Thinking of Selling Your Motorcycle? Read This First

As avid motorcyclists ourselves, we know that the temptation of a quick sale and cash in hand is difficult to resist when selling your motorcycle. It’s all too easy to just say yes to the first offer, especially if you’re short on time. However, making an impulsive move like that could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

Before you say goodbye to your bike, please take a minute to read our quick motorcycle seller’s checklist. Once you’ve armed yourself with the necessary information, you can go about selling your motorcycle with confidence, and you’ll have the knowledge to back it up.

Selling Your Motorcycle? Follow This Complete Checklist

We know from experience that selling a beloved motorcycle is always a bittersweet moment. Look on the bright side, though: you now have the perfect excuse to buy a bike that’s newer, faster, and better than the last one.

1) Pick Your Venue: What’s the Best Way to Sell a Motorcycle?

Choosing the ideal sales channels to advertise your bike can mean the difference between a quick sale or waiting weeks for a legitimate offer. 

First, consider your bike’s “type.” Is it a high-end custom chopper or an older model that will run forever but never win a beauty contest? 

Next, determine which venues are most likely to attract the kind of buyers you’re looking for, and then advertise on the best ones.

You could also choose the more traditional routes for motorcycle sales:

  • Craigslist
  • Autotrader
  • Cycle Trader
  • Rumble On
  • Local classifieds
  • eBay
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Local dealerships
  • Auction houses
  • Cycle Crunch
  • Trade shows

How to Sell a Motorcycle Fast

Do you need to sell your motorcycle fast? If so, you can go to your local dealership or use one of those websites where a company offers you cash for your bike then sends a truck to your house to pick it up.

Yes, those methods are fast and convenient. However, be aware that you’re unlikely to get a good price for your bike. In all likelihood, you probably won’t even get a fair price, let alone a good one.

2) Do Your Homework and Create Your Ad

Now, it’s time to research your bike. Check Red Book, NADA, Cycle Trader, eBay, Autotrader, or any other website or publication featuring legal motorcycle sales or valuation tools. Compare your bike with similar models to determine its current market price.

Next, take pictures and then write down all the pros and cons of your bike. Be honest. If you lie and attract the wrong buyer, you won’t get a sale—only wasted time. 

Finally, decide on the lowest sale price you’ll accept, then stick to your guns even when facing a particularly stubborn negotiator.

You’ll need to get your title squared away before advertising your motorcycle. If you are missing the title or you have a lien on your bike, you’ll need to state that information clearly in your advertisement. In addition to the title (if you have it), gather any service records you have for your bike, including tune-ups, repairs, or any modifications.

4) Pick a Safe Meeting Spot

Fortunately, most police departments have designated areas in the station parking lot for people to meet up when buying or selling things online. Asking buyers if they’ll meet you at the police station is also a great way to discourage scammers. Anyone who isn’t willing to meet there should immediately become part of your block list.

5) Should You Let Potential Buyers Test-Drive Your Bike?

The question of whether you should let potential buyers go on a test drive is one that you’ll have to face when selling your bike. If you tell a buyer no, they may think you’re hiding something and look elsewhere for their new ride. But if you say yes, how can you be sure they won’t just ride off into the sunset, never to return?

First, take a photo of their driver’s license before you let them hop on your beloved hog, and check that the picture matches their face. Also, never let a buyer test-drive your bike with a full gas tank. Keep the tank just above E, and feel free to follow the person as they ride your bike. Finally, make sure that you have the proper insurance coverage in place to protect you from any unexpected events.

6) Record and Finalize the Sale

Don’t forget to record the buyer’s contact information and take a picture of their driver’s license. Next, fill out the official bill of sale and ensure that both parties have a copy. Finally, take your plates off (if necessary) and notify your insurance company of the completed sale.

7) Cash Only

We feel it’s necessary to emphasize this particular piece of advice when selling your motorcycle: Only accept cash payment, particularly if you’re advertising online. However, if you’re shipping your bike to a buyer across the country, Western Union or MoneyGram are two acceptable methods for you to receive payment.

Hopefully, you were able to take our advice before selling your motorcycle, and you had an overall successful experience. However, we know that life often changes unexpectedly. If you’re dealing with a legal issue stemming from a motorcycle sale or you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, our team at Law Tigers is here to help.

Our legal team is proud to champion the rights of injured motorcycle riders everywhere across the USA. If you need help with a motorcycle accident case, call us at Law Tigers today at 1-800-529-8443 to schedule your free initial consultation with a motorcycle lawyer near you.