motorcycle 101 guides

How to Sell Your Motorcycle for Top Dollar

How to Sell Your Motorcycle for Top Dollar

If you treat your motorcycle like your own child, you likely have an emotional attachment to it. However, at some point, you will have to sell your motorcycle to buy a new one. As your riding skills improve and you become an intermediate or expert rider, you will want to buy a new, more powerful motorcycle that suits your skill level. To buy a new motorcycle, you will first have to trade or sell your old motorcycle for a decent amount. However, if you do not have a lot of money, you will want to sell your old motorcycle for top dollar. If you want to get the best possible offer from an interested buyer, read this article to learn how to sell your motorcycle for top dollar.

1. How to Sell Your Motorcycle for Top Dollar

1.1 Do Not Rush

If you plan to sell your motorcycle, do not rush the process. You can make several improvements to your motorcycle to increase its resale value. Trying to sell your motorcycle in a hurry may cause you to miss potential buyers offering better deals for your motorcycle.

1.2 Do Proper Research

Take time to conduct proper research about the motorcycle market and how to sell a used motorcycle. This research can be helpful if you have no prior experience selling a motorcycle. Learning about the current state of the market, how to look for and interact with interested buyers, and the cost of used motorcycles can help you get top dollar for your motorcycle.

1.3 Modifying Your Motorbike

Your motorcycle should be in good condition and visually attractive. Customizing your motorcycle is a great way to attract potential customers. Though, the modification must not to be too complicated. Avoid adding personal artwork as this will reduce the resale value of your motorcycle.


The most popular aftermarket parts you can install on your motorcycle are sissy bars, fairings, crash bars, sissy bar pads, seats, and handlebars. Luggage options, including saddlebags, tank bags, sissy bar bags, and motorcycle trunk bags, can improve your motorcycle’s touring capability.

1.4 Motorcycle Care

Wash your bike to keep it clean and shiny. Your motorcycle should be free of defects, marks, and scratches. You can use a variety of motorcycle cleaning products to clean chrome and matte surfaces.

1.5 Motorcycle Repair

Inspect all aspects of your motorcycle for defects and make necessary repairs before offering it to a potential buyer. Keep it well-maintained and lubricate the parts to ensure optimal performance.

1.6 Choosing a Safe and Reliable Motorcycle Market

List your motorcycle on reliable and secure e-commerce sites to be safe and get the best price. If you buy the motorbike through a dealer, you will be charged a fee or a commission. There are many reliable and safe online marketplaces where you can buy a motorcycle quickly and easily. With these e-commerce sites, you can reach thousands of potential buyers.

1.7 Posting High-Quality Display Images

If you are selling your motorcycle online, make sure to upload high-quality images displaying the motorcycle from every angle. This will help give a good impression to potential buyers.

1.8 Record a Video of Your Motorbike

Make a video of your motorcycle from all angles to show the aesthetics and performance of your motorcycle to the viewers. A video can help give customers an impression of the motorcycle's performance.

1.9 Add a Concise Yet Detailed Description

After the images have been uploaded, add a concise yet detailed description discussing everything the motorcycle buyer should know. Include keywords to ensure your ad is visible to more buyers.

1.10 Do Not Exaggerate

Do not write or claim anything false in the description. Only state facts to establish trust with the buyers.

1.11 Be Professional with the Buyer

When speaking with buyers, make sure to act professionally. Respectfully respond to all their questions and provide a comfortable environment to speak. Do not get frustrated if they keep asking basic questions about your motorcycle.

1.12 Be Prepared

Make sure to have all legal documents and maintenance history records ready in case the buyer asks for them. This will help you avoid any legal issues if there are problems with the motorcycle after ownership has been transferred.

1.13 Know Everything About Your Motorcycle

Most buyers are novice riders who may not know much about motorcycles. Knowing everything about your motorcycle, including its model year, engine size, horsepower, torque, seat height, weight, transmission, and other notable specs will demonstrate an extensive knowledge of your ride and help you answer any questions buyers may have.

1.14 Improve Your Marketing Skills

Having extensive knowledge of motorcycles, speaking courteously, promoting your motorcycle, and explaining the function of each part will help impress buyers. You can also share your experiences riding your motorcycle.

1.15 Offer to Transport the Motorcycle to the Buyer

If you are selling your motorcycle to a buyer who lives out of state, you can offer to transport/ship the motorcycle. This gesture may ingratiate your buyer and ensure a better deal for your motorcycle.

2. The Bottom Line

It can be difficult to sell your motorbike, but with a little work, you can ensure you sell it for the best price. Researching the market, demand, pricing, and other important factors will help you determine the target price range to sell your motorbike for top dollar.


Making sure your motorbike looks good and performs better through customization can draw the attention of potential buyers. Cleaning and maintaining it properly can also help increase its resale value. Finally, be nice professional, and patient while talking to potential buyers.

Reading next

How to Protect Yourself When Selling a Motorcycle
Victory Motorcycle Maintenance Schedule

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.