Motorcycle Loan: Finance Your Dream Motorcycle Affordably
Terms and Rates 2026
Since January 1, 2026, the statutory maximum interest rate for motorcycle loans has been 10% effective annual interest. But that is only the ceiling, in practice you get significantly better terms. The effective annual interest rates for a motorcycle loan range between 4.9% and 9.95%, depending on which bank fits your profile. On CHF 25'000 over 60 months, that makes a difference of around CHF 5'400 in interest costs, a good reason not to apply to bank after bank yourself, but to let us handle it. We know the banks and know which institution fits which profile.
Your creditworthiness and your ZEK entry play the biggest role. The Central Office for Credit Information (ZEK) stores your credit history: no running loan, no open debt collection proceedings and no collections speak for a low interest rate. An entry in the ZEK can quickly earn you a noticeable interest surcharge. You can check your entry at any time at www.zek.ch.
Your income and employment also count: permanent employees with a stable salary usually get the best terms. But even as a self-employed person or with a B permit, a motorcycle loan is open to you, the process just requires a bit more documentation, such as tax returns instead of payslips.
The loan amount and term also influence the interest rate: smaller amounts are often cheaper than larger ones, because the risk for the bank is lower, and shorter terms often bring better terms. If you can set the monthly installment a bit higher, you save several hundred francs in the end.
The season also plays a role: autumn and winter are ideal for buying a motorcycle, because demand drops and dealers offer more room to negotiate, sometimes on financing terms too. In spring and summer, prices as well as interest rates tend to rise slightly again.
Why a Motorcycle Loan Through privatkredit.ch
Requirements for a Motorcycle Loan
Applying for a motorcycle loan at privatkredit.ch takes about 2 minutes. You should meet these criteria:
Getting a Motorcycle Loan in Four Steps
Submit application
Fill out the online form: loan amount, term and a few personal details are enough for the first step. Whether Harley, Honda, Yamaha scooter or e-motorcycle, it doesn't matter, the motorcycle loan has no restricted purpose.
Receive offers
Within 24 hours several banks review your application and send individual offers. You compare not just the interest rate, but also the monthly installment and the total costs.
Sign contract
You choose the best offer and sign the loan agreement. From this moment, the 14-day withdrawal period under Art. 16 CCA runs, during which you can withdraw without giving a reason.
Receive payout
After the withdrawal period has passed, the amount is transferred to your personal account within a few business days. Then nothing stands in the way of your bike.
Motorcycle Loan vs. Leasing: The Comparison
Should you buy or lease your bike? It depends on your plans, your mileage and your budget. Here is the practical comparison:
| Aspect | Motorcycle Loan | Leasing |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You own the bike | The lessor remains the owner |
| Monthly costs | Loan installment + insurance + maintenance | Leasing installment (insurance often included) |
| Total costs | Depends on repairs and wear | Plannable, since everything is included in the installment |
| Mileage | Unlimited | Often limited (e.g. 15'000 km/year) |
| Modifications | You may modify | Mostly not permitted |
| After the term ends | The bike belongs to you | You return it |
| Advantage | Building equity, cheaper long-term | Less stress, no repair worries |
| Ideal for | Enthusiasts, high-mileage riders, long-term users | Those who want a new bike every three to four years |
Our tip: for passionate motorcyclists, a motorcycle loan is usually the more affordable long-term solution, you build equity and have complete freedom for modifications. With leasing you have less repair stress, but pay more in the long run.
What to Watch Out for With a Motorcycle Loan
Clarify insurance
Whether a specific type of insurance is mandatory depends on the lender. You need mandatory liability insurance regardless, for a financed motorcycle, additional partial or full comprehensive coverage is worthwhile.
Keep an eye on your ZEK entry
An existing ZEK entry can noticeably worsen your interest rate. Check your entry regularly at www.zek.ch.
Over-indebtedness excluded
Granting a loan is prohibited under Art. 3 UCA if it leads to over-indebtedness. The bank therefore carefully checks your creditworthiness before making an offer.
The right time to buy
Autumn and winter are often cheaper for buying a bike: demand drops, dealers clear inventory, and you negotiate better prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Loans
- Autor
- privatkredit.ch Editorial Team, Specialist Editorial Team for Loans & Financing
- Fachliche Prüfung
- Redaktionsinterne Gegenprüfung durch Kreditfachleute
- Zuletzt aktualisiert
- July 7, 2026, Inhalte werden laufend aktualisiert
- Unabhängigkeit
- Unabhängige Recherche, ausschliesslich offizielle Schweizer Quellen
- 1Federal Act on Consumer Credit (CCA/KKG). fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2002/593/de
- 2Central Office for Credit Information (ZEK). zek.ch
Credit products
Ready for your loan?
Calculate your personal loan installment now – free and non-binding.
Calculate now