Used Motorcycle Prices Guide
Like all markets, the value of used motorcycles vary according to factors that apply to the industry as a whole and also the particular motorcycle model.
Our used motorcycle price guide will walk you through the different things that affect the price of used motorcycles and will show you how to start comparing what's currently available on the market and at what price.
Factor 1: Basic Supply And Demand
| When demand is higher than the available supply (ie there are more
buyers than there are used motorcycles) the price will go up across the
board. Likewise, when there is more supply than demand (ie more used motorcycles
for sale than there are would be buyers) prices will go down across the
board. |
Factor 2: The Popularity Or Not Of A Particular Model
| Some motorcycles become or are instantly when released classics while
others never quite hit the mark despite often being "solid"
motorcycles. |
Factor 3: Dealer Or Private Seller
| As a general rule - if you do your research properly - you will ALWAYS
find a significantly better deal through a private seller than you will
through a dealer. |
Factor 4: Mileage
| Mileage can seriously affect the price of a used motorcycle and these price
differences are seen most severely in different motorcycle categories and
models. For example, it is generally accepted that tourers, sport tourers and the big dual-sport (or adventure) motorcycles will have higher mileages and as such used values will not be as significantly affected as a sportbike with miles above the average for that motorcycle might be. On the flip side, if the engine of the particular motorcycle has a solid reputation for lasting then huge savings can be made by buyers who are willing to purchase higher than average mileage bikes as sellers can often run into difficulties when trying to get rid of them. |
Factor 5: Usage And Overall Condition
| Has the motorcycle been ridden year round in bad weather and on salty roads,
has it been off-road and is there evidence of these things. Has it been used as a commuter or for racing. Anything out of the norm for that particular motorcycle will adversely affect its value as compared to other private offerings and conversely shrewd buyers can make significant savings on such models providing they carry out the neccessary due dilligence and confirm that any potential issues are only surface deep. |
Factor 6: Service History And Past Problems
| A bike should have full service history with proof of work under warranty
and the fixing of any known issues. As a buyer expect to pay more for a used motorcycle with full service history and expect to save some money if you're comfortable (ie your understanding of motorcycles and the model in question) purchasing a bike that has either missed a service or the service has been done at home by the rider. |
Factor 7: Remaining Warranty
| Any time left on the original manufacturer warranty will bump the price a
little and it's a fair trade off for the buyer as you have the comfort of
knowing you are still protected for at least a period of time. Many motorcycles come on to the used market as their original warranty runs out as sellers purchase new bikes with full warranty cover. Always do proper research on such bikes to check you are not buying into a lot of problems and make sure you negotiate the price down. |
Factor 8: The Addition Of Aftermarket Parts And Accessories
| Many motorcyclists add aftermarket parts in order to customize or make their
bike their own. Despite the expectations of some sellers, generally speaking
a seller will never recover much money for aftermarket add-ons which often
leads to them stripping the bike back to stock and selling the motorcycle
and accessories seperately. Don't pay over the odds for accessories and if you don't want some of the things that the previous owner has added make that fact known and negotiate the price down. |
How To Research Prices...
| There are numerous online resources like the "Blue Book" which
provide values for used motorcycle models. > Cruiser
Motorcycles |