What Kind of Buyer is Bike Passion? A Thorough Review of Its Pros and Cons, Based on Word-of-Mouth and Reputation

What is Bike Passion? Basic Information Explained

Source: https://www.bike-passion.net/

This article is about Bike Passion, a company specializing in motorcycle purchases.
Bike Passion offers free on-site appraisals for motorcycles nationwide and has seven bases across the country, including its Yokohama headquarters and branches in Osaka, Aichi, and Hiroshima.
Founded in 2005, it is a company with about 17 years of history (as of April 2022), but its name recognition is not yet very high.
Even among motorcycle riders, some may not know the name "Bike Passion."
Therefore, this time, we will explain an overview of "What kind of company is Bike Passion?" and "reviews and reputation."
We also explain "tips for getting a higher appraisal" when selling a motorcycle and the process for selling a motorcycle to Bike Passion, so please refer to this if you are considering selling your motorcycle.

Is Bike Passion suspicious?

Bike Passion is not a company that runs a lot of commercials, so it has fewer opportunities to be known by many people like other major motorcycle buying companies such as Bike O, and its name recognition is not that high.
Therefore, some people who have never heard of Bike Passion may find it "suspicious."
However, high name recognition does not necessarily mean superior service, and conversely, low name recognition does not necessarily mean low service quality.
The satisfaction of those who have used the service is not proportional to the company's name recognition, but one reference point for evaluating satisfaction is reputation and reviews.
Bike Passion also highlights "the best customer service attitude by staff who have completed appraisal qualifications and manners training" as its strength, but what are the actual reviews and reputations of those who have used their services?

Bike Passion Reputation and Reviews

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/a2-410311/

Here are some of the reputations and reviews from those who have used Bike Passion.
First, let's look at the positive reputations and reviews from Twitter.

Positive Reviews and Reputations for Bike Passion

Source: https://twitter.com/shosan0051/status/1144857001857449985
It seems that an Address V125G was sold to Bike Passion and a good price was achieved.
Since it was a trade-in when replacing the motorcycle, it seems that the new motorcycle was also acquired through Bike Passion.

Source: https://twitter.com/Kscd05mKbkCUbqt/status/1458445300847181830
It seems that a YZF-R25 was sold to Bike Passion during a trade-in, and the purchase price was satisfactory.
With 16,000km on the odometer and 5 and a half years of ownership, the YZF-R25 was purchased for 293,000 yen, which is a fairly high price. It must have been well cared for.

Source: https://twitter.com/T_nanachi/status/1465200498651267075
It seems that when selling a motorcycle, the user obtained quotes from Bike Passion, Bike O, and Bike Ace.

Although all motorcycle buyers made a good impression, Bike Passion seems to have made the best impression among them.

バイクの処分は完了。あの状態のヤツを今日は成果がないからと無料で引き揚げてナンバー廃止までやってくれたバイクパッションはエライ！

— ももんが (@momonga2000jp)
June 29, 2018

Source: https://twitter.com/momonga2000jp/status/1012568924611702785
The user had their motorcycle disposed of by Bike Passion and seems to have had a good impression of the service.
It seems that Bike Passion not only picked up a motorcycle in "that condition" for free because there were no results that day but also handled the deregistration of the license plate for free, which led to a positive impression.

Many of the positive reviews and comments for Bike Passion mentioned "being bought at a high price," and there were also several comments saying "they bought it at a higher price than major motorcycle buyers like Bike O."
This suggests that Bike Passion may be particularly focused on offering higher purchase prices among motorcycle buyers.
Now that we've looked at the positive reviews and comments for Bike Passion, let's turn to the negative ones.

Negative Reviews and Reputations for Bike Passion

Next, we will introduce negative reviews and reputations about Bike Passion from Twitter.

Source: https://twitter.com/NoGuSHo_HS45/status/1507015019589894148
It seems a Bike Passion flyer was placed on a user's covered motorcycle.
Regardless of whether one intends to sell their motorcycle or not, having flyers stuck on it can feel like one's bike is being scrutinized, which isn't a pleasant experience.

Source: https://twitter.com/hide_555_/status/1291665150408179712
This person also had a Bike Passion flyer attached to their motorcycle.
It seems there are many negative reviews about flyers being affixed to motorcycles, rather than criticisms of Bike Passion's service content itself.

Source: https://twitter.com/hondai226/status/1357247536512176128
This person also had a Bike Passion flyer attached to their motorcycle, which had not been ridden for some time.
Most of the negative reviews for Bike Passion were related to unauthorized flyers being placed on motorcycles.

