SOX Motorcycle Buyers: Reviews and Reputation? From High-Price Appraisals to Tips, Explained in Detail!

What is Bike Kan SOX? Basic information explained

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Bike Kan SOX (Sox) primarily deals with the sale of new domestic and imported motorcycles and the purchase and sale of used motorcycles. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yellow Hat, a company listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange that sells car accessories.
The range of motorcycles handled is extensive, from models sold by motorcycle manufacturers in Japan to rare models not yet released domestically, making it one of the largest motorcycle dealers in Japan in terms of handling volume.

Operations in Physical Stores and on the Official Website

As of March 2022, Bike Kan SOX has stores in 24 prefectures throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, centered around its head office in Saitama Prefecture.
In addition to physical stores, they also conduct purchases and sales online (via their website), so even if there isn't a physical store nearby, you can still arrange for on-site motorcycle appraisals or sales.

Motorcycle Purchasing at Bike Kan SOX

The official Bike Kan SOX website provides a simple motorcycle purchase appraisal, which is convenient when you want to know the value of your bike.
By entering details such as the motorcycle's model, year, and mileage, you can quickly find out the purchase price, giving you a good idea of what to expect when selling your bike.

Bike Kan SOX Reputation and Reviews

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When considering a service, it's natural to be curious about reviews from people who have used it.
Here, we will introduce both positive and negative reviews and feedback from those who have used Bike Kan SOX's purchase appraisal service.

Positive Reviews and Feedback on Bike Kan SOX's Purchase Appraisal

After getting appraisals from various buying services, the customer decided to sell to SOX because the staff member there made a remark that genuinely pleased them.
It's wonderful to have staff members who can say such things. Perhaps the staff member's words came from their own experiences and memories with motorcycles.

This person who had their motorcycle appraised by Bike Kan SOX seems to have had a positive impression.
The appraisal price was higher than expected, and their post-use impression was that Bike Kan SOX's purchase prices seem higher than those of other stores.

そして GSX1100S KATANA との別れを決めた😭
今でもカタナ乗りを見るとやっぱカッコいいなぁと少し後悔も😅
SOXさんに売却、買取金額はR社の見積りより30万円も高かった!
バイク売却を検討されている方は数社で相見積り取るべきですよ。
pic.twitter.com/P32Tfr39S4

— トラ次郎 (@t120_bonneville) June 17, 2020

The appraisal price from Bike Kan SOX was 300,000 yen higher than another company's estimate, leading them to decide to sell their beloved motorcycle.
They also advised, based on their experience, that anyone considering selling their motorcycle should get quotes from several companies.
Since they ultimately sold to Bike Kan SOX, it suggests that Bike Kan SOX offers competitive, high-standard purchase prices.

While other stores quoted 120,000-130,000 yen for an appraisal, Bike Kan SOX offered 450,000 yen, which was more than three times higher than other stores.
With such a significant difference in the purchase price, selling to Bike Kan SOX became an obvious choice.
It seems that the other stores didn't thoroughly inspect the motorcycle for their appraisal, which may have led them to incorrectly calculate its true value.

We have introduced positive reviews and feedback from those who used SOX.
There are many reviews stating high purchase prices, with some users even mentioning a difference of "200,000 to 300,000 yen or more in purchase price compared to other stores," giving the impression that many people received a high offer from Bike Kan SOX.

Negative Reviews and Feedback on SOX's Purchase Appraisal

Next, we will introduce negative reviews and feedback, so please refer to these as well.

カブ110を買ったのは川越のSOXであった。
納車した日、チェーンのたるみがなく、ビンビンに張ってあって、最悪の乗り心地を体験した。
雨が降っていたから、その日は帰ることに必死だったけど、帰ってからおかしいと思い、ホンダドリームに持っていって、直してもらった苦い思い出がある。

— まさぴろ (@Masapiro_ch)
May 23, 2019

This person bought a Cub 110 at SOX in Kawagoe, and on the day of delivery, the chain was so tightly strung with no slack that it made for a terrible ride. It was raining that day, so they were just focused on getting home, but after arriving, they realized something was wrong. They have a bitter memory of having to take it to Honda Dream to get it fixed.
A seasoned mechanic wouldn't have made such a mistake, so perhaps it was handled by someone with less experience?

