The question everyone asks before visiting Bali: How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle? The answer depends on what you want to ride, how long you need it, and where you rent from. But understanding why prices are what they are—especially for big bikes—requires understanding Indonesia's complex import tax system.
Here is the complete breakdown with real 2025 pricing data, plus an explanation of why big bikes cost so much more than you might expect.
Quick Answer: Bali Motorcycle Rental Prices 2025
Here are the typical daily rates across Bali in December 2025:
| Bike Type | Daily (IDR) | Daily (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Scooter (Honda Beat/Vario 110cc) | 50,000 - 125,000 | $3 - $8 |
| Premium Scooter (NMAX 155/PCX 150) | 150,000 - 300,000 | $9 - $19 |
| Sport Bike (Kawasaki Ninja 250) | 200,000 - 400,000 | $13 - $25 |
| Sport Bike (Kawasaki ZX-25R) | 400,000 - 800,000 | $25 - $50 |
| Supersport (Kawasaki ZX-6R 636cc) | 2,500,000 - 3,000,000 | $158 - $189 |
| Superbike (Kawasaki ZX-10R 1000cc) | 3,000,000 - 3,500,000 | $189 - $220 |
| Mid-size Cruiser (200-300cc) | 350,000 - 500,000 | $22 - $32 |
| Big Bike (Honda Rebel 500) | 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 | $63 - $95 |
| Big Bike (Honda Rebel 1100) | 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 | $158 - $220 |
| Harley Sportster / Low-End | 3,500,000 - 4,500,000 | $220 - $285 |
| Harley Road Glide / CVO | 5,500,000 - 7,000,000 | $345 - $440 |
USD conversion at 15,900 IDR (December 2025 rate). Pricing verified from: Soul Motorcycles, Bali BikeHouse, rentbikesbali.com, Dewa Motor Bali, and Erebora.
Why the price range is so wide: The cheapest scooters (50,000-70,000 IDR) are often old, high-mileage bikes that feel sluggish and unresponsive. Brakes are mushy, acceleration is weak, and the ride quality is rough. You get what you pay for. If you see a deal that seems too good, the bike is probably 5-10 years old with 50,000+ km on it. Spending a bit more (100,000-125,000 IDR) gets you a newer, well-maintained bike that actually feels good to ride. We always say: if you are spending 100,000 IDR or more on a single meal, you might as well have a good ride that is safe, reliable, and will not break down on you—or worse.
Sport Bike Rental Prices: Complete Breakdown by Engine Size
Sport bikes range dramatically in price based on displacement. Here is the complete breakdown from 250cc entry-level to 1000cc superbikes:
Entry-Level Sport Bikes (250cc)
| Bike | Daily (IDR) | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Ninja 250 FI | 198,000 - 220,000 | 1,800,000 | 4,000,000 |
| Kawasaki Ninja 250 (2025) | 199,000 - 300,000 | 1,800,000 | 4,000,000 |
| Yamaha R25 ABS | 250,000 - 300,000 | — | 4,500,000 |
Mid-Range Sport Bikes (250cc 4-Cylinder)
| Bike | Daily (IDR) | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki ZX-25R | 800,000 | 4,800,000 | 12,000,000 |
| Kawasaki ZX-25R (Quick Shifter) | 400,000 - 600,000 | — | — |
The ZX-25R is a 250cc with a screaming 4-cylinder engine that revs to 17,000 RPM.
Supersport Bikes (600cc Class)
| Bike | Daily (IDR) | Weekly (per day) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki ZX-6R (636cc) | 3,000,000 | 2,500,000/day | 35,000,000 |
The ZX-6R is the 636cc supersport with 130+ horsepower. Minimum 3-day rental.
Superbikes (1000cc Class)
| Bike | Daily (IDR) | Weekly (per day) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki ZX-10R ABS (998cc) | 3,500,000 | 2,800,000/day | 45,000,000 |
| Kawasaki ZX-10R Carbon Edition | 3,500,000 | 2,800,000/day | 45,000,000 |
The ZX-10R produces 203 horsepower from its 998cc inline-four. Minimum 3-day rental, experienced riders only.
Naked/Streetfighter Bikes
| Bike | Daily (IDR) | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Z900 (948cc) | 1,800,000 | 11,000,000 |
| Ducati Monster 821 | 1,800,000 | 10,000,000 |
Sport Bike Price Summary
| Class | Daily (IDR) | Daily (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 250cc Twin (Ninja 250) | 200,000 - 400,000 | $13 - $25 |
| 250cc 4-Cyl (ZX-25R) | 400,000 - 800,000 | $25 - $50 |
| 600cc Supersport (ZX-6R) | 2,500,000 - 3,000,000 | $158 - $189 |
| 900cc Naked (Z900) | 1,800,000 | $113 |
| 1000cc Superbike (ZX-10R) | 3,000,000 - 3,500,000 | $189 - $220 |
Key insight: The jump from 250cc to 600cc is massive—prices increase 10x due to import taxes on larger displacement bikes.
