If you are looking to sell your motorbike, perhaps because you are considering an upgrade, or you simply don’t use it enough and need the funds, you want to be sure that you are not only going to be getting a good price for it but also avoid any scams and make a safe sale.
With that in mind, we thought we’d put together this quick guide to selling your motorbike to guide you through the process if you are thinking of selling your bike soon.
Prepare your bike for sale
You’ll want to make sure that you give your bike a proper clean and polish before you take pictures and put it up for sale, as well as checking it over and making any repairs if necessary.
When evaluating what your bike is worth, take into account the age, mileage, and overall condition of the bike. It’s a good idea to check how much people in your area are selling similar bikes for to get a rough idea of what you can expect to fetch.
You’ll want to price it to attract enquiries, but be sure to allow a bit of a margin for any haggling so you don’t end up selling it for less than you would like.
Avoiding scams
If you are selling your bike privately, it is important to be savvy to ensure you don’t fall victim to thieves and con artists posing as would-be buyers. Never give out up front details such as the V5C or your personal details, and be wary of emails from abroad.
You should definitely be cautious of anybody who offers to buy your bike without coming to see it in person or offers to pay more than the asking price. You should also be wary of shipping or ESCROW services that a potential buyer suggests, as these could be bogus.
Make sure that you don’t meet potential buyers anywhere where you could be vulnerable, and ideally bring a friend with you, even if they aren’t an expert on bikes, just for safety reasons.
It is generally safest to take payment via bank transfer, as this is immediate, and cash can be counterfeit. For an extra layer of security, we recommend using the CHAPS system, as such payments are irrevocable.
Selling quickly and securely
If all of this sounds a little overwhelming or you are worried about being scammed, a straightforward and safe way sell is on Motorbike Trader, who will give you a valuation for your bike and then pay you via bank transfer or in cash within 48 hours. They will also collect your bike from anywhere, so you don’t need to worry about sorting out delivery.
All you need to do is enter your registration number, mileage, and some details about the condition and you will receive a valuation on the same day, which is ideal if you’re selling because you’re in need of some quick cash. Your bike doesn’t need an M.O.T or full service history, as they consider all bikes.