Finance: Affordable exotica

Personal Contract Purchase now finances 20-30% of all new bikes sold in the UK, and it’s growing fast. But it might not be right for you, so make sure you understand what it is and how it works.

You can have these new bikes for less than you might have ever imagined – and what’s more you can have another new one in three years’ time, probably without increasing your monthly outlay, or having to find a fresh deposit.

This is how it works

• Work out what you can afford as a deposit and in monthly repayments for the duration of the contract.
• You can get PCP on any amount from £1500 upwards.
• Choose your new motorcycle (or a used one – bikes up to three years old can also qualify).
• Set a repayment term of between two to four years.
• Set your annual mileage at up to 24,000 miles a year. Your mileage will affect your monthly payments.
• Decide which end-of-agreement option is best for you when the time comes – most roll on to another bike. 

Be aware that

• You do not own the bike, and won’t unless you pay the final balloon figure.
• A significant proportion of the credit is deferred until the end of the contract, and it’s not the cheapest route to ownership.
• You must have fully comprehensive insurance.
• Excess mileage charges apply.
• Abuse or neglect will damage. your bike’s guaranteed future value.
• The bike is at risk of repossession if you do not maintain repayments.

Aprilia RSV4 RF, £177

Cash price: £15,099
Deposit: £2500
Mileage: 4000pa
Term: 49 months
Rate: 8.9% APR
Final repayment: £7631

The RF saw Aprilia finally join the 200bhp club. Like the previous model, the RSV4 RF is incredibly easy to ride fast, thanks to it being even lighter than before, with more accurate handling, tweaked electronics and flexible V4 power. But with its new engine modifications it now has the muscle to compete with the rest of the superbike class.

The RSV4 will be changing slightly for 2017, with its engine gaining Euro4 compliance and the electronics and dash being updated, but in terms of its appearance this 2016 model still looks pretty similar. Aprilia dealers such as Wheels Motorcycles in Peterborough have slashed £3000 off the list price of the out-going 2016 model, meaning you can ride away on one of these stunners for just £177 per month.

Ducati XDiavel S, £180

Cash price: £18,932
Deposit: £5000
Mileage: 6000pa
Term: 36 months
Rate: 6.9% APR
Final payment: £9859

The XDiavel S is a revelation for the cruiser market in terms of handling, performance and tech. It’s blisteringly quick, has masses of torque, plus the prerequisite feet-forward and belt drive components to please cruiser fans. It’s become the bike the Diavel always should have been.

Yamaha YZF-R1, £148.28

Cash price: £15,136
Deposit: £4000
Mileage: 6000pa
Term: 36 months
Rate: 6.4% APR
Final repayment: £7601

The shorter-stroke, higher compression crossplane crank motor is smaller, has lighter internals and is more aggressive and peakier than previous models. The bike is physically smaller, more compact and feels more like an R6 in the corners. It was MCN’s Sportsbike of the Year in 2015.

Kawasaki Ninja H2, £181.14

Cash price: £22,137
Deposit: £5000
Mileage: 4000pa
Term: 36 mths
Rate: 5.9% APR
Final repayment: £13,318

It looks like it’s doing 200mph at a standstill, it’s visually awesome and sounds incredible. The level of finish on the H2 is some of the highest ever seen on a production road bike. If you want to chase a lap time, get a ZX-10R, but if you want one of the most exciting road bikes ever built, get in the queue for an H2. 

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, £223.99

Cash price: £15,999
Deposit: £3000
Mileage: 6000pa
Term: 35 months
Rate: 8.9% APR
Final repayment: £7686

The KTM Super Duke GT took sports-touring to a whole new level of lunacy in 2016. Using the first Euro4 version of the 1301cc V-twin, the GT stomps out 173bhp and a surging 106ftlb of torque, while boasting an impressive array of touring options. Long-distance riding has never been more fun.

BMW K1600GT Sport, £239

Cash price: £17,875
Deposit: £3616.82
Mileage: 5000pa
Term: 36 mths
Rate: 9.9%
Optional final payment: £9262.85

If ever a book shouldn’t be judged by its cover, the K1600GT is it. Yes, it’s a big and heavy tourer, but that 1649cc straight-six is beyond potent, and melts the GT’s weight from its haunches. Ballistic speed is matched by sprightly handling, delivering an inspiringly sporty ride. Continent bashing at its best.

Honda Gold Wing, £259

Cash price: £23,499
Deposit: £5703.94
Mileage: 4000pa
Term: 36 months
Rate: 5.68%
Final repayment: £11,050

The Gold Wing is a two-wheeled touring institution. It has all the kit you could want, including a GPS satnav system. The six-pot motor offers ‘only’ 100bhp at the rear wheel but a massive 120ftlb of torque. It’ll take you, a pillion, and most of the contents of a three-bedroom semi as far as want to go. 

Ducati Monster 1200 R, £156.26

Cash price: £15,687
Deposit: £4085
Mileage: 5000pa
Term: 36 months
Rate: 6.6% APR
Final repayment: £7912

The loveable Monster now comes in a roaring R version – one that can easily match the performance of a full-blown superbike of a few years ago. It handles, has more power and ground clearance, is sharper, more attractive and more desirable. For a large, powerful naked it’s hugely impressive.