Get More Bites: Tips To Help Sell Your Bike

You've prepared your motorcycle for sale and set a fair price. The ad is live as you wait, eagerly. Almost immediately, you receive a message.

Great news! A buyer is ready to pick it up right away but they ask that you purchase a strange vehicle history report from a rando, shortened link. Annoyed by the scam, you block and report 'em and then everything goes quiet.

Days turn into weeks. Despite your effort to price it right, there are no interested buyers. What's a rider to do?

First, let's review the ad. Are the pictures clear and of good quality? Ensure the lighting is good, include everything to be sold and specify which bike the listing is for.

The description should be thorough, providing any/all information a potential buyer would want. People prefer having information upfront rather than needing to call and ask. When a rider wants to sell a bike, best to 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 bike's price. But before we do, let's maybe enhance our listing with additional details or features that might attract more interest. Below are some strategies that could help.

Local Supply

That bike might not be getting attention because there are too many similar models available locally. This can lower prices or make bikes that are competitively priced nationally (like KBB-level pricing) seem overpriced locally due to high supply. I recently visited two local dealerships and saw at least 10 BMW K1600s at one 6 more at the other.

Both dealers sell many used bikes and aren't BMW-specific but the large number of local examples could make it harder for an individual to sell the same machine.

While we can't control local stock, understanding it can help us strategize. Consider highlighting unique features or recent maintenance that sets the bike apart from others in the area.

Seasonal Demand

Up north (USA), motorcycle sales are fair weather friendly. Selling a bike in late fall is tough because buyers won't ride it much right away and need to arrange winter storage. This slows the market so bikes stay listed longer than a seller would hope.

Economic factors also play a role. "Luxury" items like motorcycles are often postponed during economic uncertainty or recession. The need to save for holidays or the extra cash from tax season affects the market.

We can't change the season but we can fine-tune our strategy. Consider offering incentives. Maybe track down winter storage solutions or highlight the bike's readiness for the next riding season.

Mechanical Problems

Sometimes, we need to sell a bike that's in less-than-perfect condition. Maybe we reduced the price to account for parts or repairs. Let's think like a buyer for a moment.

Buying a used motorcycle can be risky. Smart buyers know that sellers might not be completely honest about a bike's mech status. If a motorcycle needs work right away, especially to run, buyers will likely prefer a bike that needs, well ... nothing.

To encourage anyone to take that leap, we might discount the cost of parts and labor. Show them they'll benefit in the end. That's harder to sell than a fully functional bike nearby, though.

If hesitant to lower the price, consider offering a detailed maintenance history or recent inspection report from a reputable source to reassure potential buyers.

For example, when I bought my 2016 R1200RT, it needed a new front shock (it's a telelever so go easy on me). A new one from BMW would cost thousands, explaining the discount. I bought it because I might not need to replace it and planned to upgrade via Tractive.

Ultimately, the total cost (Tractive or not) was below the market rate for that year/make/model. The perceived value far outweighed the cost and risk so I bought it. People will take risks on bikes if there's a personal benefit.

When selling a bike, understanding the buyer perspective can improve our chance of success.

Bike Reputation

Some models are harder to sell as they age due to reliability issues or known problems. Documentation showing how we've addressed these issues can make our bike more attractive to buyers. The brand's general reputation for reliability also matters.

Obscure Engineering Won't Help Sell Your Bike

There's no need to reinvent the ovoid output shaft bearing. We can't change bad engineering. We can educate potential buyers about the benefits and any solutions implemented to address common issues.

Consider the flat-tappet Moto Guzzis before 2012. They were known to have camshaft wear unless "rollerized". Rollerizing involves replacing flat tappets with rollers, often at a high cost.

Understanding common problems with our motorcycle and explaining how we've managed them are great methods for showing our dedication to the bike's value.

Location

Where we're selling our bike can affect how easily it sells. One issue is remoteness. If we're targeting a small market, try listing the bike in nearby, busier areas, offering to meet the buyer halfway.

Also, consider the local bike culture. Listing a dual-sport motorcycle might be difficult in a city without many trails. To sell a bike effectively, expand the market by listing in nearby areas.

Local mileage norms can also impact saleability. In the northeast, a typical riding season is short so bikes have fewer miles. A bike considered high mileage up north might be more appealing down south.

While we can't (legally) change the mileage, we might highlight long-distance trips or adventures that demonstrate the bike's reliability and performance.

Seller Reputation

It's worth considering our wrenching reputation in the community where we're selling. Many have smooth transactions, with little to no haggling, due to an excellent mechanic rep. For that guy who's bike always leaks oil, selling is gonna be harder.

Building a reputation takes time. Anyone can start with transparency and responsiveness over the course of a sale. Positive interactions can lead to future, word-of-mouth recommendations.

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These ideas are even more important if our buyer plans a fly-n-ride. Building a solid rep becomes crucial, as trust can influence buyer decisions. Investing in airfare requires buyer confidence, which again comes from the listing and communication.

Any buyer's decision to travel deserves detailed information in kind or, at the very least, video calls/tours to fortify trust.

Concluding Thoughts To More Easily Sell Your Bike

As you navigate selling your bike, remember that patience, transparency and adaptability are key. Regularly assess your listing's effectiveness and be open to adjusting your approach. Engage sincerely with potential buyers, addressing their concerns and highlighting your bike's unique qualities.

Consider listing your bike on multiple platforms to increase visibility and reach a broader audience. Patience is crucial, as finding the right buyer can take time.

Explore new advertising platforms as well. Ultimately, understanding the market and proactively addressing sale obstacles will increase chances of finding the right buyer. With persistence and the right strategy, you'll soon make a successful sale.

Why You Gonna Sell Your Bike?

Motorcycles come and go and the reasons are many. What's making you sell your motorcycle? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!