Bike versus motorbike: Why are bikes often more expensive than motorbikes?

FREERIDE Magazin

· 04.12.2022

Bike versus motorbike: Why are bikes often more expensive than motorbikes?

Mountain bikes are getting more and more expensive. The €10,000 barrier has long since fallen, even for hobby bikers. The major MTB manufacturers offer almost all top models for far more. But what justifies the horrendous prices, and why do motorbike manufacturers manage to do it more cheaply? A comparison of MTB vs. motorbike.

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Mountain bike: Specialised Enduro S-Works - 14,000 euros

Top models are full of high-tech. The Specialised S-Works Enduro has plenty of them. For example, the AXS electric drivetrain and the Factory suspension from Fox. Of course, such high-end suspension elements on a mountain bike are not a must, but a love of technology. Development in particular is a cost driver. A mountain bike has to be stable and light - a motorbike mainly has to be stable. Lightweight, robust add-on parts also add to the cost. One of the main items is the carbon back moulds for the different frame sizes (often up to four pieces) - something that is also not available in motorbike production. Nonetheless, mail order companies and the specialist retail giant Cube prove that it is possible to offer high-quality bikes with top-quality equipment at a lower price. The Specialized S-Works bike pictured here cost 10,999 euros two years ago. Weight: 14.7 kilos (without pedals).

Photo: SpecializedSpecialised Enduro S-Works

Specialised Enduro S-Works - Geo data (S3)

Steering angle: 63.9 / 64.3°
Head tube: 100 mm
Handlebar width: 800 mm
Bottom bracket height: 354 mm
Wheelbase: 1246 mm
Chainstays: 442 mm
Reach: 464 mm
Stack: 620 mm

*Aftermarket prices, RRP

Motorbike: KTM 500 EXC-F - 11,799 euros

It is the powerhouse among the enduro motorbikes in the KTM portfolio. The motocross look is deceptive, the EXC-F is road-legal. The most expensive model with 500 cm³ costs 2200 euros (!) less than the top model of the Specialized Enduro. Crazy, you might think, but it has a powerful engine inside. The reason: designing and manufacturing lightweight, filigree components for mountain bikes is much more difficult and expensive. With motorbikes, on the other hand, there is hardly any need to pay attention to weight. In addition, motorbike manufacturers only build one frame size. This simplifies production, increases the number of units and reduces the price. Exciting: Equipping low weight (MTB) with effective suspension is much more expensive than high weight (motorbike). The dealer margins for motorbikes are also said to be lower than for bicycle dealers. Weight: 107 kilos (kerb weight).