Motorcycle Sale By Owner (2024)

FAQs

How do you write a motorcycle for sale? ›

Make sure to include the make, model, mileage, and model year of your bike in your listing. You should also note any major repairs, modifications, or damage that buyers need to be aware of. Another important thing to include in the listing is your contact information.

The months of April, May, June, and July are considered the best months to sell motorcycles. This is because of the warm weather experienced in these months. But, the motorcycle season is usually at its peak between May and June. Motorcycle buyers are high in demand within these two months.

Avoid scams

People write bad checks. Even money orders can be fraudulent. It's a good idea to trust your instincts. When you accept payment, obtain their driver's license information too—a photocopy is best.

The fair market value is the amount you could reasonably sell your motorcycle for if it was not damaged. You should not take the ACV of your motorcycle from the insurance company at face value.

If you use your motorcycle more than 50% of the time for business transportation, you'll likely be able to deduct your entire depreciable basis in a single year using a provision of the tax code called Section 179.

A bike ridden hard with high mileage will depreciate faster than a bike with low mileage. Condition - A well-maintained bike in great condition will hold its value better than one that hasn't been looked after. Rarity - If there's a high demand for a particular make and model, it will depreciate slower.

Global Motorcycles Industry keeps growing in 2024. After the first six months, the global sales of scooter, moped and motorcycles have been 32.7 million (+5.1%).

A used touring motorcycle, for example, will usually last for about 100,000 miles. A used sport bike, in contrast, will usually last for about 50,000 miles. When figuring out the lifespan of a used motorcycle, it's important to consider the predicted amount of time for that particular type and model.

What is the best form of payment when selling a motorcycle? ›

Know Your Payment Options for Selling a Motorcycle

You can look to sell by accepting a cashier's check or certified bank check so the money is guaranteed, but look out for scams with fake checks or buyers seeking refunds with checks when they overpay; the amount of the check should be exact.

In general, the requirements for changing ownership of a motorcycle in California are: Possession of the title (pink slip) or an application for a duplicate/paperless title. The signature of the seller(s) (and lienholder, as applicable) on the title. The signature of the buyer on the title.

Generally, high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.

Motorcycle's Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Insurers determine your bike's ACV by looking at its year, make, model, mileage, overall condition, and any upgrades or modifications. They typically use sources like Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, and local comp sales of similar motorcycles to calculate a fair market value.

NADA stands for National Automobile Dealers Association. Like Kelley Blue Book, NADA takes information about motorcycles and the marketplace to determine values. Values are based on condition, mileage, age, etc. We use these values to calculate payouts on total losses and thefts for Rider Insurance claims.

Be sure to put an honest, detailed description of your motorcycle on any listing you make. Details such as the price, mileage, make, and model are all essential elements potential buyers will want to see. You will also want to take photos of your motorcycle.

Title Transfer

A Certificate of Title is a legal document that establishes vehicle ownership. After the Bill of Sale is complete, the seller will receive payment for the motorcycle. Then, the seller will legally transfer ownership of the motorcycle to the buyer by signing over the Certificate of Title.

Registering motorcycles without Previous Florida titles

If you are buying a motorcycle in Florida, ask the seller for a title. If there is none, tell the seller to get a duplicate title by applying for the 'Duplicate' or 'Lost' title form at the DMV. That way, you can proceed with the rest of the registration process.