Mar 30, 2026
[New Standards] Motorcycle Engine Displacement Categories: Maintenance Costs, Traffic Rules, and Licenses for Each Displacement
Are 125cc Motorcycles Cheap to Maintain Annually? A Thorough Comparison of Maintenance Costs Across Classes and with Kei Cars!
How much does it cost to maintain a motorcycle?
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/WN1VT_5Ww1E
Motorcycles range from 50cc mopeds to large motorcycles over 1,000cc, and are classified into categories such as mopeds and mid-sized motorcycles based on their displacement, each with different maintenance costs.
The categories are Class 1 Mopeds, Class 2 Mopeds, Mid-sized Motorcycles, and Large Motorcycles. Motorcycles over 250cc also require a shaken (vehicle inspection) three years after new purchase, and every two years thereafter.
Therefore, categories that require shaken tend to have higher maintenance costs than those that do not.
By keeping motorcycle maintenance costs low, you can avoid heavy financial burdens after purchase and easily plan your budget for the purchase.
There are a total of 8 types of motorcycle maintenance costs.
8 types of motorcycle maintenance costs
Motorcycle maintenance costs include:
- Light Vehicle Tax
- Motor Vehicle Tonnage Tax
- Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (Mandatory Insurance)
- Shaken (Vehicle Inspection) Costs
- Voluntary Insurance
- Parking Fee
- Fuel Costs
- Maintenance Costs
are required (depending on the class).
Let's look at each item in detail.
Light Vehicle Tax
This is an annual tax notified to motorcycle owners as of April 1st of each year.
It is a municipal tax, with notifications sent from the municipality of the owner's current address.
The tax amount varies depending on the displacement category, from 2,000 yen annually for mopeds to 6,000 yen annually for large motorcycles.
| Category | Annual Amount | |
| Motorized bicycle | Displacement 50cc or less, or rated output 600w or less | 2,000 yen |
| Displacement over 50cc to 90cc, or rated output over 600w to 800w | ||
| Displacement over 90cc to 125cc, or rated output over 800w to 1000w | 2,400 yen | |
| Light Two-Wheeler | Displacement over 125cc to 250cc | 3,600 yen |
| Small Two-Wheeler | Displacement over 250cc | 6,000 yen |
For motorcycles with a displacement exceeding 250cc, the Light Vehicle Tax is a flat 6,000 yen.
Light Vehicle Tax can be paid at convenience stores or post offices, with the payment deadline in May.
If payment is late, a delinquency charge will be added, calculated from the due date.
Motor Vehicle Tonnage Tax
Motor vehicle tonnage tax is levied according to the number of years passed since new registration, and motorcycles with a displacement of 125cc or less are exempt from this tax.
Motorcycles with a displacement of 126cc to less than 250cc are only taxed 4,900 yen at the time of new purchase.
For motorcycles with a displacement exceeding 250cc, the tax is 1,900 yen per year for up to 12 years from new registration, 2,300 yen per year for motorcycles 13 years or older, and 2,500 yen per year for motorcycles 18 years or older.
Thus, for motorcycles exceeding 250cc, the burden becomes greater as more years pass since new registration.
Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (Mandatory Insurance)
Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance is a legally mandated insurance, officially called Automobile Liability Insurance.
It is compulsory for all motorcycles regardless of displacement, and is also called "compulsory insurance" because riding without it can result in penalties.
Riding without compulsory automobile liability insurance can lead to penalties such as imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 500,000 yen, and license suspension. Furthermore, if you cause an accident and injure someone, there is a high possibility that you will bear the treatment costs yourself.
You join compulsory automobile liability insurance through an insurance company, but there is no difference in premiums between different insurance companies.
Compulsory automobile liability insurance is joined on an annual basis, and the longer the contract period, the cheaper it becomes.
Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance premiums for mopeds (125cc or less)
| Period of Coverage | Premium |
| 1 year (12 months) | 7,500 yen |
| 2 years (24 months) | 9,950 yen |
| 3 years (36 months) | 12,340 yen |
| 4 years (48 months) | 14,690 yen |
| 5 years (60 months) | 16,990 yen |
A one-year plan costs 7,500 yen, but a two-year plan costs 9,950 yen, a difference of 5,050 yen compared to annual enrollment.
