Bike Boy Reviews and Reputation: Why They Can Buy at High Prices and Tips for Getting a High Appraisal

What is Bike Boy? Basic Information Explained

Source: https://www.bikeboy.jp/

Bike Boy is a motorcycle buying specialist, similar to Bike O, that offers nationwide motorcycle on-site appraisals and purchases 365 days a year. One of Bike Boy's distinguishing features is that if the sale is confirmed, payment is made on the spot, not by bank transfer at a later date. What kind of company operates Bike Boy, which offers immediate cash payments?

Bike Boy Information

Bike Boy is a motorcycle buying specialist operated by "Nagatsuma Co., Ltd.," which buys and sells motorcycles. In addition to Bike Boy, Nagatsuma Co., Ltd. has four stores in Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, and other locations that sell new and used motorcycles, buy motorcycles, and provide inspection and maintenance services. In addition to sales, purchases, and inspection and maintenance, the company also handles motorcycle parts sales and various types of casualty insurance, engaging in a wide range of motorcycle-related businesses. Since they also have dealings with motorcycle manufacturers and their dealerships, they have a channel to sell purchased motorcycles to dealerships for business use. Therefore, high-quality, late-model motorcycles that dealerships would want to display and sell are likely to fetch high prices.

Bike Boy Reviews and Testimonials

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/b1-1894723/

When considering using Bike Boy, reviews and testimonials from actual users can be helpful. Here, we will introduce reviews and testimonials about Bike Boy posted on Twitter.

Positive Reviews and Testimonials about Bike Boy

First, let's look at positive reviews and testimonials about using Bike Boy. If you are considering using a motorcycle buying specialist or want to know more about Bike Boy, please refer to these along with the negative reviews and testimonials that follow.

Source: https://twitter.com/JOE42T/status/1437648539711012866
This user sold their Ducati Monster, which they had owned for four and a half years, through Bike Boy and seemed satisfied with the purchase. The fact that the payment was made in cash on the spot, rather than by bank transfer, also left a good impression.

Source: https://twitter.com/z900rs5435/status/1158291377123278848
This user recommended Bike Boy along with competitor Bike One, indicating that Bike Boy has a good reputation for high-value purchases. They also mentioned that it's more advantageous to get quotes from two or more companies and that buying is better than trading in.

Source: https://twitter.com/mofumofumofumo_/status/1248836183204888576
This user utilized Bike Boy on a friend's recommendation, and they were glad they did, as the purchase price was higher than expected. They anticipated a purchase price of around 30,000 yen but received more than double at 70,000 yen, which makes their friend's high praise understandable.

Source: https://twitter.com/umashikakaichou/status/1099599763467431936
This user obtained online quotes for a vintage motorcycle from four companies, including Bike Boy, and Bike Boy provided the highest appraisal.

The appraisal amount seemed somewhat satisfactory, but there was another company that offered only 30,000 yen, which left a very condescending impression. While online quotes are merely estimates and the final price is determined after a physical inspection, a price difference of 170,000 yen is indeed significant.

Bike Boy appears to have a tendency to offer higher purchase prices than other companies, and there are many reviews stating satisfaction with the appraisal results. However, what about negative reviews and testimonials?

Negative Reviews and Testimonials about Bike Boy

Here, we will introduce negative reviews and testimonials about Bike Boy from Twitter, similar to the positive ones.

Source: https://twitter.com/asama_humiya/status/1127417241970995200
A Bike Boy truck was reportedly parked in front of this user's home, and they felt suspicious about its presence. If you have a motorcycle at home and a motorcycle buying company's truck parks there, it's certainly unsettling and can cause unwelcome anxiety.

Source: https://twitter.com/bikesob_/status/1021971163533193218
It seems that when someone tried to get an appraisal estimate from Bike Boy, they were refused, being told that if they weren't going to sell, an appraisal couldn't be done.
To sell a motorcycle at a high price, it's standard practice to get multiple quotes and compare offers. This person also intended to sell to the highest bidder, but it seems Bike Boy took measures to avoid being compared.

Many other companies handle multiple quotes, but considering Bike Boy didn't, perhaps they aim to reduce unnecessary expenses.

There weren't many posts about Bike Boy on Twitter, and not many other negative reviews or comments.

Overall review of Bike Boy's reputation and feedback

There weren't many comments about Bike Boy on Twitter, and the few posts available mostly expressed satisfaction with the purchase price.
On the other hand, negative reviews and comments did not pertain to the purchase price, but rather to a Bike Boy truck parked in front of someone's house, creating a suspicious atmosphere, or to their policy of not providing appraisals when competing with other companies.

