In the past we’ve discussed when to sell your motorcycle, and we’d like to dig deeper into selling your motorcycle in the spring. When and how to sell your motorcycle in an important and tricky decision for many reasons. Spring is great season to list your motorcycle for sale, because the riding season is beginning to take off in many areas of the United States.
Weather
Spring can be a great time of year, but we’ve also just moved out of winter. And the weather in the winter, as the lyricist Sammy Cahn suggests, can be frightful. The market for selling afterwards, in the Spring, can be equally delightful. Many motorcycle riders are looking for their next bike to ride during the impending riding season. It’s usually a great time to list your bike for sale, or even just to start researching the possibility of selling your bike. It’s best to be prepared even if you don’t pull the final trigger until summer when the weather is optimal for almost all riders in the USA.
Even if the weather in your area isn’t perfect yet, keep in mind that it will only get warmer and more friendly as summer approaches. If it’s still especially bad in your area, consider focusing on reaching riders a few hundred miles south of you where they’re already experiencing more summer-like weather. Riders in Florida, Texas, southern California, and other similar states barely skip a beat in winter. You can easily sell your motorcycle to a biker in those regions if local buyers are still hesitant.
Pricing
According to ChopperExchange, the average selling price of a motorcycle in Spring of 2017 was $12,173. During the second and third quarter of that year a private seller could expect to get an average of 95 – 96% of their asking price. Whereas in the first and fourth quarter of the year, a seller would only expect to only get 93 – 94% of their asking price on ChopperExchange. That may not seem like a big difference, but 2% of $12,000 works out to $240. That money could get you several tanks of gas or some nice riding gear. Of course, your results may vary depending on where you list your motorcycle for sale and the valuation of your motorcycle.
Should You Sell?
When to sell your motorcycle is a very personal decision. No one can definitively tell you if the time is right for you. Spring can be a great opportunity to sell your used motorcycle, but you still want to sell smart and get the most for your motorcycle. Do your due diligence and explore all of your options to sell your motorcycle.
If you decide to sell, be cautious and don’t accept the first offer. Spring and summer are often a seller’s market, so time is on your side. Be wary of deals that appear to good to be true or must be taken advantage of immediately. Same day cash offers will almost always be well below fair market value. Conversely, getting top dollar for your motorcycle will take time and exposure. Finally, remember that there will always be another deal, whether you are the seller or the buyer.