Overall reviews and reputation

To summarize the reviews and reputation of Bike Passion on Twitter, there were no negative reviews about motorcycle purchasing itself. However, negative reviews mainly focused on the "flyers being attached to personal vehicles."
Regarding their main business of motorcycle purchasing, there were many positive reviews, and a significant number of people were satisfied with "higher purchase prices compared to other major buyers."
On the other hand, there were also many negative reviews from people who disliked having flyers attached to their bikes, which gives the impression that there might be an issue with Bike Passion's promotional methods.
If customers are displeased by having flyers placed on their bikes and decide not to use their services, it defeats the purpose.
If the sales promotion method of placing flyers on bikes could be improved to a different approach, perhaps their purchasing achievements would increase further.
As of April 2022, the number of reviews for Bike Passion is not particularly high, but they have a reputation for high purchase prices, so as user numbers increase, positive reviews are likely to grow.
Given these reviews and reputation, what are the advantages of using Bike Passion?

5 advantages of using Bike Passion

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/a4-1851258/

The main advantages of using Bike Passion are:
• ① A physical store that boasts one of the largest scales in the Tokyo metropolitan area
• ② On-site appraisals available nationwide
• ③ Accident-damaged or inoperable bikes are accepted
• ④ Free collection of scrapped bikes
• ⑤ High purchase prices for certain models
We will explain each point in order.

① A physical store that boasts one of the largest scales in the Tokyo metropolitan area

Bike Passion's Yokohama store boasts one of the largest scales in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with over 300 motorcycles on display.
Although they also offer consignment sales, so not all bikes in the store are Bike Passion's inventory, you can see a large number of display bikes, which can be enjoyable just to browse.
Additionally, you can get an appraisal done on the spot at the physical store, allowing you to sell your bike and then switch to a display bike you desire.

② On-site appraisals available nationwide

Bike Passion offers on-site appraisals nationwide, providing free appraisal visits anywhere, not just in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
While some remote islands may not be covered, the system involves Bike Passion staff or affiliated businesses coming to you for an on-site appraisal from one of their seven locations nationwide.
As stated on Bike Passion's official website, all staff members are certified appraisers and have completed etiquette training, ensuring a reliable on-site appraisal service.
Depending on the location and time of the on-site appraisal request, they can visit as early as the same day the request is made.
Also noteworthy is the high customer satisfaction rate of 95% posted on their official website.

③ Accident-damaged or inoperable bikes are accepted

Bike Passion also purchases accident-damaged bikes and inoperable bikes that cannot be moved immediately, such as those with engine failure or flat tires.
In particular, while most other motorcycle buyers might offer very little for bikes with engine problems, Bike Passion is likely to offer a good price.
Bike Passion inspects and maintains purchased bikes in-house before reselling them, and they can also sell parts individually, allowing them to utilize parts even from accident-damaged bikes.
The fact that Bike Passion may offer a good price for accident-damaged or inoperable bikes that other stores might not value is one of its advantages.

④ Free collection of scrapped bikes

Bike Passion buys all types of motorcycles, and they will also pick up scrapped motorcycles for free.
In addition to picking up the motorcycle, they will also handle the scrapping procedures on your behalf. So, if you're having trouble disposing of a motorcycle or find the scrapping process bothersome, it's a good idea to consult Bike Passion.
You can contact them through the "Inquiry Form" on Bike Passion's official website or by phone (toll-free number).

⑤ High purchase prices for certain models

Bike Passion was founded in 2005, and since its inception, it has particularly focused on purchasing Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In terms of the number of Harleys purchased, it boasts one of the top 1 or 2 records in Japan.
Beyond Harleys, they purchase almost all types of motorcycles, both domestic and imported. Leveraging the advantage of having no intermediate margins for in-house maintenance and resale, they offer the highest possible purchase prices.
Even in Twitter reviews and comments from users, many positive posts mention the high purchase prices, which demonstrates Bike Passion's strong purchasing power.
While "nationwide on-site appraisals and purchasing of all types of vehicles" and "picking up even scrapped or inoperable vehicles" and "high purchase prices depending on the model" are advantages of Bike Passion, what are its disadvantages?
Next, let's look at the disadvantages.

Disadvantages of using Bike Passion

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/9b-6882375/

The disadvantages of using Bike Passion are:
• ① Few reviews, making it difficult to understand its reputation
• ② Still not widely known
• ③ Few stores (locations)
• ④ On-site appraisals may take time
• ⑤ Promotional methods can sometimes lead to a poor initial reputation
I will explain them in order.

