Motorcycle COE (Category D): A Guide for Singapore Riders
Motorcycles in Singapore need a Certificate of Entitlement just like cars do — they fall under Category D. If you’re thinking of getting a bike, here’s what to know about the COE side.
What Is Category D?
Category D is the COE category reserved exclusively for motorcycles. Unlike cars, motorcycles only have this one category — there’s no “small vs large” split. Every new motorcycle registration draws on the Cat D quota.
Why Is the Motorcycle COE Cheaper?
A Cat D COE is typically a fraction of a car COE. You can see just how different the scale is by comparing the Cat D history with the car categories in the latest results. The lower price reflects the smaller sums involved and the different demand profile for two-wheelers.
That said, “cheaper than a car” doesn’t mean “cheap” — Cat D prices have climbed over the years, and they still move from exercise to exercise.
How Bidding Works for Motorcycles
The mechanics mirror the car bidding process:
- Bidding runs in the same twice-monthly exercises
- It’s a uniform-price auction — all winners pay the lowest successful bid
- A deposit is required (smaller than the car deposit) — see our deposit guide
Many riders bid through a dealer as part of the purchase, though independent bidding is also possible.
What Riders Should Watch
- The trend, not one exercise. Cat D can jump between rounds; the year-by-year view gives better context.
- Total cost. As with cars, the COE is one part of the bill alongside the bike’s price, registration fees, road tax, and insurance.
- Timing. Watching a few exercises before committing can reveal whether prices are climbing or easing.
The Bottom Line
Category D is simpler than the car categories — one category, one price to watch — but the same discipline applies: understand the trend before you bid.
The free COE Price Tracker app tracks Cat D alongside the car categories, with trend charts and price alerts so riders can plan ahead.
This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. For official motorcycle COE rules, refer to the LTA.
Related reading: How to Bid for COE · COE Bidding Deposit Explained
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