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How Much Does a Motorcycle Paint Job Cost?

How Much Does a Motorcycle Paint Job Cost?

If you own or have purchased an old motorcycle, you might want to give it a paint job to help it look like new. Painting a motorcycle can completely transform its look. You can also get rid of rust and scratches on different motorcycle parts by painting over them. However, painting a motorcycle requires lots of time and effort. This process can cost be even more expensive if you plan to outsource. Painting a motorcycle involves disassembling, preparing the parts for painting, removing the previous coat of paint, repainting, and reassembling the motorcycle. Luckily, you can save a lot of money by painting your motorcycle yourself. Read this article to learn how much a motorcycle paint job costs.

1. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Motorcycle Painted?

Types of Paint Job Regular DIY Custom
Price Range $450-$2,000 $100-$450 Normal Custom Paint Job: $1,000-$3,000 Unique Custom Paint Job: $10,000-$30,000
Expertise Professional Average Highly Professional Expert
Quality Good Low-Average Perfect Exceptional
Time 1-2 days 1-7 days (Depending on your skill level) 7-14 days 10-20 days

1.1 How Much Can a Regular Motorcycle Paint Job Cost?

A regular paint job does not include a design or graphics on the fuel tank and other essential motorcycle parts. It provides a single color scheme using primer, spray paints, and clear coats. The cost of a regular motorcycle paint job can vary depending on where you live, the condition of your motorcycle, the type of motorcycle you ride, the shop you take your motorcycle to get painted, and the painter’s level of skill. If your motorcycle is in good condition and only requires touch-ups, it will cost you less than it would to paint an older motorcycle in bad condition. Painting a motorcycle can cost between $450-$2,000 depending on whether you outsource.

1.2 How Much Can a Custom Motorcycle Paint Job Cost?

If you love the custom motorcycle look, you may want to apply a custom paint job with designs, patterns, graphics, and detailed images. Keep in mind that a custom paint job is more expensive than a standard paint job. A custom paint job can include stripes and flames on the gas tank and battery cover. If you want a personalized style, it will cost you more depending on the complexity of the design.


The cost of a custom paint job can also vary depending on where you live, the painter’s level of skill, the shop you take your motorcycle to, and the type of motorcycle. A normal custom paint job can cost between $1,000-$3,000. However, a complex custom paint job on a high-performance or bespoke motorcycle can cost between $10,000-$30,000.

1.3 How Much Can a DIY Motorcycle Paint Job Cost?

A DIY (Do It Yourself) motorcycle paint job is becoming more popular among motorcycle enthusiasts since it can help you save a lot of money and help you learn a new skill. You will have to set up a work area and buy the necessary equipment to paint a motorcycle. You can easily find video tutorials and step-by-step guides online to learn how to paint a motorcycle, especially if you are a novice rider.


If you are unsure how to properly paint metal and plastic motorcycle parts, you will need to learn how to sand, remove the current coat of paint, and spray on new paint, primer, and clear enamel correctly to ensure a smooth finish. If you have a separate space like a garage to paint, disassemble, and reassemble your motorcycle, you will only need to buy paint supplies, which can cost between $100-$150. If you become good at this practice, you can paint motorcycles owned by other riders as a side job. However, the cost of a DIY motorcycle paint job can vary depending on the intended design, which can cost between $100-$450.

1.4 How to Paint a Motorcycle by Yourself

If you want to learn how to paint your motorcycle frame, gas tank, and plastic parts by yourself, read the articles listed below for detailed step-by-step procedures.

2. How to Choose a Motorcycle Painter

Outsourcing a motorcycle paint job does not ensure a high-quality finish. If you want to hire a professional painter for a motorcycle paint job, research and choose a person with adequate skills and experience. You can conduct interviews and ask for portfolios of previous work to evaluate their expertise. Do not only consider painters that provide their services at cheap prices since their work may be of low quality.

3. Pros and Cons of a DIY Motorcycle Paint Job

DIY Motorcycle Paint Job Pros DIY Motorcycle Paint Job Cons
Saves money Requires a significant amount of time
Fun Requires significant effort and attention
Can help you learn new skills Requires adequate skills and expertise
Rewarding experience Multi-step process

4. Pros and Cons of a Professional Motorcycle Paint Job

Professional Motorcycle Paint Job Pros Professional Motorcycle Paint Job Cons
Less time Expensive
Less effort Difficulty finding an expert painter
Higher quality Hidden costs
Customized look No opportunity to learn
Better finish
Includes additional services
Long-lasting

5. Frequently Asked Questions

5.1 How Long Does Motorcycle Paint Last?

A good-quality motorcycle paint can last for at least five to nine years. It can also last longer if you maintain and clean your motorcycle often. Conducting inspections and cleanings can help prevent rust buildup on the metal parts. You can apply different cleaning products, sealants, and waxes to protect your motorcycle’s paint job from external elements and improve its lifespan.

5.2 Is Motorcycle Paint Bad for Your Health?

Several motorcycle paints contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful to your health. The final clear coat enamel used to create a glossy finish contains isocyanate which is harmful to your skin. If you want a DIY motorcycle paint job, make sure to prepare a workspace, and wear gloves, a respirator, and long-sleeved clothes to ensure your skin is completely covered. After you finish applying for a paint job, dump your clothes in the washing machine and do not use them again until they are properly cleaned.

6. Takeaway

There are several motorcycle paint jobs to choose from, including standard, custom, and DIY paint jobs. If you have no idea how to paint a motorcycle or have a busy schedule, hiring a professional motorcycle painter is a good option. However, if you wish to learn and have a tight budget, you can paint the motorcycle by yourself. You can read online resources to learn how to apply for a professional-looking motorcycle paint job. However, you must sure to take all the proper precautions.


Opting for a DIY motorcycle paint job can save you a lot of money that can be spent customizing your motorcycle to make it more aesthetically appealing and comfortable. Viking Bags offers several motorcycle parts, including handlebars, crash bars, fairings, sissy bars, and backrests. You can also transform your motorbike into a long-distance tourer by installing saddlebags, motorcycle trunks bags, backpacks, and tank bags.

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