Note on modified bikes: Prices above are for stock bikes. If the bike has aftermarket exhaust, suspension upgrades, or custom work, expect to pay more. A modded ZX-25R or Ninja 250 with full exhaust and tuning can cost 50-100% more than the stock version.
Why Big Bikes Cost So Much: Indonesia's Import Tax Explained
If you are wondering why renting a Honda Rebel 500 costs 5-10x more than a scooter, the answer is not just "bigger engine." It is Indonesia's stacked taxation system on imported vehicles.
The Tax Stack on Imported Motorcycles
When a big bike enters Indonesia, it faces multiple layers of taxation:
| Tax Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (BM) | 30-40% | On CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) |
| Luxury Tax (PPnBM) | 95% | For motorcycles over 500cc (reduced from 125% in 2021) |
| Value Added Tax (VAT/PPN) | 12% | Increased from 11% in January 2025 for luxury goods |
| Income Tax (PPh 22) | 5% | For vehicles over 250cc or priced above IDR 300 million |
| Registration & Admin | Varies | Additional local fees |
The killer detail: Each tax is calculated on top of the previous ones. Import duty is added to the base price, then luxury tax is calculated on that new total, then VAT on that total, and so on. This "ratcheting effect" means a bike that costs $7,000 in the USA can easily exceed $15,000 in Indonesia.
Real Example: Honda Rebel 500
| Country | Price (USD) | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| USA (MSRP) | $6,500 - $7,000 | 1.0x |
| Philippines | ~$8,500 | 1.3x |
| Indonesia | $12,500 - $13,000 | 1.9x |
The Honda Rebel 500 sells for nearly double its US price in Indonesia. This is why big bike rentals cost so much—the rental company paid almost twice the international price for the same motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson: The Extreme Example
Harley-Davidson prices in Indonesia are staggering. The 2025 lineup ranges from IDR 588 million ($37,000) for an entry-level Street Bob to over IDR 1.74 billion ($110,000) for a CVO Street Glide.
For comparison, a Street Bob costs around $16,000 in the USA. In Indonesia, you pay more than double.
This is why Harley-Davidson rentals in Bali command premium prices—expect to pay IDR 4-7 million per day ($250-440). A Road Glide Special can cost up to 7 million IDR per day at peak season.
The Currency Factor: Rupiah Depreciation
Indonesia's import taxes hurt even more when the rupiah weakens against the dollar. Here is how the USD/IDR exchange rate has changed:
| Year | Avg USD/IDR Rate | Change from 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 13,389 | Baseline |
| 2018 | 14,236 | +6.3% |
| 2020 | 14,582 | +8.9% |
| 2022 | 14,849 | +10.9% |
| 2024 | 16,162 | +20.7% |
| 2025 (Dec) | 16,750 | +25.1% |
The rupiah has lost 25% of its value against the dollar since 2015. For imported goods priced in dollars—like motorcycles—this means costs have risen even beyond inflation.
Bottom line: A bike that cost IDR 100 million to import in 2015 now costs around IDR 125 million at the same dollar price—before accounting for any actual price increases.
Tax Policy Changes: A Brief History
Indonesia's luxury tax on big bikes has changed over the years:
| Year | Policy Change | PPnBM Rate (500cc+) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-2019 | Original luxury tax structure | 125% |
| Oct 2021 | PP 74/2021 reduced rates (carbon-based) | 95% |
| Jan 2025 | VAT increased for luxury goods | 95% + 12% VAT |
| 2025 (EV) | Electric motorcycles: 0% import duty until Dec 2025 | 0% (EVs only) |
The 2021 reduction from 125% to 95% helped slightly, but big bikes remain heavily taxed. Meanwhile, electric motorcycles enjoy temporary duty-free status to encourage adoption—but do not expect to see them everywhere anytime soon.
The reality of electric motorcycles in Bali: Despite the tax breaks, electric bike prices remain extremely high for what you get. The power-to-price ratio is terrible compared to petrol bikes. Worse, the charging infrastructure barely exists. You essentially need to carry a large charger with you everywhere, find a place to plug in, and wait. For an island where you want freedom and flexibility, that is a dealbreaker. It will be a long time before electric motorcycles are adopted at scale here.
