According to data from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), U.S. motorcycle sales have declined from over 573,000 units in 2015 to just 346,000 in 2023 — a staggering 39% drop. Analysts cite rising prices, changing transportation habits, and generational shifts as key contributors.

COVID-19 brought a short-lived bump, but the trend quickly resumed. With new motorcycle MSRPs now regularly exceeding $20,000, and used bikes not far behind, more riders are pumping the brakes on ownership.

According to Kelley Blue Book and industry trackers, the average price of a new motorcycle has surged past $20,000, with many Harley-Davidson models pushing $25K+. And that’s before taxes, fees, accessories, or dealer markups. Even used prices remain stubbornly high.

As prices soar, would-be buyers are pausing — especially younger riders. Credit concerns, rising interest rates, and lifestyle flexibility are leading more people to rethink the logic of ownership altogether.

Why buy and be locked in, when you can rent premium rides like a Street Glide or Road King, on demand — no long-term commitment, no insurance headaches, no depreciation?

While new motorcycle sales have declined, the number of riders is on the rise. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), sales of new motorcycles and scooters decreased by 6.2% through the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. Despite this, the global motorcycle market reached an all-time high of 61.8 million sales in 2024, a 2.7% increase from the previous year, indicating growing interest in motorcycling worldwide. (source: motorcyclesdata.com)

This paradox—more riders but fewer buyers—highlights a shift in consumer behavior. Rising costs, economic uncertainty, and changing preferences are leading many to opt for rentals over ownership. Rentals offer flexibility, lower financial commitment, and access to a variety of models without the burdens of maintenance and depreciation.

Modern riders aren’t ditching motorcycles — they’re ditching the baggage that comes with buying them.

As consumer behavior trends toward minimalism and on-demand experiences, motorcycle rentals are perfectly aligned with what riders want today: zero debt, no maintenance headaches, no depreciation, and no long-term ties.

According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, more than 38% of millennials and Gen Z consumers prefer access over ownership, especially when it comes to vehicles. That stat reflects a broader shift toward experiences that are affordable, flexible, and commitment-free — core selling points of motorcycle rentals.

Today, a smart rider isn’t looking for garage trophies — they’re looking for weekend warriors, one-way thrill rides, and just-go getaways. Rentals make that possible without ever having to talk to a bank or worry about blue book values.

Over the last two decades, more Americans than ever are turning to two wheels. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcycle registrations have doubled since 2002, rising from 4.3 million to 8.6 million by 2021. That momentum hasn’t slowed — despite a drop in new motorcycle sales.

This disconnect reveals something big: people still love to ride… they just don’t want to own. Whether it’s high prices, insurance costs, or maintenance hassles, many modern riders are bypassing dealerships and heading straight to rental platforms.

The freedom, flexibility, and financial sanity of renting fits today's lifestyle. You ride when you want, skip the long-term commitment, and walk away without strings. (Source: Motorcycles Data: U.S. Market Insight 2024)

The shift has already begun. Riders aren’t waiting for the industry to catch up — they’re redefining it. Instead of dropping $25K on a bike they’ll only ride a few weekends a month, they’re choosing something smarter: rent the perfect Harley when the open road calls… and walk away when the ride ends.

For weekend warriors, coastal cruisers, and road trip dreamers, motorcycle rentals offer freedom without compromise. No insurance drama. No maintenance surprises. No losing money to depreciation. Just the sound of the engine, the wind, and the road ahead.

Riding hasn’t changed — how we access it has.