your credit file from multiple unnecessary applications.
What types of motorbikes can I finance with bad credit?
Bad credit motorbike loans can be used to purchase both new and used bikes across a wide range of styles, including:
- Cruisers
- Dirt bikes
- Naked bikes
- Road bikes
- Scooters
- Sports bikes
- Touring bikes
- Electric bikes (e-bikes)
As with car loans, lenders will typically apply restrictions around the age and condition of the bike you’re looking to purchase. Some lenders may restrict you to bikes no older than ten to 15 years of age by the end of your loan term, but we work with others who can approve finance for bikes up to 25 years old at loan’s end. The bike will also need to be registered or registerable as a road vehicle to be eligible for a secured loan.
How much can I borrow for a bad credit motorbike loan?
You may be able to borrow as much as $150,000 for the purchase of your motorbike, even with bad credit, with loans starting from as little as $5,000 with some lenders. However, the amount you’re ultimately approved for will come down to:
- Your income and regular living expenses
- The nature and recency of your bad credit (such as whether you have paid or unpaid defaults or are bankrupt)
- Whether you’re able to put down a deposit
- The type, age and condition of the motorbike you’re looking to purchase
- The lender you’re approved with, as different lenders have different borrowing caps
All applications are subject to lender assessment, so the amount you’re eligible to borrow will likely be different to that of the next person. When you apply through us, you can be pre-approved for your motorbike loan, allowing you to shop around in your price range and negotiate with sellers based on your firm upper limit.
How much will a bad credit motorbike loan cost?
The cost of your bad credit motorbike loan will depend on a few key factors:
- Interest rate: the higher your rate, the more you’ll pay over the life of your loan. Bad credit borrowers should expect to pay higher rates than those with a clean credit file.
- Loan fees: establishment fees and ongoing monthly fees can add significantly to the overall cost of your loan.
- Loan amount: the more you borrow, the more you’ll pay in interest overall.
- Loan term: a longer term reduces your monthly repayments but increases your total interest bill.
To give you a sense of how your interest rate can impact the overall cost of your loan, here’s what a $20,000 bad credit motorbike loan repaid monthly over five years would look like at a range of rates:
| Interest rate | Monthly repayment | Total interest paid | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.00% p.a. | $445 | $6,693 | $26,693 |
| 14.00% p.a. | $465 | $7,922 | $27,922 |
| 16.00% p.a. | $486 | $9,182 | $29,182 |
| 18.00% p.a. | $508 | $10,472 | $30,472 |
| 20.00% p.a. | $530 | $11,793 | $31,793 |
Calculations and interest rates are for illustrative purposes only and exclude loan fees and other charges. Interest rates shown aren't necessarily reflective of the rates you'll receive on your motorbike loan.
How to apply for a bad credit bike loan
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1
Fill out our online application form
Tell us about yourself and your current financial situation, as well as the loan you’re after.
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2
Send through any necessary documents
We’ll need to see documentation to verify your current finances and your identity.
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3
Have a chat to your broker
Your broker will give you a call and discuss your loan options.
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4
Get your application submitted
Once you’re happy to proceed, your broker will prepare your application for formal submission.
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5
Receive approval and settle your loan
You can be approved as soon as within one business day, after which we’ll handle loan settlement.
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6
Drive away
Simply sign off and the bike is yours!
Why Us?
Fast loan approval
We work hard behind the scenes to match you with a suitable lender and have your loan approved and funded in as few as 48 hours.
100% online
Where ever you are across Australia, you can apply for a bad credit car loan using your laptop or even a smartphone.
Trusted brand
For more than a decade, we've been helping borrowers with bad credit get approved for their car loans across Australia.
Motorbike loan eligibility and documentation
Eligibility
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible visa holder
- You must be employed and earning a stable income that supports your car loan payments, which can start from as little as $480 per week
- You mustn't currently be bankrupt
- Your chosen car must satisfy your lender's vehicle eligibility criteria
Documentation
- A valid driver's licence, front and back (passports can also be accepted)
- Your two most recent consecutive payslips
- 90 days of bank statements and/or Centrelink income statements
Top Tips
Top tips for getting approved for a bad credit motorbike loan
Chip away at any outstanding debts
Every debt on your file can be either a minor or major roadblock for a lender, particularly when bad credit is already a factor. Reducing your outstanding balances, even partially, demonstrates that you're taking steps to improve your finances and can free up borrowing capacity at the same time.
Be realistic about the bike you're buying
It can be tempting to stretch your budget for the bike you really want, but a more modest purchase could be the difference between getting approved and getting knocked back. A lower loan amount is easier for a lender to justify, and you'll pay less in interest over the life of your loan.
Put something down if you can
A deposit isn't essential, as many lenders offer up to 100% financing, but it can go a long way towards strengthening your application. Even a modest contribution upfront signals financial discipline and reduces the lender's exposure if things don't go to plan.
Let a broker do the legwork
Applying directly with multiple lenders in the hope that one says yes is a common mistake that can actually make your situation worse. A broker with experience in bad credit motorbike finance knows which of their lenders work with which profiles and can get your application in front of the most suitable one without leaving a trail of hard enquiries on your file.
Frequently asked bad credit motorbike loan questions
Can I get a guaranteed approval motorbike loan with bad credit?
No lender in Australia can legally guarantee approval on a motorbike loan, regardless of your credit history. Under responsible lending obligations, every application must go through some form of assessment, so any lender advertising guaranteed approval should be treated as a red flag. As mentioned, though, if you’re concerned about your credit score, lenders specialising in bad credit finance will focus on more than just your score.
Can I get a motorbike loan on Centrelink with bad credit?
Yes, it's possible to be approved for a motorbike loan if you're on Centrelink and have bad credit, though your options will depend on the payments you receive and your overall financial situation. You may be able to be approved with up to 100% of your income coming from Centrelink.
Am I able to include on-road costs in my bad credit motorcycle loan?
Yes, on-road costs such as registration, motor vehicle duty and insurance can be included in your motorbike loan by some lenders. Keep in mind that rolling these costs into your loan means you'll pay interest on them over the life of the loan, and the added amount will need to fall within your approved borrowing power.
What happens if I pay out my loan early?
Most motorbike loans allow early repayment, but some lenders charge an early exit fee for doing so. It's worth checking your loan terms before signing your contract to understand whether any penalties apply, as these can sometimes offset the interest savings of paying off your loan ahead of schedule. We work with lenders who allow you to clear your debt ahead of schedule without any fees.