Motorcycle Arcade Game Leasing vs. Buying—Which is Best for Your Business?

26 May , 2025
By GM Tech Team

Adding motorcycle arcade games? Great choice! They bring thrilling fun and attract all ages. So, are you going to lease or buy the motorcycle arcade machine? This decision will affect your finances, logistics, maintenance, and long-term ROI. It can be hard to know the choice to make, so weigh up your budget, business model, and future goals.

Leasing a Motorcycle Arcade Game: Pros & Cons

Leasing can be the easy route, primarily if you are trying to minimize your costs in the beginning.

Advantages of Leasing

Your initial investment is significantly lower. This is a major boost to your cash flow and allows you to funnel funds into other areas like marketing or venue upgrades.

You also get great flexibility to upgrade. Leasing allows you a very simple way to turn your older models into the newest and coolest arcade motorcycle games to hit the market. Having so many options allows you to keep your arcade motorcycle fresh with the latest products available for your customers.

Another big plus? Maintenance is often included. Leasing also means a lot less hassle for you. If something goes wrong with a motorcycle racing arcade game, the leasing company generally comes to your rescue with repairs, meaning less downtime and more games to earn money for you.

Also, there might even be tax benefits. Lease payments might be deductible, which can positively impact your financial bottom line.

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Disadvantages of Leasing

There can also be negatives to leasing. A major one is the higher long-term cost. Over time, those monthly payments can add up to more than if you had simply bought the motorcycle arcade.

You also gain no ownership equity. The motorcycle arcade machine never truly belongs to you, so it doesn’t become an asset on your balance sheet. When the lease term ends, you just hand it back.

Finally, watch out for contract limitations. Lease agreements can contain complicated clauses, early termination fees, and usage restrictions that can be both more expensive and infringe on your operational flexibility.

Buying a Motorcycle Arcade Game: Pros & Cons

Buying a motorcycle arcade game means it’s all yours, giving you complete control and long-term value.

Lease or buy a motorcycle arcade game machine

Advantages of Buying

The biggest benefit is the one-time investment. You pay for it once, and then it’s yours for good. This translates to a much better long-term ROI because you eliminate recurring payments.

With full ownership comes full customization. Want to brand the motorcycle racing arcade machine with your logo? Or perhaps modify it to fit your unique theme? You have complete freedom to do so.

Crucially, there are no recurring payments after the initial purchase. This directly leads to higher profit margins over time, as every coin dropped into the machine (after electricity and minor upkeep) goes straight into your pocket.

Plus, the game becomes a valuable asset for your business. You can resell it or trade it in later, adding tangible value and flexibility to your company’s assets.

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Disadvantages of Buying

Buying does come with a few challenges. The most obvious is the large upfront cost. This can be a significant strain on your budget, especially if you’re a new business or planning to acquire multiple motorcycle arcade games. It demands substantial capital.

Then there’s the maintenance responsibility. Any repair costs fall directly on you. These can add up, and you’ll need a plan for servicing your machines, whether it’s an in-house technician or a reliable repair service.

Finally, there’s the risk of obsolescence. While classic games can hold their value, newer, more technologically advanced models are always emerging. A purchased game might become less appealing to players over time compared to the latest releases.

Key Comparison: Leasing vs. Buying

To help you visualize the differences, here’s a quick comparison:

Factor	Leasing	Buying
Upfront Cost	Low	High
Long-Term Cost	Higher	Lower
Flexibility	High	Low
Maintenance	Often covered	Owner’s responsibility
Ownership	No	Yes
Best For	Startups, short-term needs	Established businesses, long-term use

Which Option Is Best for Your Business?

So, how do you make the right choice for your specific situation?

Leasing is Better If…

You’re a new arcade or FEC testing demand for a specific type of game.
You want the flexibility to upgrade to the latest models, like VR-compatible games, frequently.
You prefer predictable monthly expenses and want maintenance off your plate.

Buying is Better If…

You have stable revenue and can afford the investment.
You plan to keep the motorcycle arcade machine long-term (think 3+ years) to maximize its value.
You want full control over branding and modifications to make the game uniquely yours.

For most established businesses focused on maximizing long-term profits and building solid assets, buying is generally the stronger recommendation. While the initial investment is higher, the benefits of full ownership, no ongoing payments, and higher profit margins over time often outweigh that upfront cost.

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Alternative Options

Beyond traditional leasing and buying, consider these smart alternatives:

Rent-to-Own: A hybrid approach that allows you the flexibility of leasing as well as ownership. With rent-to-own, a portion of your rent can count as purchase cost. Essentially, you are working towards eventual ownership without a massive outlay upfront.
Used/Refurbished Machines: Don’t simply dismiss the pre-owned marketplace. You can find great-quality used or even professionally refurbished motorcycle arcade games at a much lower price. This way you can own while significantly stretching your capital further. Just make sure you purchase from registered sellers with warranties.

Conclusion

Deciding to lease or buy a motorcycle arcade game is an important business decision, involving deliberate consideration of your financial situation, operational priorities, and overall vision.

In summary:

Leasing offers the flexibility of lower upfront costs, but it likely costs you more in the long run.
Buying gives you ownership and customization with less overall cost, but requires a larger amount to be paid all at once.
You can also consider alternatives like rent-to-own or used machines to find the best options within your budget and goals.

Why Buy from GM Tech?

If you’re leaning toward buying (the smarter long-term choice!), here’s why GM Tech stands out: