Just like owning and riding a bike, when you sell your motorcycle on the marketplace you have a lengthy list of responsibilities to handle. In order to drive a successful sale, you have to market your bike, price it fairly, communicate with shoppers, handle financial details, and of course, maintain your motorcycle. Cycle Trader has six tips for motorcycle repairs and cleaning to prepare your bike before you sell.
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1. Handle Routine Maintenance
Start with the basics and check your essential bike components that require regular care. Inspect the oil level, brake fluid, coolant, brake pads, and tire tread for wear. Replace the fluids with OEM-approved products following the instructions in your owner’s manual. Motorcycle maintenance matters before selling, so have your service history paperwork ready for the transaction. Your bike should be ready to ride when the shopper decides to buy.
2. Address Minor Issues
Even small problems like a cracked mirror or faulty indicator light can turn away shoppers. Don’t overlook these issues, and instead, handle them before you sell. Do an up-close inspection of your bike, imagining yourself as a critical buyer looking for any imperfections that might cause them to either try and lower the price through bargaining or walk away from the transaction. Replace worn parts like grips or foot pegs, tightening bolts, and check the chain tension.
3. Inspect the Battery
If you ride every day or it’s few and far between, your battery will need to be monitored and maintained, either way. Make sure it’s holding its charge; generally batteries will last anywhere from three to five years. Even motorcycles sitting in the garage with little to no use will have battery problems. If it’s old or unreliable, replace the battery so the bike buyer doesn’t have an issue soon after they make their purchase.
4. Deep Clean Your Motorcycle
A thorough cleaning goes a long way with the care and presentation of the bike for your listing and when the shopper first sees it in person. Wash the frame and pay attention to the wheels, chain, and undercarriage, or otherwise those tough-to-reach and often overlooked areas where dirt and grime accumulate. Use a quality polish to make the paint and chrome shine. If you have the time and resources in your budget, you can have a professional detail your bike for further restoration and deep cleaning.
5. Polish the Details
Beyond the cleaning, focus on the smaller details of your bike. Shine the mirrors, polish any metal parts, and wipe down the saddle. It might seem simple, but paying attention to the small parts shows the buyer you’ve given the bike extra care. Every little detail matters, and your precision as an owner about to sell helps prevent minor damage to your bike that comes from neglect, like cracked paint and rust.
6. Document Repairs and Upgrades
Keep track of all your repairs and upgrades for your sale. Make a list of these service history essentials so you know what you should be documenting for your records. This will show the buyer you’ve been maintaining the motorcycle, plus it adds credibility to the transaction. Whether it’s a tire replacement, upgraded exhaust, or just an oil change, documenting these updates helps justify your asking price.
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Invest your time in bike maintenance and it will pay off with more interest in your ride and better offers from buyers. Follow up on this checklist and your motorcycle will be ready to hit the market in its best condition. Start listing today on the nation’s largest marketplace and reach more shoppers online with Cycle Trader.