① Few reviews, making it difficult to understand its reputation

While Bike Passion's reviews can be found on Twitter and other platforms, the number of reviews is still low compared to competitors like Bike O (as of April 2022).
Therefore, one disadvantage is that it is "difficult to understand Bike Passion's reputation" based on user reviews.
As more users come forward and the number of reviews increases, Bike Passion's reputation will become clearer through those reviews.

② Still not widely known

Compared to major motorcycle buying specialists like Bike O, Bike Passion's name recognition is not yet as high.
Large companies leverage their capital to run numerous TV commercials, making them easily visible and boosting their name recognition. However, Bike Passion, which doesn't run commercials, inevitably suffers in terms of brand awareness.
As a result, a disadvantage is that people often get the impression of "I don't know Bike Passion" or "It seems suspicious" because they haven't heard the name.
Since Bike Passion, like its competitors, offers free on-site appraisals, it's a good idea to actually use their service as a comparative quote with other companies to understand their customer service and actual situation.

③ Few stores (locations)

Bike Passion offers appraisals both at their stores and through on-site visits. However, with only 7 stores and locations nationwide, it's a relatively small number.
Only the Yokohama and Osaka stores offer both on-site appraisals and walk-in appraisals.
The on-site appraisal locations are Miyagi, Aichi, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Okinawa, making a total of 7 locations nationwide that handle on-site appraisals.
If you want to bring your bike in for an appraisal, you'll have to go to either Yokohama or Osaka, which might be inconvenient depending on where you live.

④ On-site appraisals may take time

While on-site appraisals are available nationwide, Bike Passion has only 7 locations across the country, which is fewer than major motorcycle purchasing companies. Therefore, depending on the location and timing of your request, it may take some time for an on-site appraisal.
Consequently, if you are in a situation where you need to sell your motorcycle quickly, such as due to a sudden transfer or relocation, you might have to forego using their service.

⑤ Promotional methods can sometimes lead to a poor initial reputation

As seen in Twitter reviews, in some regions, Bike Passion promotes its services by placing flyers on motorcycles.
For some people, having flyers placed on their motorcycles leaves a negative impression, leading them to decide not to use Bike Passion's services, which is a disadvantage.
The promotional method of placing flyers on motorcycles sometimes leads to a poor initial reputation, so it may not always be effective.
As a motorcycle purchasing specialist, the quality of their purchasing service should be the main focus. However, damaging their reputation before customers even use the service is a missed opportunity and feels wasteful.

Bike Passion purchase process

Source: https://www.bike-passion.net/

What is the process for selling your bike to Bike Passion?
The process from appraisal request to bike handover is as follows:

• ① Appraisal request
• ② On-site or drop-off appraisal
• ③ Contract and payment if satisfied with appraisal amount
• ④ Bike handover and scrapping procedures
We will explain each step in order.

① Appraisal request

Source: https://www.bike-passion.net/s_deliver.htm

First, make an appointment for a motorcycle appraisal either through Bike Passion's official website or, for urgent cases, by phone (toll-free number).
Bike Passion Official Website: https://www.bike-passion.net/

To make a reservation via the website, simply enter your desired appraisal date and time, motorcycle information, and contact details, then submit. It's done.
Shortly after, Bike Passion will contact you, and the purchase process will proceed as described.
The official website also offers an automatic appraisal that displays an estimated purchase price just by entering the motorcycle's model, year, and mileage. So, if you just want to know your motorcycle's current value, you might find the website useful.

② On-site or drop-off appraisal

Bike Passion offers two appraisal methods: "on-site appraisal," where staff visit a designated location, and "drop-off appraisal," where you bring your motorcycle to a physical store.
On-site appraisals are available nationwide from Hokkaido to Okinawa, but some remote islands may not be covered, so it's necessary to confirm in advance if you wish for an on-site visit to a remote island.
There are only two physical stores, the Yokohama main store in Izumi Ward, Yokohama City, and the Osaka store in Kawachinagano City, Osaka Prefecture, so those who can bring their bikes can have them appraised at these stores.
Choose the method that suits you best from the two options: on-site appraisal or appraisal at a physical store.

③ Contract and payment if satisfied with appraisal amount

If you bring your bike to a physical store or if the on-site appraisal presents a satisfactory purchase price, and you agree to the amount, the process will move to the purchase contract.
Appraisals usually take about 10 to 15 minutes. If you are not satisfied with the appraisal amount, you can decline, and no on-site appraisal fee will be charged.
Furthermore, Bike Passion pays in cash on the spot after the purchase contract is finalized.
Many competitors require a contract to be finalized and then payment via bank transfer (1 to 3 business days later), but with Bike Passion, you receive immediate cash payment, eliminating the need to provide bank account details.

