5 Things to Consider Before Selling Your Motorcycle
Aside from the fortunate few who have the enviable combination of both limitless funds and garage space, chances are, sooner or later the time will come when every rider will either want, or need to sell a motorcycle. Maybe it’s because it’s time to move to a newer model, a bigger model, or a different style of bike altogether. Or maybe, sadly, it’s just something that life dictates, even if just temporary. Whatever the reason, a bit of research and some elbow grease will help to maximize the proceeds from your ride.
1) Think About Resale Value Before You Buy
This may be counterintuitive, but you should be thinking about selling the motorcycle before you even buy it. This consideration may influence the year, make or model you buy, along with the financial decisions you make to acquire it. Being in a situation where you’re forced to sell a motorcycle can be made even worse if you owe more money on it than it’s worth.
How you treat your motorcycle while it is in your care will have a big impact on resale value. You’ll want to appeal to the largest group of potential buyers by keeping up with the maintenance schedule and saving records of any and all work done, from oil changes to aftermarket accessories. If it’s been abused and left outside to fade and corrode, the number of interested buyers will decrease, along with the price it will command.
2) Preparing Your Motorcycle for Sale
The best first step in preparing a motorcycle is to spend some time thoroughly cleaning it. Simply pulling back the covers and blowing off the dust may give potential buyers the impression the bike hasn’t been properly cared for or maintained, whereas a fastidiously detailed machine suggests the motorcycle has been well-loved by its owner.
It’s a good time to fix any obvious flaws or signs of neglect, too. Make sure the chain or belt is in good shape, cleaned and lubricated. Check the cables, and that all the lights work as they should. Touch up any chips in the paint, and if you’ve got the time, replace worn-out grips or levers.
For newer or more expensive machines, it might be worth replacing scuffed or cracked panels to maximize the value. Potential buyers will most likely go over all those details anyway, so why not make it easier for them to fall in love with your bike?
3) Gather Service Records and Documentation
Compile receipts, service records, safety certificate, and the owner’s manual for the bike, along with a secondary key and any accessories to make the hand-off a faster and easier experience. This can also help set a buyer’s mind at ease that the seller is organized and diligent about caring for the bike. A comprehensive service history builds trust and helps justify the asking price.
4) Why a Pre-Sale Inspection Can Pay Off
Having a trusted shop give the motorcycle a pre-sale inspection, or safety inspection can go a long way. It’s one less step for a would-be buyer to worry about and can be worth its weight in gold if the report shows a clean bill of health. An educated seller can be a better negotiator.
Spending a bit of extra time understanding the potential red flags for the model being sold, such as a particular year’s troublesome mechanical components, can help provide answers to questions before they’re even asked by savvy buyers.
5) Presentation Matters to Potential Buyers
A clean, properly maintained motorcycle that lives in a tidy garage will surely impress more than one that sits outside in the elements all the time, too. With all that done, spend some time capturing decent images of the bike from all sides, including tire tread, and any special features or aftermarket accessories. If there are obvious flaws, don’t hide them. It’ll only result in potential buyers having their time, and yours, wasted when they show up and find those potential deal-breakers for themselves.
Final Thoughts
Selling a motorcycle is about more than simply posting an ad and waiting for offers to roll in. From considering resale value before you buy to properly preparing, documenting, and presenting your bike when it’s time to sell, a little extra effort can make a big difference in both the speed of the sale and the final price. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a motorcycle that has been clearly cared for, honestly represented, and backed by thorough records.
While every sale is unique, the goal remains the same: make it as easy as possible for a buyer to feel confident in your motorcycle. By investing some time in maintenance, cleaning, documentation, and presentation, you’ll put yourself in the best position to attract serious buyers and maximize your return when it’s finally time to hand over the keys.
Jeff Wilson
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