以前からずっとSOX行ってみたいと思ってるけど、県内どころか近隣の県にも存在しないという…。#バイク館
#SOX #バイク #オートバイ https://t.co/V8HTeKl8ku

— DeadGRN (@DeadGrn)

This person wants to visit a Bike Kan SOX store, but there are none in their prefecture or even in neighboring prefectures, so they can't go.
Although it operates nationwide, it's currently limited to 27 prefectures, so we look forward to future store expansion.
Even if there isn't a Bike Kan SOX store nearby, you can still apply for both buying and selling services through their website, so you can consider using SOX that way.

This person has given a negative review, stating that they will no longer use Bike Kan SOX, but they haven't specified the reason. Was it a problem related to the bike, or perhaps an issue with customer service from the staff?

We've shared some negative and less-than-positive reviews for Bike Kan SOX. The reviews vary, from dissatisfaction with maintenance after purchasing a bike and the lack of nearby stores, to customers stating they will no longer use Bike Kan SOX.
Compatibility with staff and the timing of your visit could also affect your experience.
However, it seems that reviews for their buying service are generally highly positive, so Bike Kan SOX might be a strong ally for those considering selling their motorcycles.

Three key features of SOX's buying service

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Based on user reviews, SOX has a high rating for its buying service, which offers three key benefits.
1. High appraisal possible because purchased motorcycles are sold in-house.
2. Unique appraisal system "Fair Trade 80"
3. Online and phone appraisal requests accepted
These are the strengths of Bike Kan SOX and the reasons why they offer relatively higher purchase prices than other stores.
Let's look at the points that contribute to Bike Kan SOX's high purchase prices.

① High appraisal possible because purchased motorcycles are sold in-house

Bike Kan SOX sells the motorcycles it buys in-house, which means there are no commissions or margins incurred compared to selling them through dealer auctions. Many motorcycle shops sell purchased motorcycles through dealer auctions or list them on sales websites like GooBike, but both auctions and sales websites charge fees. Bike Kan SOX, on the other hand, handles both buying and selling in-house, so no fees are incurred, allowing them to offer higher purchase prices.

② Unique appraisal system "Fair Trade 80"

Bike Kan SOX's unique system, "Fair Trade 80," is a system where if the motorcycle's condition, such as the engine and exterior, is good, it will be purchased for 80% or more of the selling price at SOX.
Especially for those who have carefully maintained their bikes since purchasing them new, a higher purchase price can be expected, which is another reason why Bike Kan SOX tends to offer high purchase prices.

③ Online and phone appraisal requests accepted

Bike Kan SOX accepts appraisal requests online and by phone, so you can use their services even if there isn't a Bike Kan SOX store in your area.
For online appraisals, you'll receive the appraisal results by email. After entering information such as the motorcycle's model, year, mileage, your name, and email address, you'll receive a notification to your registered email address.
For phone appraisals, there's a "Simple Online Appraisal" where you input necessary information and wait for a call from Bike Kan SOX during business hours, or "Appraisal by Phone" where you directly call a toll-free number.
If you're not in a hurry for an appraisal, the Simple Online Appraisal is a good choice. If you want to know the appraisal value immediately, choose Appraisal by Phone.
To ensure an accurate appraisal, it's best to have your vehicle inspection certificate and compulsory automobile liability insurance certificate ready when you call.

SOX Buying Process

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This section explains the motorcycle buying process at Bike Kan SOX, from application to receiving payment.
At Bike Kan SOX, there are two ways to get an appraisal: "bringing your motorcycle to a physical store" or "requesting an appraisal online." Both processes are explained step-by-step.
First, the buying appraisal begins by either bringing your motorcycle to a physical store or applying online or by phone.

① First, apply for an appraisal online or by phone

To apply for an online appraisal, first access the official website (Bike Kan SOX Online Appraisal: https://www.bs-sox.com/sellcontact2/).
Enter the necessary information, choose whether you want to receive a reply by email or phone, and then simply wait for SOX's appraisal contact.
For phone appraisals, there's a "Simple Phone Appraisal" where you enter the necessary information and wait for a response from Bike Kan SOX Online, or a "Phone Appraisal" where you call the toll-free number yourself.

