Where Is the Best Place to Sell a Motorcycle? From Tips for Getting the Best Price to Recommended Dealers

If you want to sell your motorcycle at a high price, multiple quotes are essential.

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When selling your motorcycle, it is recommended to get "multiple quotes" from at least two dealerships.

The reasons for this are "to understand the value of your motorcycle" and "to increase the appraisal value by creating competition among buyers."

To sell your motorcycle at a high price, getting multiple quotes is essential, so even if it seems a bit troublesome, make sure to get them.

When selling your motorcycle, a specialty motorcycle buyer is recommended.

Many people trade in or sell their motorcycles to dealerships when upgrading to a new one or due to changes in their living situation.

In such cases, selling to a specialty motorcycle buyer tends to fetch a higher price than trading it in or selling it to a general motorcycle dealership.

Also, when obtaining multiple quotes from at least two dealerships—which is a rule of thumb for getting a higher price—getting appraisal quotes from specialty buyers will likely result in a better selling price.

Since motorcycle dealerships and specialty buyers have different purchasing standards, obtaining multiple quotes from both won't provide a fair comparison.

While it depends on your location, many specialty motorcycle buyers offer free on-site appraisals with no travel or appraisal fees. Therefore, it's advisable to get multiple quotes only from specialty buyers.

In the next section, we introduce several tips for selling your motorcycle at a higher price, so please take a look at those as well.

4 Tips for Selling Your Motorcycle at a High Price

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The key points for selling your motorcycle at a high price are:

Apply for appraisals from about three companies.
Inform each buyer that you are also getting appraisals from other companies.
Have all appraisals conducted on the same day.
Have a friend or acquaintance who is good at negotiating accompany you.

Here they are.

We will explain each point in order, so please refer to them to achieve a high-price sale.

1. Apply for appraisals from about three companies.

The key to selling your motorcycle at a high price is to "apply for appraisal from about three companies, or at least two companies." (multiple quotes)

By requesting appraisal quotes from multiple companies, you can understand the current value of your beloved motorcycle and compare it with other companies.

You can choose to sell to the company that offers the highest appraisal, or by stating, "Another company offered this amount," you significantly increase the chances of getting a higher offer from other companies.

Requesting quotes from multiple motorcycle specialty buyers may seem a bit troublesome, but whether or not you put in that extra effort will affect the selling price of your beloved motorcycle.

While it depends on your region, if you can get appraisals from multiple buyers, it is highly recommended to get quotes from about three companies, compare them, and sell to the one with the most favorable terms.

2. Inform each buyer that you are also getting appraisals from other companies.

When getting an appraisal, be sure to mention that you are also getting (or have already gotten) appraisal quotes from other motorcycle buyers.

At that time, stating, "I will sell to the company with the most favorable buying conditions," significantly increases the possibility of a higher buying price.

Most buyers offer free on-site appraisals, but if they don't make a purchase, they incur travel expenses without a sale.

To avoid this, they need to secure a purchase, and many appraisers would prefer not to return empty-handed.

By informing each buyer that you are also getting appraisals from other companies, you increase the chance of getting a higher appraisal than other stores.

3. Have all appraisals conducted on the same day.

When requesting appraisal quotes from multiple buyers, arrange for all on-site appraisals to be on the same day.

A note of caution here: if you have them all come at the same time, the appraisal might take a long time, and even if you negotiate the price, it might not lead to a significant increase in the appraisal amount.

While the appraisals should be done on the same day, arrange for them to be conducted at different times.

4. Have a friend or acquaintance who is good at negotiating accompany you.

Having a friend or acquaintance who is good at negotiating or someone experienced in selling motorcycles accompany you can sometimes lead to a higher appraisal price.

While it depends on the ability of your companion, having someone skilled in negotiation or knowledgeable about increasing appraisal values can directly result in a higher appraisal.

Points to note after deciding on a buyer.

Once you have received appraisal quotes from multiple motorcycle buyers and decided on a seller, have the chosen buyer come to collect your motorcycle again.

Also, once you've decided on a buyer, be sure to contact the other companies to cancel their appraisals. (Most specialty buyers do not charge a cancellation fee.)