If you don't plan to sell your motorcycle soon, enrolling for the longest possible period can help reduce maintenance costs.
Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance premiums for motorcycles with displacement over 125cc to 250cc
| Period of Coverage | Premium |
| 1 year (12 months) | 8,650 yen |
| 2 years (24 months) | 12,220 yen |
| 3 years (36 months) | 15,720 yen |
| 4 years (48 months) | 19,140 yen |
| 5 years (60 months) | 22,510 yen |
Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance premiums for motorcycles with displacement over 250cc
| Period of Coverage | Premium |
| 12 months | 8,290 yen |
| 13 months | 8,560 yen |
| 24 months | 11,520 yen |
| 25 months | 11,780 yen |
| 36 months | 14,690 yen |
| 37 months | 14,950 yen |
Motorcycles that require a vehicle inspection (shaken) will join compulsory automobile liability insurance at the time of the inspection, aligned with the next inspection date. However, motorcycles under 250cc, which do not require a shaken, must manage their own compulsory automobile liability insurance enrollment and other details.
If you accidentally ride with an expired policy, you could be penalized or be financially responsible in the event of an accident, so make sure to manage it carefully.
Shaken (Vehicle Inspection) Costs
Vehicle inspection costs are expenses required for the shaken, which is necessary three years after the initial purchase of a new vehicle, and every two years thereafter.
Motorcycles over 250cc require a shaken, but mopeds and other motorcycles under 250cc do not.
Shaken costs include statutory fees such as compulsory automobile liability insurance premiums, tonnage tax, and stamp duty, as well as inspection and maintenance fees.
Statutory fees are around 20,000 yen, and inspection fees vary depending on parts that need replacement, such as tires and brakes.
You can either ask a repair shop to perform the shaken or do a user inspection yourself. If you leave it to a repair shop, including statutory fees and maintenance costs, it will likely cost around 50,000 to 60,000 yen if no parts need replacing, and around 100,000 yen if tire replacement or other work is needed.
Also, imported cars tend to be slightly more expensive than domestic cars due to the unit price of parts.
Voluntary Insurance
Voluntary insurance is an insurance that covers damages in the event of an accident, and joining it is at the discretion of the individual, hence the name "voluntary insurance."
Premiums vary depending on age, insurance conditions, whether you have a gold license, and other factors.
Insurance is taken out on an annual basis, and premiums are higher for younger ages.
If you have voluntary insurance for a car, you can add a family bike rider for motorcycles 125cc or less, which can reduce the voluntary insurance premium for your motorcycle.
Parking Fee
Parking fee refers to the cost of a space to store your motorcycle. This cost is not necessary for those who have space to park at home. Parking fees are influenced by land prices, so they tend to be higher in more convenient areas near train stations or in urban areas.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are a necessary running cost for riding a motorcycle.
Smaller motorcycles tend to be more fuel-efficient, and fuel economy is better in suburban areas where you can ride continuously than in urban areas with frequent stops and starts.
Fuel efficiency can vary even for the same model depending on how you ride, so by consciously adopting fuel-efficient riding habits, you can somewhat reduce costs.
Maintenance Costs
Maintenance costs are the expenses necessary to keep your motorcycle running safely, such as oil changes, tire replacements, brake pads, and brake shoe replacements.
For imported motorcycles and models that have been out of production for a long time, obtaining parts can be time-consuming or difficult.
By stocking up on easily broken or bent parts like brake levers, you can avoid prolonged periods of not being able to ride due to unavailable parts.
Some maintenance costs may not apply depending on engine displacement
Depending on the engine displacement, some maintenance costs, such as motor vehicle tonnage tax and vehicle inspection fees, may not be incurred.
Also, if you have space to park your motorcycle at home, you can save on parking fees, further reducing maintenance costs.
