The day may come when it is time to sell your motorcycle. You want the highest price for your ride, but the process shouldn’t be a hassle. In the past, people would find their new bike in the classified ads. Today, they turn to the internet to look for a new motorcycle. What does this mean for the seller?
The Online Ad
The online ad is what draws people in and makes them want to see the bike in person. They may even make an offer for your motorcycle without seeing it in person or taking it for a test ride if the ad is compelling. This ad is your opportunity to show them why they can’t live without the bike.
Write a comprehensive and detailed description. Start with positive things about the bike and its unique features. Include the make, model, year, and mileage right after sharing the positive features, as people want this information early in the process.
Let potential buyers know whether the bike has a clean title or if there is a lien on it. Share information about any warranty, and let them know about any work that has been done to the bike. Transparency and honesty are essential when selling a motorcycle online.
Include photos and videos of the bike. Share close-up photos and videos of any upgrades and customizations, along with any damage to the bike. The one thing a seller should never do is misrepresent the condition of the bike. Buyers become frustrated when sellers do this.
Prepare the Bike
Before taking these photos and videos, ensure the bike is clean and all minor cosmetic damage has been fixed. While some work can be done independently, consider taking the bike to a professional. Doing so increases the value of the bike.
Take the bike in to be serviced and learn if any potential problems could derail the sale. Try to have these problems corrected before listing the motorcycle. If doing so isn’t possible, be upfront about the issues when crafting the ad to ensure nobody’s time is wasted.
People who take good care of their bikes shouldn’t have any worries when having this inspection carried out. Now is also a good time to gather all service records for the bike. Potential buyers want to see that the bike has been cared for and will pay more for a motorcycle with detailed service records.
Set a Price
Kelley Blue Book is an excellent starting point when determining a fair asking price for a used motorcycle. Be honest about the bike’s condition when using this research tool. Consider asking a friend to evaluate its condition, as they aren’t emotionally attached to the motorcycle. They can be more objective. You should also research local bikes for sale, as prices can vary significantly based on geographical region.
Communicate with Potential Buyers
Sellers must be prepared to communicate with potential buyers. Respond promptly to inquiries, and remain professional and courteous in all communications. Have all information readily available and know which payment methods will be accepted. Find a safe and secure location for test rides and be prepared to complete the transaction if a buyer decides to purchase the motorcycle.
Many people find this process to be overwhelming. Fortunately, they have the option of selling their bike to a dealer rather than conducting a private sale. The bike should still be prepared for sale, and the owner should have an idea of its value. However, they no longer need to complete the other steps, such as crafting an ad. Consider both options to decide which is best for your needs. Only you can make that choice.