Why Scooters Are So Affordable
The flip side of this tax system is that locally manufactured scooters avoid most of these taxes entirely. Honda, Yamaha, and other manufacturers have factories in Indonesia, which means:
- No import duty (made locally)
- No luxury tax for bikes under 250cc
- Standard 11% VAT (not the 12% luxury rate)
- No special income tax
This is why a brand-new Yamaha NMAX 155 costs around IDR 30-35 million ($1,900-2,200), while an imported Honda Rebel 500 costs IDR 200+ million ($12,500+). The price difference is almost entirely taxes.
Weekly and Monthly Rates: Where You Save Big
The longer you rent, the cheaper it gets. Most rentals offer significant discounts for extended periods:
- Weekly rental: Typically 15-25% cheaper per day than daily rate
- Monthly rental: Often 40-60% cheaper per day than daily rate
Example with a premium scooter (NMAX):
| Duration | Total Price (IDR) | Per Day | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 200,000 | 200,000 | — |
| 1 week | 1,200,000 | 171,429 | 14% |
| 1 month | 3,500,000 | 116,667 | 42% |
If you are staying more than a week, always ask for weekly rates.
A word of advice: Most people are hesitant at first and book a short rental—3 days, maybe a week. Then they realize how much freedom a bike gives them, extend their stay, and end up paying the higher daily rate for way longer than planned. We see it all the time. If there is any chance you will stay longer, just book the weekly or monthly rate upfront. You will save 20-40% and avoid the regret of overpaying.
What is Included in Rental Prices?
This varies by rental shop. Always confirm:
| Item | Usually Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Yes | Quality varies—ask for full-face |
| Phone holder | Sometimes | Essential for Google Maps navigation |
| Delivery | Varies | Free in Canggu/Seminyak, fee for remote areas |
| Insurance | Rarely | Most Bali rentals do not include insurance |
| Roadside assistance | Premium only | 24/7 breakdown support is rare |
| Fuel | No | You pay for your own petrol |
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The advertised price is not always the final price. Especially with larger rental companies, watch for these add-ons:
- Delivery fees: IDR 50,000 - 1,000,000 for areas outside the rental zone (remote areas like Amed, Lovina, or Nusa Penida can cost up to 1 million)
- Damage charges: Minor scratches can be charged at inflated rates
- Late return fees: Returning late can cost an extra half or full day
- "Insurance" fees: Some big rentals charge IDR 50,000-100,000/day for basic coverage that may not actually protect you
- Cleaning fees: Return the bike dirty and some charge IDR 50,000-100,000
- Fuel surcharge: If you do not return with the same fuel level, they charge above market rate
- Processing/admin fees: Some add IDR 25,000-50,000 "booking fees" at checkout
- Helmet fees: Many places charge IDR 25,000-50,000/day for helmets that should be included
- Phone holder rental: IDR 10,000-25,000/day—essential for navigation but often not included. Worse, the holders are typically cheap, small, and will not fit larger phones like iPhone Pro Max or Samsung Ultra models
- Cancellation fees: Cancel within 24-48 hours and lose your deposit or pay a penalty
Why Deposits Exist (and Why Some Hold Your Passport)
Most rental companies require either a cash deposit (IDR 500,000 - 2,000,000+) or will hold your passport until you return the bike. This is not them being difficult—it is protection against a real problem.
The hard truth: Many foreigners do not treat rental bikes with care. Some crash, cause significant damage, and then fly out of the country without paying. The rental shop is left with a damaged bike and no way to recover costs. This happens regularly, which is why deposits and passport holds became standard practice.
If you do not want to leave your passport:
- Pay the cash deposit upfront
- Some shops accept a photocopy of your passport + deposit
- Build trust with the rental—longer bookings and repeat customers often get more flexibility
The Truth About Rental Insurance
Do not rely on rental insurance as a safety net. Most rental "insurance" in Bali is not real insurance—it is a damage waiver that may reduce (not eliminate) your liability:
- Most policies only cover a small portion of damage costs
- Theft is almost never covered
- Single-vehicle accidents (you crash on your own) are often excluded
- Riding without a valid license voids all coverage
- The excess (your out-of-pocket) can still be IDR 2-5 million or more
Bottom line: Treat rental insurance as a small discount on damage costs, not as protection. Ride carefully. The best insurance is not crashing.
How to avoid surprises: Ask for the total price including all fees before you book. Get it in writing (WhatsApp is fine). Smaller local rentals tend to have fewer hidden fees than big online platforms.
Pro tip: Take photos and video of the bike before you ride away. Document any existing scratches or damage. This protects you from inflated damage claims when you return.