Other users' posts indicate that Bike Boy does provide appraisals even when compared with other companies, suggesting that judgments may vary depending on the store or staff member in charge.
Since there are several motorcycle buyers nationwide that offer on-site purchase services, not just Bike Boy, you have the option of using another company even if Bike Boy doesn't provide an estimate.

Based on user reviews on Twitter, let's look at the advantages of using Bike Boy.

Advantages of using Bike Boy

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/bc-1866842/

The advantages of using Bike Boy are:
• ① Payment of the purchase price on the spot
• ② Strong in buying custom bikes
• ③ Has various sales channels
• ④ Can buy bikes still under loan
• ➄ High purchase price depending on the model and condition
We will explain each point in order.

① Payment of the purchase price on the spot

Bike Boy pays cash on the spot when a purchase contract is made.
Many motorcycle buyers pay the purchase price by bank transfer at a later date, so the advantage here is that they pay immediately.

② Strong in buying custom bikes

Generally, custom (modified) motorcycles are often significantly reduced in trade-in value compared to stock models. However, Bike Boy is strong in buying custom bikes.
They particularly focus on buying Harley-Davidson (Harley) motorcycles, and in some cases, they may even give a bonus for custom parts on Harleys.
While Bike Boy is strong in buying custom bikes, if you still have the original parts, the appraisal value may be even higher, so be sure to present them during the appraisal.

③ Has various sales channels

NAGATSUMA Co., Ltd., which operates Bike Boy, has several sales channels for purchased motorcycles, including motorcycle manufacturers, dealerships, and auctions.
Since they can sell unpopular motorcycles through alternative methods in parallel with direct sales at their own stores, where no intermediate margin is generated, their purchasing power is strong.

④ Can buy bikes still under loan

In principle, motorcycles under loan cannot be sold, but Bike Boy will purchase motorcycles even if they are still under loan.
If the purchase amount can cover the remaining loan balance, there is no problem. However, if a loan remains, it is possible to renegotiate the loan with a follow-up credit.
Interest accrues on the principal (the original loan amount), so the larger the principal, the higher the payment.
By selling your motorcycle to Bike Boy and applying the sale amount to your loan, the principal is reduced, and the total payment can be lowered.
Additionally, if you want a new motorcycle, you can sell your current motorcycle and incorporate the remaining balance into a new motorcycle loan. However, this is not recommended as a larger principal will result in higher interest payments.

➄ High purchase price depending on the model and condition

Motorcycles in near-new condition or popular models tend to fetch high purchase prices because they can be resold quickly after purchase or sold to manufacturer dealerships.
While good condition motorcycles tend to fetch high prices from any motorcycle buying specialist, Bike Boy, which sells popular models in-house, doesn't incur intermediate margins after purchase.
Since no intermediate margins are incurred, they can buy at a higher price, so the fact that they handle everything from purchase to sale in-house can be considered an advantage.

We've discussed the advantages of Bike Boy so far, but what are the disadvantages?

Disadvantages of using Bike Boy

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/ba-5571340/

The disadvantages of Bike Boy are:
• ① Not very well known
• ② Difficult to gauge reputation due to few reviews
• ③ Few stores (locations)
Let's look at them one by one.

① Not very well known

While Bike Boy does advertise through commercials and other means, its recognition is not as high as that of Bike O.
Companies with high recognition attract many users, while those with lower recognition tend to attract fewer users. Therefore, not being widely known can be considered a disadvantage.

② Difficult to gauge reputation due to few reviews

Related to point ①, due to fewer users compared to companies like Bike O, there are also fewer reviews, making it difficult to gauge their reputation.
On Twitter, many of the reviews for Bike Boy are positive, such as "satisfied with the purchase price" or "received a better price when competing with other companies."
As the number of users increases, so will the number of reviews, making their reputation clearer. We look forward to future developments.

③ Few stores (locations)

Bike Boy offers on-site purchases, and you can also get an appraisal by bringing your motorcycle to one of their physical stores or purchase locations. However, they only have a total of 6 locations: 4 physical stores and 2 purchase-only locations.
As of April 2022, the physical stores are:
• Ibaraki Moriya store (store)
• Chiba Kashiwa store (store)
• Tokyo Adachi store (store)
• Tokyo Setagaya store (store)
• Aichi Nagoya store (purchase only)
• Osaka store (Ibaraki City: purchase only)
(Store business hours: 10:00 - 19:00)

Those who wish to have their motorcycle appraised by bringing it to a store will need to visit one of these four locations. Depending on the region, it may be a long way to a store, so the small number of physical stores can be a disadvantage for some.
Similar to the number of reviews, it is expected that the number of stores will increase with Bike Boy's growth, so we look forward to future developments.
Many Twitter reviews mentioned "satisfaction with the purchase price," but what are the reasons why Bike Boy can offer high purchase prices?

