How to Get the Best Deal When Selling Your Motorcycle
As a biking enthusiast, your motorcycle is likely your most prized possession. However, there may come a time where you seek to sell it, whether it’s because you want to upgrade to a different model, or buy a car. The motorcycle market can be difficult to navigate, and you should always be prepared for a tough negotiation. Buyers will use every technique possible to get you to reduce your asking price, but you can follow the tips below to help you navigate your sale with confidence.
Prepare the motorcycle
The appearance of your motorcycle can set the tone of the transaction. You should do everything possible to ensure that it is clean and well-maintained. Before presenting it to a potential buyer, wash the exterior, remove dirt and grime from areas that are hard to reach, and polish the chrome. Inspect it to find cosmetic and mechanical issues. Replace worn-out parts like lights, brake pads, and tires. Ensure that you change the engine oil and brake fluid as well.
Determine your motorcycle’s value
Before walking into any negotiation, do some research to assess your motorcycle’s value. This will give you a reasonable foundation to set your asking price. There are many websites that you can use to determine your motorcycle value. This often involves filling out a form with the necessary information and letting their experts figure it out for you.
Alternatively, you can look up listings of similar bikes on online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace to learn what others are selling them for. Lastly, factor in any modifications to the bike with aftermarket parts and reasonably add some of that cost to the price.
List the motorcycle on online platforms
You should list your motorcycle on several reliable online platforms that deal with second-hand items, such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Multiple listings attract more bids and provide you with a larger selection of choices for who to sell your bike to.
This will give you negotiating leverage that you can use to get the best deal for yourself after considering all options. The listings should contain details about your motorcycle’s key specifications alongside high-quality photos from different angles.
Focus exclusively on serious offers
Not everyone who places bids on your motorcycle or makes inquiries about it will be serious about purchasing it. However, it is your responsibility to discern serious buyers and engage with them.
If anyone you are dealing with expresses hesitation, it may be best to avoid them. Ensure you use your discretion during this process. When you meet buyers, ensure it is in a public place in daylight, and possibly with a companion who can protect you and provide guidance if necessary.
Negotiate firmly
Before discussing with a potential buyer, have the lowest figure that you will accept in mind. That way, you will walk away satisfied from the sale. If the buyer makes a counteroffer to your listed price, take your time to respond and do not cave into the pressure to accept a lowball bid.
You can make references to the key specifications of the motorcycle to let them know that you are selling them a valuable item for which you know it’s worth. During the negotiation, ensure you are fair but firm to ensure you are not taken advantage of.
Endnote
Selling your motorcycle might not be easy, but by following these tips, finding the right deal and buyer can be made a little more simple. Be patient throughout the process, and be vigilant to avoid leaving money on the table or being scammed during the sale.
