If your plans in Bali are still up in the air, renting gives you the flexibility to return the motorbike when your rental agreement ends. If you’re staying longer and expect to ride most days, buying could cost less. To find out, compare the total cost of renting with the cost of owning the motorbike after subtracting what you expect to get back when you sell it.
Say you’ve already rented a scooter for two months and decide to extend your stay. Start the comparison from today. The rent you’ve already paid is the same either way. Compare the cost of extending your rental with the cost of buying and using a motorbike for the rest of your time in Bali.
When Does Renting Make More Sense?
Renting is worth considering if you’re unsure how long you’ll stay, might move, or want to try a few scooters before buying. At the end of the rental period, you can return the motorbike under the terms of your agreement and move on without having to find a buyer.
If you plan to rent for a few months, ask for a monthly rate. Before agreeing, ask these questions:
- What’s the total cost for the full rental period?
- Is there a deposit, and what are the conditions for getting it back?
- Who pays for servicing, repairs, or replacement tyres?
- What happens if the motorbike breaks down, goes missing, or needs to be replaced while it’s being serviced?
- What happens if I need to return the motorbike early?
Two rentals with the same monthly rate can end up costing different amounts. One company might provide a replacement while your motorbike is being serviced, while another might ask you to wait. If you rely on the motorbike for work every day, ask about this before choosing.
When Does Buying a New Motorbike Make Sense?
Buying is worth pricing out if you ride most days, have a clear idea of how long you’ll stay, and want to choose your own model and version. You’ll need to budget for the upfront purchase, arrange maintenance, and leave time to sell the motorbike before you leave Bali.
If you want the motorbike registered in your name, check which documents you’ll need before paying a deposit. Ask the dealer whether the on-the-road (OTR) price covers the STNK registration certificate, the BPKB ownership document, and the licence plate. For the full list of documents, see How to Register a New Motorbike in Bali in Your Own Name as a Foreigner.
How to Compare the Cost of Renting and Buying a Motorbike in Bali
Compare similar motorbikes over the same period. If you’d ride the same model on the same routes, you can leave fuel and parking out of the comparison, since you’ll pay for both either way.
| Option | How to calculate it |
|---|---|
| Rent | Multiply the monthly rate by the number of months, then add any costs you’re responsible for. List any refundable deposit separately. |
| Buy | Final purchase price + costs while you own the motorbike − estimated net resale proceeds. |
Use the dealer’s final quote. If paperwork or delivery is included, count it once. Estimate the resale price using similar motorbikes of roughly the same age and condition. Run the numbers again with a lower resale price in case you need to sell quickly.
Worked Example: A Nine-Month Stay
These figures are for illustration only.
| Komponen | Rent | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Rent at Rp1.000.000 per month × 9 months | Rp9.000.000 | — |
| Purchase price of a new motorbike | — | Rp23.000.000 |
| Maintenance and other running costs | — | Rp1.000.000 |
| Estimated net resale proceeds | — | −Rp17.000.000 |
| Estimated cost over nine months | Rp9.000.000 | Rp7.000.000 |
On these figures, buying saves Rp2.000.000. But if you can only sell the motorbike for Rp15.000.000, the cost of owning it rises to Rp9.000.000, the same as renting. In this example, Rp15.000.000 is the minimum resale price at which buying costs no more than renting.
The net cost and the cash you need upfront are two different figures. Even if owning the motorbike is expected to cost Rp7.000.000 overall, you still need Rp23.000.000 upfront. You only get the resale money once the motorbike sells.
Compare Two Scenarios Before You Decide
Run the numbers for your planned stay, then run them again assuming you have to leave early. If the costs are close, factor in the time it will take to find a buyer and complete the sale. If buying still fits your budget in both scenarios, you’re in a better position to start asking for quotes.
Ready to compare? Get a monthly rental quote and a purchase quote for similar scooters. If you decide to buy, read How to Buy a New Motorbike in Bali as a Foreigner to learn how to check stock, ask for an on-the-road quote, and order directly from a dealer. You can also message Motor Pertama in English for help contacting a dealer in your area.
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