Light vehicle tax, compulsory automobile liability insurance, voluntary insurance, fuel costs, and maintenance costs are necessary for all motorcycles, regardless of displacement.
While some people do not have voluntary insurance to prepare for unexpected accidents, if you cause an accident and injure another person, the costs involved can often be far greater than the insurance premiums. Therefore, not having voluntary insurance is not recommended.
If you cause an accident, you will be responsible for the compensation costs yourself. If you leave the scene when there are injured people because you can't afford to pay, it will be treated as a hit-and-run case, and you will face criminal penalties. To avoid such a situation, it is necessary to have voluntary insurance.
Why are 125cc motorcycle maintenance costs so low?
Source: https://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/mc/lineup/tricity/feature.html
125cc motorcycles have lower maintenance costs compared to mid-sized motorcycles like 250cc or 400cc.
The reasons why 125cc motorcycle maintenance costs are low are:
- No shaken (vehicle inspection) required
- No motor vehicle tonnage tax is levied
- Lower compulsory automobile liability insurance premiums
- Family bike rider can be added
Let's look at each of these in detail.
No shaken required!
125cc motorcycles do not require a shaken (vehicle inspection).
Shaken is required for motorcycles over 250cc, and even for a minimum inspection without tire changes, it costs around 50,000 yen.
Since 125cc class motorcycles do not require a shaken, maintenance costs can be reduced by that amount, making overall maintenance cheaper.
No motor vehicle tonnage tax levied
125cc motorcycles are also exempt from motor vehicle tonnage tax.
For the 250cc class, the tax is only levied at the time of new purchase, while for motorcycles exceeding 250cc, it is levied according to the number of years passed since new registration.
The absence of motor vehicle tonnage tax is another reason why the maintenance cost of the 125cc class is low.
Lower compulsory automobile liability insurance premiums
Compulsory automobile liability insurance premiums for 125cc motorcycles are the same as for 50cc mopeds, which is the lowest for motorcycles.
Comparing two-year contracts, the 125cc class costs 9,950 yen, the 250cc class costs 12,220 yen, and the over 250cc class costs 11,520 yen, showing that the 125cc class has the lowest compulsory automobile liability insurance premiums among all classes.
The lower compulsory automobile liability insurance premiums are another reason why 125cc motorcycles have lower maintenance costs.
Family bike rider can be added
If you drive a car and have voluntary insurance, you can add a family bike rider for 125cc class motorcycles.
The family bike rider is a special clause that provides coverage if you injure another person in an accident.
The eligibility condition is a motorcycle with a displacement of 125cc or less. If you injure another person in an accident, the rider covers the person, but it does not include coverage for motorcycle repair costs like vehicle insurance.
Points to note about 125cc motorcycle maintenance costs
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/pFq73TQlpvo
There are a few points to note regarding 125cc motorcycle maintenance costs.
While maintenance costs are inherently low, improper riding or other factors can paradoxically increase these costs, so it's good to be aware of this beforehand.
Overburdening the motorcycle leads to higher maintenance costs
While the low maintenance cost of 125cc motorcycles is attractive compared to other classes, continuously riding in a way that burdens the motorcycle will increase repair costs and accelerate the deterioration of consumables, leading to higher overall maintenance expenses.
Riding in a way that burdens the motorcycle means constantly engaging in sudden actions such as sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden turns.
Additionally, the wear and tear on components like tires and brakes progresses with mileage, so if you ride longer distances, these parts will need to be replaced more frequently.
Unless absolutely necessary for daily long-distance commutes, it's important to strive for careful riding that puts less stress on the motorcycle.
Plan ahead for fuel and parking costs
It's a good idea to plan ahead for fuel costs, oil change fees, and parking fees to better manage your household budget.
Fuel costs are necessary to ride a motorcycle, including the 125cc class.
Knowing roughly how many kilometers you ride per month and the average fuel efficiency of your motorcycle will give you an idea of your monthly fuel expenses.
Additionally, oil changes are required based on mileage and time. If an oil change costs 3,000 yen and is needed every three months, you could budget 1,000 yen per month for oil expenses.