By properly canceling, you can prevent unexpected calls from buyers at inconvenient times, so don't forget to send cancellation notices.

5 Key Points When Choosing a Motorcycle Buyer

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There are many motorcycle buyers that offer nationwide on-site services, and some of you might be unsure which one to choose.

Therefore, in this section, we will introduce 5 key points that serve as criteria for choosing a motorcycle buyer.

By keeping these points in mind, you will be able to find a buyer with more favorable terms.

The five key points when choosing a motorcycle buyer are:

Choose a major buyer.
Do they handle the type of motorcycle you want to sell?
Do they offer nationwide on-site appraisal and purchase?
Do they buy non-operational vehicles?
What are their online reviews and reputation?

Here they are.

We will explain them in order.

1. Choose a major buyer.

When choosing a motorcycle buyer, you should "choose a major buyer" such as Bike O or Bike Land.

Because they are used by many people, they have extensive buying experience, and many offer free on-site appraisals and free cancellation fees after the appraisal.

There are also many user reviews online, so you can refer to those reviews.

2. Do they handle the type of motorcycle you want to sell?

Another important point to check is "whether they handle the type of motorcycle you want to sell."

Major buyers such as Bike O and Bike Kan SOX purchase almost all types of motorcycles, from new models to old bikes, non-operational bikes, and even accident-damaged bikes.

They also accept appraisal inquiries and consultations over the phone, so if you own a unique motorcycle, it's a good idea to call and inquire about their purchasing capabilities first.

3. Do they offer nationwide on-site appraisal and purchase?

Whether they offer nationwide on-site purchase is also a key point to check.

Many specialty motorcycle buyers offer nationwide on-site purchase, and by simply applying via their website or phone, they will come to your designated location for an appraisal.

Even if a buyer offers nationwide on-site service, if the designated appraisal location is far from their base, they might refuse to buy low-value motorcycles like mopeds, so it's necessary to confirm for such sales.

Most specialty buyers offer free on-site purchase, but also check if they offer nationwide on-site services.

4. Do they buy non-operational vehicles?

If you're considering selling a non-operational motorcycle—one that won't start, has a dead battery, or has a flat tire and cannot be ridden—checking if the buyer accepts non-operational vehicles is also a key point.

Many major buyers purchase non-operational and accident-damaged vehicles, but if you're considering selling such a motorcycle, confirm if they handle them.

Also, even motorcycles that you've been struggling to dispose of, thinking "I might have to pay a disposal fee," might be purchased, so it's recommended to inquire once.

Depending on the model and condition, you might even receive a sales fee instead of having to pay a disposal fee.

5. What are their online reviews and reputation?

Online reviews and reputation can also be helpful, so it's a good idea to check Twitter and other platforms.

In doing so, it's recommended to consider both positive and negative reviews and reputations.

The appraiser you get can make a difference, and depending on the time of year you sell, you might not get the expected buying price.

Some people post negative reviews that are almost critical when things don't go their way, so it's best to "evaluate buyers by looking at both the good and the bad comprehensively."

Next, we will explain important points to note before selling your motorcycle, so please check them before selling.

Points to Note Before Selling Your Motorcycle

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There are some important points to note before selling your motorcycle.

They are:

There are times when motorcycle appraisal values tend to be higher or lower.
It's safer to have dents and scratches appraised as they are, without repairs, before selling.
Check if the engine starts.
If there are genuine parts, have them appraised together (in the case of customized bikes).
Wash the bike and keep it as clean as possible.

These are the key points.

We will explain each of them in detail, in order.

1. There are times when motorcycle appraisal values tend to be higher or lower.

There are periods when motorcycle appraisal values tend to be higher and periods when they tend to be lower.

During seasons when motorcycles sell well, sellers of used motorcycles need more inventory.

From early spring to autumn (March to September), the demand for motorcycles increases, making it a period when motorcycle appraisals tend to be higher.

Times when motorcycles tend to be purchased at a high price:

March to April, when new lifestyles begin.
Late May to late July, before summer vacation and Obon holidays begin.
August to late September, until just before the end of the motorcycle season.

