Get More Bites: Tips To Help Sell Your Bike

You're ready to sell your bike and have set a fair price. The ad is live as you wait, eager for interest. Almost at once, you get a message.

Great news! A buyer can pick it up right away but they want you to buy a strange vehicle history report from a random Bitly link. Annoyed by the scam, you block and report them and then everything goes quiet.

Days turn into weeks. Despite your efforts to price it right, no buyers show interest. What should a rider do?

First, review the ad. Are the pictures clear and sharp? Make sure the lighting is good. Include everything that is for sale and state which motorcycle the listing covers.

The description should be thorough and include all the details a buyer would want. People prefer clear info upfront instead of needing to call and ask. When selling a motorcycle, make sure the ad highlights what makes it unique and appealing.

To Sell Your Bike, Consider These Factors

The next step might be to lower the price. Before we do, let's improve the listing with more details or features to draw interest. Below are strategies that can help.

Local Supply

Your motorcycle might not get attention because there are many similar models nearby. High local supply can push prices down or make nationally fair prices (like KBB-level) seem high in your area. I visited two local dealers and saw at least 10 BMW K1600s at one and 6 at the other.

Both dealers sell many used bikes and are not BMW-only. The large number of local examples can make it harder for a private seller to move the same model.

We cannot control local stock but knowing it helps us plan. Highlight unique features or recent maintenance that sets your bike apart.

Seasonal Demand

In the northern U.S., motorcycle sales favor fair weather. Selling in late fall is tough since buyers will not ride much and must arrange winter storage. This slows the market so listings stay up longer than sellers hope.

Economic factors also matter. People delay buying "luxury" items like motorcycles during uncertainty or a recession. Holiday saving needs or extra cash from tax season also affect the market.

We cannot change the season but we can adjust our strategy. Offer incentives. Find winter storage options or highlight that the bike is ready for next season.

Mechanical Problems

Sometimes we need to sell a bike that is not perfect. Maybe we lowered the price to cover parts or repairs. Let's think like a buyer for a moment.

Buying a used motorcycle can be risky. Smart buyers know sellers might not be fully honest about the bike's condition. If a bike needs work right away, especially to run, buyers will prefer one that needs nothing.

To encourage a buyer to take the leap, discount the cost of parts and labor. Show the value they gain in the end. It is still harder to sell than a fully functional bike nearby.

If you hesitate to lower the price, offer a detailed maintenance history or a recent inspection report from a reputable source to reassure buyers.

For example, when I bought my 2016 R1200RT, it needed a new front shock. It is a Telelever so go easy on me. A new BMW shock would cost thousands, which explained the discount. I bought it because I might not need to replace it and I planned to upgrade with Tractive.

In the end, the total cost (Tractive or not) was below the market for that year, make and model. The perceived value outweighed the cost and risk so I bought it. People will take risks on a bike if there is a clear benefit.

When selling a motorcycle, seeing the buyer's perspective can improve our chance of success.

Bike Reputation

Some models get harder to sell as they age due to known problems. Showing documentation of fixes can make your bike more attractive. The brand's general reliability reputation also matters.

Obscure Engineering Won't Help Sell Your Bike

There is no need to reinvent the ovoid output shaft bearing. We cannot change bad engineering. We can educate buyers about benefits and any fixes used to address common issues.

Consider the flat-tappet Moto Guzzis before 2012. They often had cam wear unless they were "rollerized." Rollerizing means replacing flat tappets with rollers, often at high cost.

Know the common problems with your bike and explain how you handled them. This shows your dedication to the bike's value.

Location

Where you sell your bike affects how easily it sells. One issue is remoteness. If you target a small market, list it in nearby busier areas and offer to meet the buyer halfway.

Also consider the local motorcycle culture. Listing a dual-sport may be hard in a city with few trails. To sell effectively, expand the market by listing in nearby areas.

Local mileage norms also affect salability. In the Northeast, the riding season is short so bikes have fewer miles. A bike seen as high mileage up north might be fine down south.

While we cannot change the mileage, we can highlight long trips or adventures that show the bike's reliability and performance.

Seller Reputation

Consider your wrenching reputation in the local community. Many enjoy smooth deals with little haggling due to a strong mechanic rep. For that guy whose bike always leaks oil, selling will be harder.

Building a reputation takes time. Start with transparency and quick responses during the sale. Positive interactions can lead to future word-of-mouth.

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These ideas matter even more if the buyer plans a fly-n-ride. A solid reputation is crucial because trust drives decisions. If they buy airfare, they need confidence from your listing and communication.

If a buyer plans to travel, give detailed information. At minimum, offer video calls or tours to build trust.

Concluding Thoughts To More Easily Sell Your Bike

When selling your bike, remember that patience, transparency and flexibility are key. Review your listing often and be willing to adjust. Engage sincerely with buyers, address their concerns and highlight your bike's unique qualities.

List your bike on multiple platforms to increase visibility and reach more buyers. Be patient, since finding the right buyer can take time.

Explore new advertising platforms too. Understand the market and address obstacles early to improve your odds. With persistence and the right strategy, you will make a successful sale.

Why You Gonna Sell Your Bike?

Motorcycles come and go for many reasons. What is making you sell your bike? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!