Okay, so I finally did it. I sold my old motorcycle. It took some time, but I learned a lot along the way, and I want to share my experience with you all.
First off, I decided to sell the bike myself. I had heard that if you trade it in at a dealership, they usually lowball you. Like, they might only give you 50% to 90% of what they’ll eventually sell it for. No way was I going to let that happen, so I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
I started by cleaning the bike thoroughly. I mean, I scrubbed it from top to bottom until it looked amazing. I’m not very familiar with the specific structure of a motorcycle, so I took some courses online. I found some great motorcycle safety courses that also talked about maintenance. Also, I spent hours on websites and forums, like * and Reddit’s r/motorcycles. There are so many bikers out there sharing tips, it’s crazy. I even found specific forums for my bike’s brand, which was super helpful. I just typed “how to clean a motorcycle,” and boom, tons of info popped up. I even learned how to fix some minor scratches and stuff.
Once the bike was sparkling, I took a bunch of photos. I’m talking all angles, close-ups of the important parts, the whole shebang. I read somewhere that good photos can make a huge difference, so I made sure they were clear and showed off the bike’s best features. I took the photos during the day when the lighting was good, and it really made a difference.
Next, I wrote a detailed description. I listed all the specs, the mileage, any upgrades or modifications I had made, and even threw in a bit about why I loved the bike. I think people like to hear the story behind the machine. I was honest about any issues too, because nobody wants surprises later on.
Decide where to sell
- The first place I thought of was online marketplaces. You know, the usual spots where people sell all kinds of stuff. I figured it was a good place to start because lots of people use them.
- Then there are websites specifically for selling vehicles. I checked out a few of those, and they seemed pretty legit. They even had tools to help you figure out the right price for your bike.
- I also thought about using social media. I’ve seen people sell things on their personal pages or in groups, so I figured why not? It’s free, and you never know who might be interested.
- Don’t forget about good old-fashioned word of mouth. I told my friends, family, and coworkers that I was selling my bike. Sometimes, someone you know might be looking for exactly what you’re selling.
After setting the price, it was time to post my ad. I put it up on a few different websites to get the most exposure. Then, I just waited for the inquiries to roll in. I used a separate email address just for selling the bike, so my personal inbox didn’t get flooded.
When people started contacting me, I responded quickly and politely. I answered all their questions and arranged test rides for those who were seriously interested. I made sure to meet them in a safe, public place during the daytime. Safety first, always.
Finally, I found a buyer who was really excited about the bike. We negotiated a price that we were both happy with, and then it was time to finalize the sale. I made sure all the paperwork was in order, like the title and bill of sale. I double-checked everything to avoid any headaches later.
And that’s it! I handed over the keys, watched my old bike ride off into the sunset with its new owner, and felt a mix of nostalgia and accomplishment. It was a bit of work, but I saved a bunch of money by selling it myself, and I learned a ton in the process. If you’re thinking about selling your motorcycle, I hope my experience gives you some helpful tips and the confidence to do it yourself!