Reasons why Bike Boy can purchase at high prices

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/a4-1795712/

The reasons why Bike Boy can offer high purchase prices are that they "sell purchased motorcycles themselves" and "have multiple sales channels."

① Selling purchased motorcycles in-house

Bike Boy inspects and services purchased motorcycles in-house, then sells them at their stores.
This allows them to minimize costs associated with inspection, maintenance, and vehicle inspections, and by selling at their own stores, they can also eliminate intermediate margins.
By minimizing post-purchase costs, they can add those saved costs to the appraisal amount.

② Has various sales channels

In addition to selling in-house, they also have several other sales channels, including manufacturer dealerships and motorcycle industry auctions.
Because they can sell purchased motorcycles quickly, they can reduce costs such as motorcycle storage fees.
Motorcycle storage fees increase the longer a motorcycle remains unsold. Therefore, having multiple channels for selling purchased motorcycles allows them to sell bikes quickly and reflect the saved costs in a higher purchase price.

Characteristics of Bike Boy's Purchase Appraisal

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/81-5195903/

Bike Boy, which conducts on-site motorcycle purchase appraisals, has the following main features:
① Appraisal applications can be made online or by phone at any time
② On-site appraisal and appraisal fees are free
③ Accident-damaged, non-running, or customized vehicles can also be appraised
④ Selling bikes with outstanding loans is OK
⑤ They handle troublesome post-purchase procedures
⑥ Campaigns to increase purchase prices are held
We will introduce them in order, so please refer to them when using the service.

① Appraisal applications can be made online or by phone at any time

Bike Boy accepts appraisal applications 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can apply through their official website or by phone, so choose the method that suits your convenience.

② On-site appraisal and appraisal fees are free

For purchase appraisals, you can choose between a free nationwide on-site appraisal or bringing your motorcycle to one of their six locations (stores or purchase centers).
Both methods offer free appraisals, and for on-site appraisals, no travel fees are incurred.
You can get your motorcycle appraised completely free of charge, and even if you are not satisfied with the appraisal amount and do not sell, no cancellation fees will be charged, so you can receive an appraisal with peace of mind.

③ Accident-damaged, non-running, or customized vehicles can also be appraised

Bike Boy will purchase or pick up accident-damaged or non-running motorcycles for free.
They are also skilled at purchasing modified (customized) vehicles and are a specialized buyer that can handle various types and conditions of motorcycles.
While other companies tend to offer lower appraisal values for modified vehicles, Bike Boy may offer a higher appraisal value depending on the type of vehicle and the modifications.

④ Selling bikes with outstanding loans is OK

In principle, motorcycles with outstanding loans cannot be sold, but Bike Boy offers follow-up credit, making it possible to sell motorcycles even with outstanding loans.
"Follow-up credit" is a loan that allows you to re-arrange the remaining balance if, after applying the purchase price to your loan repayment, a balance still remains.
When you have to give up your motorcycle due to a relocation or new enrollment, you normally wouldn't be able to sell it until the loan is fully repaid. However, with follow-up credit, you can quickly sell and relinquish your motorcycle.

⑤ They handle troublesome post-purchase procedures

Selling a motorcycle requires bothersome procedures such as deregistration and title transfer, but Bike Boy will handle these procedures on your behalf.
They offer free procedural assistance as part of their service, so you can leave all the troublesome post-purchase procedures to them.

⑥ Campaigns to increase purchase prices are held

Bike Boy periodically holds campaigns that increase the purchase price of specific manufacturers or models.
For example, they have a Harley-Davidson high-price purchase campaign, where an additional 30,000 yen is added if a Harley-Davidson purchase contract is finalized.
They also sometimes hold campaigns where the appraisal amount is increased by 10,000 yen for purchase contracts made during the campaign period.
You can check information on Bike Boy's official website, and by utilizing these effectively, you can further increase your appraisal amount.

Bike Boy's purchase process

Source: https://bikeboy.jp/satei-input

① First, apply for an appraisal online or by phone.