While fuel and oil change costs may fluctuate depending on the season, parking fees are a fixed monthly expense, making them easier to budget for.
By understanding how much you need and how much you're actually spending each month, you can identify areas where you might be overspending and make adjustments, leading to further reductions in maintenance costs.
Comparing maintenance costs of 125cc, 250cc, and 400cc motorcycles
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/kJA2Rk_q-kE
Next, let's compare the maintenance costs of 125cc motorcycles with those of 250cc and 400cc mid-sized motorcycles.
This comparison will clearly show how much cheaper the maintenance costs are for 125cc motorcycles.
Maintenance cost comparison for 125cc to 400cc class
Here's a comparison of maintenance costs for 125cc, 250cc, and 400cc class motorcycles.
Voluntary insurance premiums, fuel costs, parking fees, and maintenance costs are not included here as they vary individually depending on mileage, handling, and riding environment.
Maintenance cost comparison of 125cc, 250cc, and 400cc motorcycles
| Item | 125cc | 250cc | 400cc |
| Light Vehicle Tax (Annual) | 2,000 yen | 3,600 yen | 6,000 yen |
| Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (2 years) | 9,950 yen | 12,220 yen | 11,520 yen |
| Motor Vehicle Tonnage Tax | None | Only at new purchase: 4,900 yen | 1,900 yen to 2,500 yen
(Depending on age from new purchase) |
| Shaken (Vehicle Inspection) | None | None | Required |
For a new 125cc motorcycle, the initial costs are 11,950 yen, comprising light vehicle tax and compulsory automobile liability insurance (2 years). No tonnage tax or vehicle inspection is required.
For a 250cc motorcycle, the initial costs include light vehicle tax, compulsory automobile liability insurance (2 years), and a one-time tonnage tax of 4,900 yen at new purchase, totaling 20,720 yen.
For the 400cc class, the initial costs are 22,420 yen (light vehicle tax + compulsory automobile liability insurance (2 years) + 4,900 yen tonnage tax at new purchase) plus vehicle inspection costs.
In addition to these initial costs, monthly maintenance expenses include voluntary insurance, fuel, parking, and other maintenance fees. Furthermore, 400cc class motorcycles require a vehicle inspection three years after new purchase and then every two years, with annual tonnage tax.
Comparing annual maintenance costs of 125cc motorcycles and kei cars
Source: https://www.pakutaso.com/20190539130post-20806.html
Next, let's compare 125cc motorcycles and kei cars.
Comparison of 125cc motorcycle and kei car maintenance costs
| Maintenance Item | 125cc Motorcycle | Kei Car |
| Light Vehicle Tax (Annual) | 2,000 yen | 18,000 yen |
| Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (2 years) | 9,950 yen | 19,730 yen |
| Motor Vehicle Tonnage Tax | None | (~1t):
10,000 (Eco-car) 16,400 yen (Non-eco-car) |
| Shaken (Vehicle Inspection) | None | Required |
The necessary costs for a 125cc motorcycle are light vehicle tax and compulsory automobile liability insurance (2 years), totaling 11,950 yen. For a kei car, motor vehicle tonnage tax is also required, so the total of light vehicle tax and compulsory automobile liability insurance (2 years) is 33,730 yen, with an additional 10,000 yen for eco-cars or 16,400 yen for non-eco-cars in tonnage tax.
Just comparing these items, there's a difference of 31,780 yen (for an eco-car kei car) or 38,180 yen (for a non-eco-car kei car) between a 125cc motorcycle and a kei car.
Additionally, vehicle inspection costs are added, so the cost to acquire the vehicle alone shows a difference of about 100,000 yen.
Furthermore, fuel costs, maintenance costs, and voluntary insurance premiums are necessary for operation, which will lead to an even greater cost difference.
5 recommended 125cc motorcycles
Next, we will introduce 5 models of 125cc motorcycles currently sold in Japan as of July 2021.
If you are considering purchasing a 125cc motorcycle, please refer to this information.
1. Honda CB125R
Source: https://www.honda.co.jp/CB125R/type/
Honda's CB125R is a naked model that was introduced in 2018 as the youngest sibling in the CB series.