Monthly Transport Budget Comparison
| Expense | Basic Scooter | Premium Scooter | Big Bike (Rebel 500) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly rental | 800,000 | 3,500,000 | 15,000,000 |
| Fuel (estimated) | 300,000 | 400,000 | 600,000 |
| TOTAL/month | 1,100,000 (~$70) | 3,900,000 (~$245) | 15,600,000 (~$980) |
For context: A single Grab car ride from Canggu to Seminyak costs IDR 50,000-80,000. Just a few rides per day and you have exceeded scooter rental costs.
Why Renting Your Own Bike Beats Taking GrabBike
Some visitors think they will just use GrabBike (motorcycle taxi) instead of renting. After a few rides, most change their mind. Here is why:
Safety Concerns
- Accidents happen: GrabBike drivers are often in a rush to complete more rides. Passengers sitting on the back have no control and are first to hit the ground in a crash
- Old, poorly maintained bikes: Many drivers use old scooters that are not well maintained. Brakes, tires, and lights may not be in good condition
- You are trusting a stranger: You have no idea about the driver's skill level, how long they have been riding, or if they even have a proper license
Comfort Issues
- Uncomfortable seating: The back of a scooter is not designed for passengers. You are perched on a tiny seat, often hanging off the back
- No control: You cannot stop when you want, take a photo, or change your route. You go where the driver goes
- Helmet quality: The helmets provided are often old, dirty, and may not fit properly
The Tipping Problem
Many GrabBike drivers aggressively ask for tips after the ride, sometimes demanding IDR 20,000-50,000 on top of the fare. Some will guilt trip you or follow you until you pay. This is frustrating and adds up fast—a few rides with "tips" and you have already paid more than a full day of scooter rental.
The Math: GrabBike vs Renting Your Own Scooter
Let us break down a typical day as a tourist in Bali:
| Trip | GrabBike Fare | Tip | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast run | 20,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 |
| To beach/activity | 25,000 | 10,000 | 35,000 |
| Lunch | 20,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 |
| Back to villa | 25,000 | 10,000 | 35,000 |
| Dinner | 20,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 |
| Back home | 20,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 |
| DAILY TOTAL | 130,000 | 60,000 | 190,000 |
That is IDR 190,000 per day just on GrabBike. Now compare:
| Option | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| GrabBike (6 rides/day) | 190,000 | 1,330,000 | 5,700,000 |
| Basic scooter + fuel | 70,000 | 490,000 | 1,100,000 |
| Premium scooter (NMAX) + fuel | 130,000 | 910,000 | 3,900,000 |
| SAVINGS (basic scooter) | 120,000/day | 840,000/wk | 4,600,000/mo |
Renting a basic scooter saves you IDR 4.6 million ($290) per month compared to GrabBike. Even a premium NMAX saves you IDR 1.8 million ($113) monthly. Plus unlimited rides, total freedom, and no awkward tipping situations.
But I Do Not Know the Roads...
This is the most common excuse for not renting. The answer is simple: Google Maps works perfectly in Bali.
All major areas—Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur—have full Google Maps coverage with accurate directions, traffic data, and even speed camera warnings. Just mount your phone on the handlebars and follow the blue line. You do not need to memorize anything.
Within a day or two, you will know the main roads anyway. Bali is not that big, and the tourist areas are compact. Most people are surprised how quickly they learn their way around.
Scooter vs Big Bike: Which is Worth It?
Choose a Scooter If:
- You are staying in one area (Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud)
- Short trips only (cafes, beach, shopping)
- Beginner rider or no motorcycle experience
- Budget is the priority
- You prefer automatic transmission
Choose a Big Bike If:
- You are an experienced rider
- You want longer rides (coastal roads, mountain trips)
- Riding with a passenger regularly
- The riding experience is part of your trip
- You want presence and comfort on the road
The Bottom Line
Motorcycle rental in Bali is affordable at the scooter level—less than $5/day. But big bikes are expensive because Indonesia's import tax system adds 95%+ in luxury taxes alone, plus import duties, VAT, and income tax on top of each other.
A Honda Rebel 500 that costs $7,000 in America costs $13,000+ in Indonesia. Rental companies pass that cost on to you.
Key takeaways:
- Scooters: Affordable, practical, locally made = low taxes
- Big bikes: Imported, heavily taxed = expensive but worth it for the experience
- Weekly/monthly rates save 20-50%
- The rupiah has weakened 25% since 2015, pushing import prices higher
Whatever you choose, renting a motorcycle is the best way to experience Bali. The freedom to explore on your own schedule is worth every rupiah.