Even with tough competition on the marketplace, you can gain an edge on the crowd when you decide to sell your motorcycle with an excellent listing. To get more money for your motorcycle, it often comes down to maintenance, marketing, and knowing how to talk with shoppers. For more input on these points, Cycle Trader has some “do’s and don’ts” to maximize your motorcycle’s resale value.
Find listing prices online for new and used sport bikes for sale.
Do: Maintain Service Records
From the standpoint of an owner and seller, regular motorcycle maintenance ensures your bike is in its top condition for riding and improves its value on the marketplace. When you document these service history essentials, you’re providing hard proof of the quality of your machine as you instill confidence with the transaction. If you’ve had the motorcycle serviced at a professional shop, keep the receipts and documentation for your sale for a clear paper trail that adds credibility and increases the shopper’s willingness to pay more for your motorcycle.
Don’t: Overlook Cosmetic Damage
Even if it doesn’t affect the bike’s performance, don’t try to hide cosmetic damage, no matter how minor it might be. Scuffs, dents, cracked paint, or rust can reduce your motorcycle’s resale value. It can also cause shoppers to jump to conclusions about the condition of your motorcycle, especially if they see these imperfections for the first time in person rather than in your listing photos or description. Before you put your bike up for sale, address these flaws and fix them the best you can; repaint scratched areas, polish chrome parts, and remove rust or grime to boost curb appeal.
Do: Clean the Bike
A simple move that can help your listing stand out with your photos online, cleaning your motorcycle will make it shine and show you’ve given it the care it deserves. Wash and wax the frame, polish the chrome, and clean the seat and handlebars. And don’t forget the smaller parts like in between the chain, brake line, and foot pegs. For additional care, you can go to a professional for detailing service.
Don’t: Delay Care for Mechanical Issues
Selling a motorcycle with mechanical problems can hurt your chances of getting a good price, and it can also cause a lot of headaches down the road if a buyer seeks a return or leaves a negative review. Motorcycle maintenance matters before selling, so if the engine is making strange noises, the brakes aren’t responding like they should, the suspension needs a readjustment, or if your bike is experiencing any other number of issues, take care of them. You’re doing yourself a favor by communicating that the bike has been recently serviced, and if you’ve paid for a replacement part, you could increase the motorcycle’s value.
Do: Price the Motorcycle Fairly
Get an accurate value for your motorcycle so shoppers have a guarantee they’re getting a fair price. Cycle Trader makes it easy with our valuation tool backed by J.D. Power to see the current market value of your motorcycle so you can sell immediately. You can also do your research by checking similar marketplace listings online to see the price of bike models while you consider factors like mileage, age, and overall condition. All of this can add credibility to your listing and back up the value of your bike while making sure you don’t price your motorcycle too low.
Don’t: Neglect the Listing Description
Aside from the unit you’re selling, your marketplace listing description (along with photos and videos) is the focal point of your transaction. It’s what you’re promoting when you market your bike and share it online through advertising. Don’t skip over basic details like make, model, year, mileage, upgrades, imperfections, and location. Be clear and accurate with your description, but make it appealing for buyers so they can imagine themselves riding your bike. Include your preferred method of contact like email or phone number, and the best time to reach you. Your listing is a critical component for presenting your bike and locking in its value during a transaction, especially if it comes to negotiating on a price.
Do: Be Active with Advertising and Marketing
With an excellent listing, the next thing you need is advertising and marketing for your motorcycle. Don’t slack off on this step when you’re trying to reach as many shoppers as possible and land a higher offer for your bike. Post your ad on multiple platforms like social media and local classified websites. Increasing the visibility of your for-sale bike improves your chances of selling faster and earning more money.
Don’t: Rush Negotiations
Selling takes time. While it’s tempting to take the first offer, see what interest you might get from shoppers the longer your listing is posted if that first offer isn’t completely satisfactory with your original asking price. Be prepared to negotiate, but don’t feel pressured or like you’re settling on a deal. Knowing what your motorcycle is worth is key, so is staying aware of your pricing limit as far as how low you’re willing to go with a customer.
Check out these new and used adventure motorcycles for sale online.
Navigate the marketplace with confidence when you list your motorcycle. Keep this in mind when you create your listing and move along with the transaction so you can successfully sell for more value. To get started, visit Cycle Trader and reach more shoppers nationwide ready to buy your bike.