② Get an appraisal either by visit or bringing it in

If there's a Bike Kan SOX store nearby, you can bring your motorcycle directly to the store for an appraisal.
Even if there isn't a store nearby, an on-site appraisal service is available where a staff member will visit you from the nearest store, so you can still use the service.
Appraisals at a store or on-site usually take about 15 to 20 minutes.

③ If you are satisfied with the appraisal amount, proceed with the contract and payment.

Once you are satisfied with the purchase price offered by Bike Kan SOX, you will proceed with the purchase agreement.
The necessary documents for the contract include the motorcycle itself and its registration certificate, and if you have a loan, the remaining loan balance is also required.
The purchase amount will be transferred to your bank account within 3 business days, so you will fill out the necessary documents including your bank account details and receive a vehicle pick-up certificate from Bike Kan SOX.
The purchase process is then complete, and you can wait for the purchase amount to be deposited later.

Motorcycles with outstanding loans can also be purchased.

Generally, motorcycles with outstanding loans cannot be sold until the loan is fully repaid. However, Bike Kan SOX will purchase motorcycles even with outstanding loans.
Bike Kan SOX will verify the remaining loan amount. If the purchase price exceeds the remaining loan amount, the loan can be repaid, making the purchase possible.
Furthermore, even if the purchase amount is not enough to repay the loan, the purchase is still possible if you can cover the deficit, or Bike Kan SOX can arrange a loan for the remaining balance.
If you have an outstanding loan but want to sell your motorcycle, or if your circumstances have changed and you need to part with your bike, it's a good idea to consult with SOX.

Tips for increasing your purchase price at SOX

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There are several tips for increasing the purchase price at Bike Kan SOX, including:
1. Keep your bike clean before appraisal
2. Ensure the engine is running
3. Leave scratches and dents for professionals to repair
4. Prepare genuine parts if available
Let's go through them one by one.

① Keep your motorcycle in good condition before appraisal

By washing your motorcycle and keeping it clean before the appraisal, you can give the appraiser the impression that the bike has been well-cared for, which often leads to a higher appraisal value.
Additionally, if accessories such as the owner's manual and maintenance log are complete, it can also contribute to an increased appraisal value.

② Keep the engine in working order.

Even if the engine is not running, it can still be bought, but it is important to keep the engine in working order to increase its appraised value.
Depending on how long the motorcycle has not been ridden, the engine may be difficult to start, or the battery may die, causing the engine to not start.
If the engine does not start, it may give the impression of an engine malfunction or poor maintenance of the motorcycle, which could affect the appraised value.

③ Leave scratches and dents for professionals to repair.

Scratches and dents on a motorcycle will affect its appraisal value, but unless the damage is extensive, it's generally better to have it appraised as is rather than attempting repairs yourself.
In most cases, the cost of repair will exceed the reduction in appraisal value, so for minor scratches and dents, it's best to leave them unrepaired and have the motorcycle appraised as is.

④ Prepare genuine parts if available

If your motorcycle is customized and you still have the genuine parts, including them with the bike can sometimes slightly increase its appraisal value.
While it depends on the model, most motorcycles are appraised higher in their normal, uncustomized state than when customized.
Customization is a personal preference, and there are many who don't want custom parts. Therefore, a bike closer to its normal state, which can appeal to a wider range of buyers, often receives a higher appraisal.
Even customized bikes without genuine parts can still be bought by Bike Kan SOX.

Summary

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Bike Kan SOX, which buys and sells motorcycles, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the listed company Yellow Hat.
They handle a wide range of models, both domestic and imported, and also offer many models not yet released in Japan, so if you're looking for a unique motorcycle, be sure to check them out.
While SOX is known for its wide range of models for sale, its buying service is particularly highly regarded.
Bike Kan SOX offers appraisals online, by phone, or at their physical stores, and even provides on-site appraisals if there isn't a store near you, so you can rest assured.
All appraisal methods are free, and you can decline the offer even for on-site appraisals if you're not satisfied with the price. So, if you're considering selling your beloved motorcycle, we encourage you to use their service.