Despite being 125cc, it boasts serious features such as ABS, an inverted front fork, full-size 17-inch front and rear wheels, and a gull arm.
During the model change in April 2021, the engine output was increased from 13ps to 15ps, and the inverted front fork specifications were upgraded, further enhancing its performance.
- Engine type: Liquid-cooled single cylinder
- Maximum output: 15ps
- Maximum torque: 10N・m
- Vehicle weight: 127kg
- New vehicle selling price: 473,000 yen
2. Kawasaki Z125 PRO
Source: https://www.kawasaki-motors.com/mc/lineup/z125pro/
Kawasaki's Z125 PRO is a streetfighter-style model that went on sale in 2015.
The Z125 PRO follows the lineage of Kawasaki's streetfighter models like the Z1000, featuring a compact body packed with equipment typically found on larger models.
Its robust equipment includes an inverted front fork, offset laydown rear suspension, and front and rear disc brakes. Coupled with an engine that revs smoothly to high RPMs, it's a model that offers enjoyable handling.
The Z125 PRO is produced in Thailand and officially sold by Kawasaki through imports to Japan.
- Engine type: Air-cooled single cylinder
- Maximum output: 9.7ps
- Maximum torque: 9.6N・m
- Vehicle weight: 102kg
- New vehicle selling price: 352,000 yen
3. Yamaha Tricity 125 ABS
Source: https://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/mc/lineup/tricity/color.html
Yamaha's Tricity 125 is a unique 125cc scooter with two front wheels.
Launched in 2014, it has three wheels (two front, one rear) but leans into turns like a two-wheeled motorcycle, earning it the name Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW).
In 2015, the "Tricity 125 ABS" model, equipped with ABS, was added to the lineup, increasing stability during riding.
The 2018 model saw further performance improvements, including the adoption of LED headlights and a new engine with variable valves.
- Engine type: Liquid-cooled single cylinder
- Maximum output: 12ps
- Maximum torque: 12N・m
- Vehicle weight: 164kg
- New car selling price: 462,000 yen
4. Suzuki GSX-S125
Source: https://www1.suzuki.co.jp/motor/lineup/gsxs125am1/?page=style
The Suzuki GSX-S125 ABS was launched as an entry-level sports bike for European license holders.
It was released in Japan in 2017 and is positioned as a naked version or streetfighter model using the same platform and parts as the GSX-R125.
Equipped with a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces a maximum output of 15ps, it is a sports model that offers smooth and powerful acceleration.
- Engine type: Liquid-cooled single-cylinder
- Maximum output: 15ps
- Maximum torque: 11N・m
- Vehicle weight: 133kg
- New car selling price: 382,800 yen
5. KTM 125 DUKE
Source: https://www.ktm.com/ja-jp/models/naked-bike/ktm-125-duke-2021.html
The 125 DUKE, which appeared in 2011, is produced and sold by Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM.
KTM is a manufacturer known for the lightness and maneuverability of its bikes, and the powerfulness of its engines, and the 125 DUKE is also light at 124kg.
Although the 125 DUKE is an entry-level model among KTM's naked models, it is equipped with features comparable to higher-end models, such as an inverted front fork, front and rear disc brakes, and LED headlights.
The design features edgy European styling, and the color scheme makes it instantly recognizable as a KTM.
- Engine type: Liquid-cooled single-cylinder
- Maximum output: 15ps
- Maximum torque: 12N・m
- Vehicle weight: 124kg
- New car selling price: 569,000 yen
Summary
Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/a6-1847779/
We have thoroughly explained the maintenance costs of motorcycles.
In particular, 125cc motorcycles do not require vehicle inspections, and those who have car insurance can also add a family motorcycle insurance rider, making them even cheaper to maintain.
125cc motorcycles are convenient for daily use because they can be ridden casually without the stress of a large motorcycle.
We have also introduced five recommended 125cc motorcycles that can be purchased new as of July 2021, so if you are interested in a 125cc motorcycle, please refer to the article's content and recommended models.
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