These periods are said to be when motorcycle appraisal values tend to rise.

From the perspective of used car dealers, not having inventory when there is demand for motorcycles means lost sales opportunities, so they try to avoid running out of stock as much as possible.

To prevent inventory shortages, they try to acquire more motorcycle inventory, which boosts motorcycle purchases, and as a result, purchase prices tend to increase.

Conversely, from November to late February, when fewer people ride motorcycles, used motorcycles don't sell as well, so appraisal values are often lower. However, winter is a recommended time to buy a motorcycle.

2. It's safer to have dents and scratches appraised as they are, without repairs, before selling.

If your motorcycle has dents or scratches, depending on their size and extent, it might be better to show them to the appraiser as they are, without repairs.

The reason is that for minor scratches or slight dents, the repair cost can often be higher than the amount deducted from the appraisal.

However, for motorcycles that are nearly new or highly popular models, there is a greater demand for a condition close to new, so even small scratches can lead to significant deductions.

Furthermore, attempting self-repair or touch-ups is not recommended, as scratches might not be completely fixed, or paint might be uneven.

This can lead to additional restoration costs and even larger deductions, so avoid attempting repairs or touch-ups yourself.

3. Check if the engine starts.

It is important to check if the engine starts before getting an appraisal.

While some buyers will purchase non-operational motorcycles whose engines don't start, it's also possible that no appraisal can be given if the engine doesn't start.

If the engine absolutely won't start, request an appraisal from a buyer that accepts non-operational vehicles. If no appraisal can be given due to reasons such as an accident, it's best to contact a buyer specializing in scrap motorcycles.

4. If there are genuine parts, have them appraised together (in the case of customized bikes).

If your motorcycle is customized and you have the genuine parts, include them in the appraisal.

The reason is that there is a greater demand for motorcycles in their original, normal condition in the used market compared to customized ones.

Even if it's customized, if it can be restored to genuine condition, it becomes easier to sell in the used market, which can lead to a higher appraisal than keeping it customized.

The buying price changes based on demand, so if you have genuine parts, don't forget to show them to the appraiser.

5. Wash the bike and keep it as clean as possible.

Keeping your motorcycle clean can create a good impression on the appraiser, signaling that it has been well-maintained, and potentially increasing its appraisal value.

Therefore, washing the bike and ensuring it's in a clean condition before the appraisal is important for increasing its value.

Next, we will introduce recommended motorcycle buyers, so please use them as a reference for selling your beloved motorcycle.

【2022 Edition】7 Recommended Motorcycle Buyers

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In introducing recommended motorcycle buyers, we have only included those that meet the following conditions:

They are major buyers.
They offer nationwide on-site purchasing.
Travel and appraisal fees are free.

Also, getting appraisal quotes from multiple buyers will lead to a higher purchase price, so it is recommended to choose a few from the introduced buyers and request an appraisal.

Bike O

Bike O holds the top market share in terms of user numbers among specialty motorcycle buyers.

They have purchased over 2 million motorcycles to date, and by handling a large volume of purchases, they achieve cost reductions in travel and shipping fees, which they then pass on to customers in the form of higher purchase prices.

They offer nationwide on-site appraisals and purchases, and appraisal applications are accepted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can apply whenever you wish to sell.

Furthermore, they regularly run campaigns that increase purchase prices, so utilizing these campaign periods can potentially lead to a more advantageous sale.

Bike O: https://www.8190.jp/

On-site service availability: Yes
Service area: Nationwide
Appraisal fee (usage fee): Free
Buying commission: Free
Payment date: Typically immediate
Non-operational bike purchase support: Yes

Bike One

Bike One is a specialty motorcycle buyer that offers nationwide free on-site purchase as early as the same day of application.

They purchase various types of motorcycles, including common catalog models, imported models, custom bikes, and even kit bikes.

They also handle non-operational and accident-damaged motorcycles, so if your bike was not appraised or was rejected by other companies, there's a high possibility that Bike One will buy it.

