6 Tips to Get the Most $$$ for Your Used Motorcycle

It’s time to sell your used motorcycle. No matter how shiny and new your bike is, there will eventually come a day when it is time for you to move on. You can add your now rugged bike to your stable or, if you need the cash to use towards a new ride or have been forbidden from owning more than one bike, you may want to sell it.

Your bike has been your trusted partner through years of riding, so you don’t want to give her away too easily. Fortunately, there are a number of tips you can use to get the most for your used motorcycle.

Tips for a Great Sale:

1. Clean your bike thoroughly. This common-sense tip is ignored by way too many sellers. Take the time to clean the dirt, grime, and debris off your bike. Shine the chrome and use touch-up paint to address any scratches or blemishes.
2. Have your bike checked by a mechanic. Repair or make note of any damages for the potential buyer. In some areas, a valid safety certificate is a requirement for the sale. Regardless, you and the buyer will both sleep better knowing the bike is in good shape and does not have any unknown mechanical issues. And, of course, you can note that the bike has been certified safe in your listing.
3. Find an appropriate price. Set the price too high and you’ll scare off many potential buyers. Go too low and you may lose out on hundreds of dollars. Visit a site like NADA Guides to determine a reasonable price for your motorcycle. Be honest with yourself when selecting the condition of your bike. Is it really like-new? If it has some scratches, scuffs, or wear marks, probably not!
4. Collect your documentation. Proof of ownership, sales papers, warranty, and any service receipts will all help when it comes time to sell your bike. In general, the more documentation, the better. By keeping adequate records, you can prove that you have regularly serviced and maintained the bike. This will help you get top dollar.
5. Take brilliant pictures! A clean, clear picture may just sell your bike. Remove all background noise by taking the shot against a solid background. Images will look best when shot on a sunny day, where shadows are minimal. Be honest and photograph any areas of damage such as dents or scratches. Photograph the odometer, as well.
6. Be ready to go! If you have a potential buyer coming to take a look at the bike, make sure you are ready for the sale. That means your bike should be clean and any accessories not included in the sale should be removed. Be ready to transfer the title over to the new buyer. If an eager buyer shows up cash-in-hand, you don’t want to turn the away because you aren’t ready and lose the sale.

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No one wants to say goodbye to their road partner, but if you must, you want to get top dollar! Adhere to the guidelines above and you can rest assured that you’ve done all you can to score the best deal. As bikers ourselves, our motorcycle crash attorneys understand that your bike is an extension of yourself. We don’t want to see you settle for less than you deserve!