Bike Boy offers two appraisal methods: bringing your motorcycle to a store for appraisal, or a free nationwide on-site appraisal.
You can apply for the free nationwide on-site appraisal either through Bike Boy's official website or by calling directly, so choose the method that suits your convenience.
Additionally, the "1-minute Easy Free Appraisal" on their official website provides an approximate purchase price estimate by entering your motorcycle's year, model name, address, and name.

When applying by phone

When applying for an appraisal by phone, you can get a more accurate appraisal amount by providing the following information:
• Motorcycle make and model
• Motorcycle year, mileage, and VIN
• Remaining inspection period for motorcycles with inspections
• Accident history
• Exterior condition
• Engine, suspension, and electrical system condition
• Frame condition
• Customization details
If you don't want to request an on-site appraisal but want to accurately know the current value of your motorcycle, contacting them by phone is convenient.
You can then decide whether to sell after hearing the appraisal amount.

② Get an appraisal on-site or by bringing it in.

The final purchase price of a motorcycle cannot be determined without an actual appraisal.
Therefore, you'll need to show your motorcycle to an appraiser. Bike Boy offers free on-site appraisals or you can bring your motorcycle to one of their six locations (4 stores, 2 centers).
If you choose an on-site appraisal, you'll need to schedule a date and time. If you bring it to a store, no reservation is necessary during business hours (10:00 AM - 7:00 PM).
However, to avoid unnecessary waiting time if other appraisals are happening or there's a queue, it's always best to make a reservation even when visiting a store.

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

Once you are satisfied with the appraisal amount, you proceed to the motorcycle purchase agreement.
The process is complete after handing over the necessary documents, signing the sales agreement, receiving payment for the sale, and handing over the motorcycle.
Bike Boy handles cumbersome procedures related to the motorcycle sale, such as deregistration and title transfer, free of charge.
Approximately 10 days to 2 weeks after the sales agreement, a copy of the "Deregistration Certificate" will be mailed to you, which you receive to complete the purchase.

Tips to increase your purchase price with Bike Boy

Source: https://bikeboy.jp/point

Bike Boy is highly regarded for offering good prices, but there are several tips to further increase your motorcycle's purchase price.
Following these tips can lead to a higher purchase price.

① Consider the timing of selling your motorcycle

The purchase price of a motorcycle can fluctuate depending on the time of year it's sold, so considering the timing can increase the appraisal amount.
Among these, the period from late March to late May, when motorcycles start selling well, is a good time to sell as dealerships try to secure as much inventory as possible. This is a prime selling opportunity.
Additionally, Bike Boy periodically runs campaigns that increase the appraisal value for specific motorcycle models and manufacturers, so selling during a campaign can directly lead to a higher appraisal.
Check Bike Boy's official website for "High-Demand Models" and "¥30,000 Appraisal Value Up Campaign" information.

② Maintain it regularly to keep it in working order.

Even if an engine won't start, Bike Boy will still buy it, but compared to a running vehicle, the purchase price tends to be lower.
To avoid this, even if you're not riding it, start the engine occasionally and perform maintenance to keep it in working order.

③ Wash and polish it before the appraisal.

Before the appraisal, wash and polish your motorcycle to make it as shiny as possible.
A sparkling clean motorcycle leaves a good impression on the appraiser, signaling that it has been well-cared for, which often leads to a higher appraisal amount.
Bike Boy's official website also states in "Secrets to a High Appraisal" that well-maintained motorcycles receive favorable evaluations and can be purchased at a high price, so be sure to wash your bike before the appraisal.

④ Get all genuine and custom parts appraised together.

Bike Boy will consider custom motorcycles in their appraisal, but if you have original parts, you should have them appraised together.
Original and custom parts are appraised individually, which can easily lead to a higher appraisal amount.
However, parts that are unlikely to be sold or used may not be appraised.

Summary

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/af-1817818/

Bike Boy is a motorcycle buyer that offers free nationwide on-site appraisals, and a distinctive feature is that the purchase amount is paid on the spot after the purchase contract is made.
You can apply for an appraisal through Bike Boy's official website or by calling their toll-free number. You can also get an appraisal by bringing your motorcycle to one of their stores located in Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, and other areas.
They also purchase non-running, accident-damaged, and customized motorcycles, and they periodically run campaigns to boost purchase prices for specific manufacturers and motorcycles, so be sure to check those out before using their service.
This article also explains Bike Boy's purchase features and tips for increasing appraisal value. We hope it helps those considering selling their motorcycle get a higher appraisal.