Motorcycle road tax in Northern Ireland is vehicle excise duty (VED), administered through DVLA. For the rates in force on 6 October 2026, GOV.UK lists the following standard 12-month payments for motorcycles, with or without a sidecar:
| Engine size | 12-month rate |
|---|---|
| Zero-emission motorcycle or up to 150cc | £27 |
| 151cc to 400cc | £59 |
| 401cc to 600cc | £90 |
| Over 600cc | £125 |
Check the payment option and the bike’s tax status
These figures come from the current GOV.UK other vehicle tax rates table. Payment options and amounts can differ; the table currently does not offer a six-month option for every band. Check the live DVLA service before budgeting or renewing, particularly because rates can change at the start of a tax year.
For a used-bike purchase, check the tax class and due status using the vehicle enquiry service. Tax does not transfer from seller to buyer: you must tax the motorcycle in your own name before using it, or declare it off road. A seller’s direct debit or a screenshot from a previous month does not prove that your new ownership is taxed.
Include the full cost of ownership
VED is only one ownership cost. Price insurance, tyres, chain and sprockets, servicing, security and any immediate test repairs before deciding that a smaller engine is automatically cheaper. If comparing a 125cc commuter with a larger bike, the annual tax difference in 2026 may be modest relative to insurance and maintenance; get a quote for the exact model and rider before buying.
This is a dated rate guide, not a promise that the amount will remain unchanged. The DVLA calculator and current table take precedence at the point of payment.
