Australian Motorcycle Survey 2025
What riders love, what they ride, and what’s on their minds
At QBE, we’ve been insuring motorbike riders for decades – but we wanted to delve deeper. So in August 2025, we asked 500 Australian riders to tell us what riding really means to them.
The result? A snapshot of the motorcycle community that’s as diverse, passionate, and surprising as the roads they ride.
The moments that stay with you
Ask any rider why they ride, and you’ll get a story.
For some, it’s the freedom of a solo ride. For others, it’s the thrill of setting off on a new journey, being at one with the machine. A few said it’s the calm that makes worries float away.
“My first ride down the coast in summer, solo camping. Pure freedom.”
“Riding in the hills through a storm.”
“Riding across the Harbour Bridge for the first time – just magical.”
When we asked what riders loved most about riding, three themes came through loud and clear:
- Freedom – 63%
- Connection to nature – 44%
- The thrill of the ride – 38%
Most riders preferred going it alone (64%), but many enjoyed the camaraderie of group rides (36%).
Who’s riding?
Motorcycling in Australia isn’t just for one group. Riders came from all walks of life – and from all over the country.
- 78% live in metro areas
- 22% live in regional or rural areas
- 63% are male
- 37% are female
On average, riders had 11 years of experience. When we asked riders what they found surprising about the motorcycle community, a few said they were surprised by just how inclusive it had become.
“Motorcycle culture is surprisingly varied and inclusive.”
What they ride
When it comes to your ride, the choice is personal. It’s about style, performance, and sometimes, brand loyalty.
The top brands owned by riders in our survey were:
- Honda – 21%
- Kawasaki – 18%
- Yamaha – 15%
- Harley-Davidson – 12%
- Suzuki – 11%
- BMW – 9%
- Ducati – 7%
- Aprilia – 1%
Interestingly, 29% of riders aged 18-24 owned a BMW – a sign that younger riders are leaning into premium performance.
Most riders had one bike (86%), but some had two (13%) or even three (10%).
What’s under the tank?
The most popular engine size was 500-999cc – a sweet spot for power and control. But female riders were more likely to ride 1,000-1,499cc bikes.
- 250-499cc – 18%
- 500-999cc – 34%
- 1,000-1,499cc – 28%
- 1,500-2,000cc – 13%
- 2,000cc+ – 3%
What riders worry about
Riding is exhilarating, but it can come with risks. The top concerns for riders were:
- Inattentive car drivers – 25%
- Risk of accident or injury – 25%
“These days people don’t look or care about bikes around them.”
Regional or rural riders were more concerned about inattentive drivers (36%), while metro riders were more worried about accidents (26%) and bad weather (14%).
To gear up or go without?
Most riders take safety seriously, wearing gloves, jackets, boots, and pants.
- Gloves – 88%
- Jacket – 87%
- Boots – 81%
- Pants – 76%
- Airbag vest – 17%
- No protective gear – 2%
Why riders get insurance
When it comes to taking out motorcycle insurance, riders told us their top reasons were:
- Damage to my bike – 28%
- Damage or injury to others – 16%
- Legal compliance – 14%
- Theft or vandalism – 13%
- Medical costs if I’m injured – 12%
Only 7% said it was part of a bundled insurance pack, and 3% said it was required for a loan. Encouragingly, 88% of riders said having insurance gave them reassurance.
Our survey has painted a vivid picture of the Australian motorcycle community. At the heart of it, they’re united by one thing – passion.
At QBE, we’re proud to support this community with insurance designed for what matters to riders. Because when you live to ride, you want cover that’s built for your journey.