Everything you need to know about the cost of a motorcycle registration
Summary
In short
The price of a motorcycle plate in 2027 varies mainly according to your level of experience and the engine displacement.
The main factor influencing the price is the insurance contribution, which varies by accident risk and is higher for larger-displacement motorcycles.
How does the SAAQ calculate the cost of a motorcycle plate?
Three main factors determine the price of a motorcycle plate in 2027.
Duties, fees and insurance contribution
The insurance contribution, which varies based on accident risk, represents the largest share of the registration cost.
Registration duties are a fixed amount that grants access to the road network. In 2026, this amount is $53.25. The figures for 2027 are usually published at the very beginning of the year.
Finally, additional management and renewal fees are added. In 2026, these fees are $5.45 for a motorcycle.
Registration price by engine displacement
The insurance contribution, which is the largest part of the price of a motorcycle plate in 2027, varies mainly according to engine displacement and the rider's experience.
To calculate the price of a motorcycle registration in Quebec, add this contribution to the additional fees and registration duties.
The applicable fees and duties for 2027 are not yet known, but they are expected to be comparable to 2026.
Motorcycles 125 cc or less
The cost of a motorcycle plate in Quebec in 2026 for a motorcycle of 125 cc or less is as follows:
- $452.34 for a rider with 0 to 3 years of experience
- $330.80 for a rider with 3 to 5 years of experience
- $261.19 for a rider with 5 or more years of experience
Motorcycles of 125 cc or less are often excellent motorcycles for beginners and are offered at attractive prices.
Motorcycles 126 to 400 cc
For a motorcycle anywhere between 126 to 400 cc, the motorcycle plate prices in 2026 are as follows:
- $809.69 for a rider with 0 to 3 years of experience
- $573.80 for a rider with 3 to 5 years of experience
- $438.68 for a rider with 5 or more years of experience
Motorcycles 401 cc and up
For a motorcycle of 401 cc or more, SAAQ motorcycle plate prices are as follows:
- $1,150.38 for a rider with 0 to 3 years of experience
- $805.46 for a rider with 3 to 5 years of experience
- $607.90 for a rider with 5 or more years of experience
The types of motorcycles at 401 cc or more are often sports models.
How much does a plate cost for a high-risk motorcycle?
There are also motorcycles classified as presenting a high risk of accident. These are the motorcycles with the highest registration cost.
How do you know if a motorcycle is classified as high risk?
The best way to determine whether a motorcycle is considered high risk is to consult the official list of high-risk motorcycles, published each year by the SAAQ.
Examples of 2027 motorcycles on the provisional SAAQ list
Many models in the 2026 Ducati Panigale lineup, a collection of high-performance motorcycles designed by Ducati, are considered high-risk motorcycles. Models for 2027 are expected to remain on the list once it is updated.
In general, sports models like the Ducati Panigale or the Kawasaki Ninja appear on this list.
Does rider experience affect the price?
Yes. As mentioned earlier, the price of a motorcycle plate varies significantly based on rider experience.
The three categories are: 0 to 3 years of experience, 3 to 5 years of experience, and over 5 years of experience.
Having more experience generally helps reduce the cost of motorcycle registration.
Motorcycle plate price 2026 vs. 2027: what changes?
Official fees and duties for 2027 are not yet known, but we can already compare the insurance contributions for 2026 and 2027. This provides a solid estimate of the price of a motorcycle plate in 2027.
Comparison table
Here are the insurance contributions compared between 2026 and 2027:
| Engine displacement | Experience level | Insurance contribution in 2026 | Insurance contribution in 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles 125 cc or less | Less than 3 years | $362.91 | $370.17 |
| 3 years to under 5 years | $250.86 | $255.88 | |
| 5 years or more | $186.69 | $190.42 | |
| Motorcycles 126 to 400 cc | Less than 3 years | $692.36 | $706.21 |
| 3 years to under 5 years | $474.88 | $484.38 | |
| 5 years or more | $350.31 | $357.32 | |
| Motorcycles 401 cc and up | Less than 3 years | $1,006.46 | $1,026.59 |
| 3 years to under 5 years | $688.47 | $702.24 | |
| 5 years or more | $506.33 | $516.46 | |
| High-risk motorcycles | Less than 3 years | $3,027.69 | $3,088.24 |
| 3 years to under 5 years | $2,062.87 | $2,104.13 | |
| 5 years or more | $1,510.25 | $1,540.46 |
Can you pay for a motorcycle plate monthly?
Yes, it is generally possible to pay the price of a motorcycle plate by the month with the SAAQ. However, interest and additional fees may apply.
Understanding seasonality and refunds
The price of a motorcycle plate also varies by month. The annual cost is not divided perfectly into 12 equal parts.
Spring and summer months usually cost more because they are considered higher risk. Fall and winter present lower risks, and registration fees are therefore much lower.
Finally, it is possible to obtain a registration refund by storing your motorcycle for the winter. To be eligible, a motorcycle must be stored no later than September 30.
Cost of a motorcycle: also consider insurance and maintenance
In addition to registration, you should also factor in motorcycle insurance prices in Quebec and maintenance. In general, higher-displacement motorcycles are also mechanically more complex and are considered higher risk.
As a result, insurance and maintenance costs follow a trend similar to motorcycle registration.
Shop for your next motorcycle at Motos Illimitées Montreal
Before registering your motorcycle with the SAAQ, you need to purchase a motorcycle.
You will find a model that fits your needs and budget at Motos Illimitées Montreal, your dealer in Anjou, on the island of Montreal, serving Longueuil, Laval and Brossard.
We also offer motorcycle storage services in Montreal in our secure facilities.
FAQ
What is the price of a motorcycle plate in 2027?
The price of a motorcycle plate in 2027 varies by engine displacement and riding experience. However, you should plan for at least a little over $200 even for a very experienced rider on a very small-displacement motorcycle.
Why does a high-risk motorcycle cost more to register?
Registration for a high-risk motorcycle is more expensive because these motorcycles are overrepresented in accident statistics in Quebec. The insurance contribution is therefore considerably higher.
Does the price depend on engine displacement?
Yes, the price of a motorcycle plate depends primarily on engine displacement.
Can you pay the motorcycle plate by month?
Yes, it is possible to pay a 2027 motorcycle plate monthly.
When should you store your motorcycle to get a refund?
To obtain a refund, you must store your motorcycle no later than September 30.