④ Bike handover and scrapping procedures

Upon completing the contract and receiving payment, you hand over your motorcycle to Bike Passion.
Bike Passion will handle the scrapping procedures and title transfer free of charge. You will receive a copy of the scrapped vehicle certificate by mail in approximately 10 days to 2 weeks, which you should keep for your records.
The above describes the process from requesting a motorcycle purchase appraisal to handing over the motorcycle at Bike Passion. However, there are several tips to increase the purchase appraisal amount.
Next, we will introduce tips for increasing the purchase price at Bike Passion.

Tips for increasing your purchase price at Bike Passion

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/80-410165/

There are several key points to consider for increasing the purchase price of your motorcycle.
These points are not difficult, so if you are considering selling your motorcycle through Bike Passion, please use them as a reference.
Here are the tips for increasing the purchase price at Bike Passion:
• ① Get multiple quotes in advance to understand the fair price
• ② Sell while the vehicle is still relatively new
• ③ Be honest about accident or malfunction history
• ④ Wash the bike before the appraisal
• ⑤ Include genuine parts if available
I will explain them in order, so try to implement the points you can.

① Get multiple quotes in advance to understand the fair price

For motorcycle purchases, getting multiple quotes allows you to sell to the buyer with better terms.
Getting multiple quotes means obtaining appraisal estimates from several businesses (two or more), not just one.
By getting estimates from multiple places, you can choose the one with the best conditions for selling, and you'll also get an idea of the fair price (market value) for your motorcycle.
By informing the appraiser that you are getting multiple quotes and stating that "you intend to sell to the place with better terms," the appraisal amount may increase.

② Sell while the vehicle is still relatively new

Excluding classic bikes, special edition bikes, and 2-stroke medium-sized bikes that have acquired premium value, motorcycles generally receive a higher appraisal if they are newer models.
If you're going to sell, it's often better to sell as soon as possible to get a higher appraisal.
As a new year passes, the model year effectively becomes one year older, so if you've decided to sell, it's best to get an appraisal estimate as soon as possible.

③ Be honest about accident or malfunction history

Accident history and malfunction history often lead to a lower appraisal price, so some people try to get an appraisal without disclosing them. However, it's difficult to deceive an appraiser, so it's better to disclose them.
Bike Passion's appraisers are certified professionals, so even if you try to hide an accident history, it will likely be easily discovered.
If your deception is exposed, you could lose credibility, which might negatively affect the appraisal. Therefore, it's best to be honest about any accident or malfunction history.

④ Wash the bike before the appraisal

It's best to wash the bike before the appraisal and have it appraised in as clean a condition as possible, as this will likely leave a good impression on the appraiser.
However, improper washing can cause scratches from sand, so you need to wash it in a way that minimizes scratches.
Instead of immediately scrubbing, first rinse off surface sand and dust with plenty of water. Then, while continuing to spray water, gently wash with a soft sponge to help prevent scratches.
Be careful with areas like the keyhole and muffler, as they dislike water intrusion. You can cover the keyhole with masking tape, and ensure water doesn't enter the muffler's exhaust port when spraying water.

Precautions regarding water application

Motorcycles are designed to be exposed to rain, so they are resistant to water coming from above.
However, they are not very resistant to water coming from below, so you should avoid spraying water from the ground upwards toward the engine.
When washing, in addition to washing gently to avoid scratching the surface, also pay attention to the direction in which you spray water on the motorcycle.

⑤ Include genuine parts if available

If your motorcycle has been customized but you still have the genuine parts, include them in the appraisal as well.
The reason is that unmodified, standard motorcycles generally have higher demand in the used vehicle market than customized ones.
Even for easily customizable parts like mufflers, if you have the genuine muffler, it can sometimes increase the appraisal amount. So, if you have any genuine parts remaining, be sure to present them.

Summary

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/b7-1829461/

This time, we discussed "Bike Passion," a specialist in motorcycle purchasing.
While its name recognition isn't as high as companies like Bike O, it offers on-site appraisals and purchases (or collects) scrapped and inoperable motorcycles.
For regular motorcycle sales, or if you're having trouble disposing of a motorcycle, it's recommended to get an appraisal, as there's a chance it can be purchased.
Furthermore, when using a motorcycle purchasing specialist, getting "multiple quotes" from two or more companies is fundamental to increasing the appraisal amount.
If you're looking to boost your appraisal amount, why not consider Bike Passion as one of your options for comparative quotes?
I hope this article will be helpful to those who are "considering getting a motorcycle appraisal" or "looking for appraisal services."