Are you ready to upgrade to a bigger or newer motorcycle? Maybe your riding style has changed and you want to swap from a touring bike to a cruiser or vice versa. Either way, you have numerous models out there to choose from. Of course, you’ll need to sell your current bike to make room for the new one and help make the purchase a bit easier on your budget. If you’re like most people, you want to get as much money as you can out of the deal. The following measures can help you maximize the profit from selling your motorcycle.
Know Your Bike’s Value
One of the most important measures when selling is understanding your motorcycle’s resale value. Several factors can affect a bike’s value. Its brand and model are among them. Its age, mileage, and condition also factor into the equation. Upgrades and customizations can impact its value as well. You can use online resources, like KBB or NADA to give you a general idea of what it’s worth. An appraiser may be able to give you a more accurate estimate of its value. Once you understand how much money the motorcycle is worth, you can set an asking price or take steps to boost its value.
Make Repairs
As mentioned, the condition of a bike affects its value. If your bike has scratches, dents, and other problems, consider having those repaired before putting it on the market. That applies to cosmetic blemishes as well as mechanical and electrical issues. Each repair that’s carried out will improve the bike’s appearance or performance and make it more appealing in the eyes of buyers. Though you probably don’t want to invest a great deal of money in the bike just to turn around and sell it, taking care of a few relatively minor details can go a long way.
Clean up the Bike
Before selling any type of vehicle, having it detailed, or at least giving it a good bath, is recommended. Motorcycles are no exception. If a motorcycle is clean and it looks its best, it’ll attract more buyers, and they’ll most likely be willing to pay more for it.
Have the Bike Serviced
Another way to increase a bike’s resale value is to have it serviced before selling it. A tune-up will make it run better, which is sure to impress prospects. Be sure to keep your maintenance receipt to show potential buyers as well. If, by chance, you’ve kept past service records, show those to prospects too. They’ll serve as proof that you’ve taken good care of the bike.
Sell at the Right Time
When you sell your bike can also affect your profit. It’s generally best to sell in early spring. That’s when the demand for used motorcycles is highest. People are eager to buy before riding season is in full swing, so they’re often inclined to pay haggle less and pay more at that time of the year.
Getting the Most Money for Your Motorcycle
Selling a motorcycle for at least close to your asking price can be tricky. After all, while you want to get as much money as possible out of the deal, potential buyers want to spend as little as possible. Keep the points mentioned here in mind to help you fulfill your goal. At the same time, be sure to keep your expectations realistic and set a reasonable price so prospects will be more inclined to pay what you’re asking.
