Can You Make Money Renting Out Your Motorcycle? What Owners Need to Know in 2025

Jul 5, 2025

More and more riders are finding ways to make extra cash by renting out their bikes when they’re not using them. On Riders Share alone, thousands of owners list their motorcycles every year, and some are pulling in $1,000 or more a month depending on where they live and what they ride. It’s one of those side hustles that actually makes sense if your bike spends a lot of time parked. In this blog, we’ll walk through how much you can really make in 2025, which motorcycles tend to get booked the most, and a few tips to help you decide if it’s worth trying for yourself.

First Things First: Can You Make Money Renting a Motorcycle?

Yes, you can absolutely make money renting out your motorcycle, and plenty of owners already are. What you earn depends on a few key factors, like how often your bike is available, what kind of motorcycle you have, and where you're located. Sport bikes and touring models tend to attract the most renters, especially in cities with strong riding communities or lots of visitors. Platforms like Riders Share make it easier to manage listings, but your success mostly comes down to timing, demand, and how you present your bike.

How Much Can You Really Make Renting Out Your Motorcycle in 2025?

On Riders Share, what you earn is largely up to you. As the owner, you set your own daily rental price, and some of the top-performing listings are priced as high as $350/day. At that rate, even a few bookings a month can add up quickly. That said, pricing too high doesn’t always lead to more rentals. Most renters compare listings based on value, and it’s common for owners to apply daily or multi-day discounts to attract more bookings. 

For example, a bike originally listed at $200/day might be discounted to around $175 for riders booking multiple days, which can help bring in more total earnings over time. Many active owners who price their bikes competitively and keep them available see anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per year, while casual renters who list part-time can still pocket a few thousand dollars annually.

Which Motorcycles Earn the Most?

When it comes to earnings on Riders Share, certain models consistently outperform others based on their popularity, ride quality, and perceived value to renters. While almost any bike can generate income, listings that bring in the highest returns tend to come from the Harley-Davidson, BMW, Yamaha, and Honda.

Harley-Davidson touring bikes remain some of the most profitable options on the platform. Models like the Road Glide and Low Rider S continue to see strong booking numbers because they offer comfort, power, and the brand recognition many renters look for. The Road Glide, in particular, performs well thanks to its long-distance touring capability and built-in storage, making it a go-to choice for renters planning multi-day trips. Owners of these models often set daily rates between $160 and $200, and many are able to maintain consistent bookings throughout the year.

BMW also ranks high when it comes to revenue potential, especially with models like the R1200GS and the S1000 series. The R1200GS stands out among riders who want something built for comfort and distance but also capable of handling more than just pavement. This versatility, combined with BMW’s reputation for engineering and performance, allows owners to list these bikes at higher daily rates and still stay competitive. The S1000, on the other hand, appeals to renters looking for a performance-focused ride, and it continues to generate interest among experienced riders who are willing to pay a premium.

Yamaha models like the MT-07 and R6 consistently appear on the most-booked list, not because of high daily rates, but because of volume. These bikes are typically priced between $90 and $130/day, which makes them more accessible to a wider group of renters. Despite the lower per-day income, their high booking frequency often results in strong monthly earnings, especially for owners in high-traffic markets.

Honda touring bikes don’t always command the same visibility as Harley or BMW, but the Gold Wing remains a steady earner year after year. Known for its long-range comfort, high-end features, and quiet performance, it attracts a very specific renter: usually someone who values ride experience over flash. Because of this, the Gold Wing sees longer booking durations even if the daily rate falls slightly below some of its competitors.

What Affects How Much You Can Make on Your Motorcycle Rental?

If you're thinking about renting out your motorcycle, there are a few key factors that will influence how much you can actually earn. These aren’t just small details—they directly affect your visibility on the platform, how often your bike gets booked, and how much you make per rental.

1. Where You’re Located

Location has one of the biggest impacts on earnings. If your bike is listed in a high-demand area, you’ll naturally get more exposure and more booking requests. Cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami see consistent renter traffic year-round, while other areas might have more seasonal demand. Even if you’re not in a major city, being near a national park, a scenic ride route, or a college town can help drive interest. The key is understanding how much local demand exists and adjusting your pricing and availability around it.

2. The Motorcycle You’re Listing

Not every bike earns the same. Touring bikes and cruisers often bring in more per day because renters see them as a better fit for longer trips. A Harley-Davidson Road Glide or a BMW R1200GS can be listed at $180 or more per day, and renters are willing to pay it for the comfort and ride quality they deliver. Sport bikes like the Yamaha R6 or Kawasaki Ninja might have lower daily rates, but they often get booked more frequently by riders looking for short-term fun. What matters most is how you position the bike, how it’s maintained, and how it’s priced compared to similar listings in your area.