Bike One: https://www.bikeone.jp/

On-site service availability: Yes
Service area: Nationwide
Appraisal fee (usage fee): Free
Buying commission: Free
Payment date: Typically immediate
Non-operational bike purchase support: Yes

Bike Kan SOX

Bike Kan SOX (Socks) is a specialty motorcycle buyer operated by a subsidiary of Yellow Hat, a major listed company in automotive accessories sales.

Since they sell the purchased motorcycles themselves, there are no intermediary margins, so you can expect a high purchase price.

You can easily get an estimated appraisal price online by entering the motorcycle's model, year, and mileage, so it's a good idea to use this service first to understand the market rate.

Bike Kan SOX: https://www.bs-sox.com/

On-site service availability: Yes
Service area: Nationwide
Appraisal fee (usage fee): Free
Buying commission: Free
Payment date: Typically immediate
Non-operational bike purchase support: Yes

Bike Boy

Bike Boy is a specialty motorcycle buyer strong in purchasing customized bikes and Harleys.

They consistently run campaigns that increase the purchase price of Harleys, and they also offer high purchase prices for specific models such as CVO, Sportster, and Softail.

While they appraise customized bikes reflecting market demand, the appraisal value can increase further if you have genuine parts, so if you still have them, be sure to show them to the appraiser.

Bike Boy: https://www.bikeboy.jp/

On-site service availability: Yes
Service area: Nationwide
Appraisal fee (usage fee): Free
Buying commission: Free
Payment date: Typically immediate
Non-operational bike purchase support: Yes

Bike Passion

Bike Passion is a specialty buyer with many repeat customers.

They publish the latest market prices for motorcycles and their purchase track record on their official website, which can be a useful reference.

Even accident-damaged, non-operational, or water-damaged motorcycles often receive an appraisal, so if you have a motorcycle you're struggling to dispose of, we recommend getting an appraisal from Bike Passion.

Bike Passion: https://www.bike-passion.net/market/honda.htm

On-site service availability: Yes
Service area: Nationwide
Appraisal fee (usage fee): Free
Buying commission: Free
Payment date: Typically immediate
Non-operational bike purchase support: Yes

Red Baron

Red Baron is a major motorcycle sales chain with stores nationwide.

They have approximately 300 stores across 46 prefectures in Japan, excluding Okinawa, providing a sense of security with physical locations.

They offer a comprehensive range of motorcycle-related services, including in-store purchases, sales of new and used motorcycles, and maintenance.

While their purchase prices might be slightly less competitive than specialty buyers, the advantage is that Red Baron can handle everything if you're selling your current motorcycle to buy a new model.

They also offer a unique selling method not found at specialty buyers: "consignment sales," where your motorcycle is displayed for sale in their store, and the sale is finalized after a buyer is found.

Red Baron: https://www.redbaron.co.jp/

On-site service availability: Yes
Service area: Nationwide (physical stores, on-site pick-up also available)
Appraisal fee (usage fee): Free
Buying commission: Free
Payment date: Typically immediate
Non-operational bike purchase support: Yes

Bike Bros

Bike Bros provides motorcycle information online and offers a bulk appraisal service for buyers, also having a business alliance with Kakaku.com.

You can choose up to 8 companies from approximately 120 affiliated buyers to get a bulk appraisal, making it ideal for those who want to compare before selling their motorcycle.

While there are other websites for bulk motorcycle appraisals, Bike Bros boasts an overwhelming number of affiliated companies, helping you find buyers with more favorable terms.

Bike Bros: https://kaitori.bikebros.co.jp/

On-site service availability: Yes
Service area: Nationwide
Appraisal fee (usage fee): Free
Buying commission: Free
Payment date: Immediate
Non-operational bike purchase support: Depends on the selected buyer.

Summary

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We've introduced key points for getting a high appraisal for your motorcycle, things to note before appraisal, and recommended buyers.

Keep in mind the points that tend to lead to a higher appraisal, and also consider the timing of your sale, as buying prices can fluctuate. If you want to sell at a higher price, paying attention to the selling season can be beneficial.

Please refer to the information discussed here to secure the best possible selling terms for your motorcycle.