3. How You Price Your Bike

You have full control over what you charge per day, and that flexibility gives you room to experiment with what works. A higher daily price can lead to bigger payouts, but only if it matches what renters are willing to pay. Most high-earning owners offer multi-day discounts or adjust pricing based on demand. For example, a bike listed at $200 per day might be reduced to $175 for two or more days, which helps secure longer rentals and better total earnings. Keeping pricing competitive without undercutting your own value is one of the most important things you can do to stay booked.

4. How Often Your Bike Is Available

The more often your bike is listed, the more income potential you unlock. Bikes that are available consistently, especially during peak riding months, are much more likely to get booked. If your listing is only open on occasional weekends, you’ll miss out on renters who are planning ahead. Owners who keep their calendars up to date and respond quickly to booking requests tend to show up more often in search results, which leads to more visibility and higher monthly income.

Together, these four factors shape how successful your motorcycle rental can be. You don’t need to own the most expensive bike on the platform, but you do need to be intentional about where you’re listing, how you price it, and how available you keep it. Small adjustments in these areas can lead to a big difference in what you take home.

What It Costs to List Your Motorcycle for Rent

If you're looking to rent on Riders Share specifically, it'll cost you a total of zero dollars to list your motorcycle. There are no upfront fees, subscription costs, or hidden charges just for posting your bike. You only pay a portion of each completed booking, which means you don’t owe anything unless your bike actually gets rented. That cut helps cover things like insurance, support, and platform tools that make the process smoother for both owners and renters. Since there’s no cost to get started, a lot of riders treat it as a low-risk way to test the waters and see if their bike has earning potential without making any kind of financial commitment up front.

Tips to Maximize Your Rental Income

When you’re serious about making money with your rental, some of the smallest choices can make the biggest difference when marketing your motorcycle. Here’s what actually helps owners earn more on Riders Share, based on what works and not just what sounds good on paper.

Tip #1: Put real effort into your photos. Think about how you’d want to see a bike if you were the one renting. Take your photos in natural light, show the full bike from a few angles, and clean it before snapping the pictures. Don’t just post one quick shot in a garage. Bikes with solid listings almost always start with solid photos.

Tip #2: Write your description like you’re talking to someone. Skip the vague buzzwords. Tell renters what your bike rides like, how it handles, and what kind of trip it’s best for. Mention any accessories you’re including, like a phone mount or saddlebags. If there’s anything they should know before riding, like a taller seat height or a unique ignition, say it up front.

Tip #3: Know where your price stands. You don’t have to be the cheapest, but you do need to be realistic. Look at what similar bikes in your area are going for. Most owners price high to start, then offer a discount for multi-day rentals. Dropping the daily rate from $200 to $175 for a three-day trip can make your listing more competitive without cutting into your earnings.

Tip #4: Keep your calendar wide open when you can. Bikes that are only listed once in a while don’t get the same visibility. If you’re open to it, keep your availability flexible, especially on weekends or around holidays. The more your bike is available, the more chances it has to get booked.

Tip #5: Reply fast when someone messages you. This part is simple but easy to overlook. If a renter reaches out and you don’t respond quickly, they’ll move on to someone else. Most people are comparing multiple bikes at once, and whoever replies first usually gets the booking.

Is It Safe to Rent Out Your Motorcycle?

It’s normal to feel a little hesitant about handing your bike over to someone else, but Riders Share has systems in place to help protect you. Every renter is screened before booking, and each rental includes insurance coverage that helps cover damage or liability in case something goes wrong. Most owners hardly run into major issues, especially when they keep their bike well-maintained and clearly communicate any ride instructions upfront. If you're still unsure, we break everything down in our blog: What if Someone Gets Hurt or Damages My Motorcycle? Damage Protection Insurance for Owners at the link below.

Rent Your Motorcycle on Riders Share

You’ve already seen how much owners can earn, what affects your income, and which bikes renters look for the most. Listing your motorcycle takes just a few minutes, and you’re the one in control the whole way through. You choose the price, set your availability, and write the kind of description that shows riders what your bike has to offer. Once it’s live, renters in your area can start booking right away. So if your bike isn’t getting much use, this is truly one of the easiest ways to turn it into something that pays you back. Get started with us today!