BikeŌ or Red Baron: Which Is Better for Selling Your Motorcycle? A Comparison of Services and Buying Points

Who offers a better price: Bike O or Red Baron?

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This article explains which is better for selling your motorcycle: Bike O, a major specialty buyer, or Red Baron, a major store chain.
Bike O offers two methods for buying motorcycles: in-store purchases and free on-site appraisals, with on-site appraisals available nationwide.
Red Baron also has stores in 46 prefectures (excluding Okinawa), and both are well-known and convenient, so many people likely use them when selling their motorcycles.

This article is for those considering selling their motorcycle and explains "which is more advantageous for selling your motorcycle."
It also covers "who is recommended to sell with Bike O," "who is recommended for Red Baron," and "how to increase the purchase price," so if you're thinking of selling your motorcycle, please refer to this article.

Features of Bike O

Bike O is the largest specialty motorcycle buyer, offering free on-site appraisals nationwide in Japan.
They generally buy or take in motorcycles of any model or condition, but naturally, stolen motorcycles, illegal motorcycles, or purchases from minors without parental consent are not accepted.
A key feature of Bike O is that appraisal staff will come to your designated location, regardless of where it is.
However, for on-site purchases, arrangements for the date and time must be made in advance, so an application and reservation for an appraisal date and time are always required.

Bike O's purchase process

The process for selling your motorcycle to Bike O begins by making an appraisal reservation on Bike O's official website or by phone.
Later (or on the same day depending on the application time and location), your motorcycle will be appraised at the designated location, and if you are satisfied with the appraisal price, you can complete the purchase agreement on the spot.
Payment for the sale is made in cash on the spot for amounts under 30,000 yen, and via bank transfer for amounts over 30,000 yen (typically within 2-3 business days).
Even non-running motorcycles or those in scrap condition due to an accident can be appraised and either purchased or taken in, just like a regular appraisal.
They will also take in motorcycles that are only fit for disposal, but in such cases, a disposal fee may apply, so please check if this applies to you.

Features of Red Baron

Red Baron is the largest motorcycle sales chain, with stores in 46 prefectures nationwide, excluding Okinawa.
In addition to motorcycle purchases, they offer a full range of motorcycle-related services, including new and used motorcycle sales, inspections, maintenance, and vehicle inspections.
For purchases, you bring your motorcycle to any store for an appraisal, and no prior reservation is required, so you can just bring it in during business hours.
However, if you arrive close to closing time, the appraisal staff might not be available, or they might not be able to process the purchase, so it's best to bring it in about an hour before closing.
If the motorcycle is purchased, payment will be made immediately or at the latest, transferred to your bank account on the next business day.

Red Baron's strengths

Red Baron has over 300 stores nationwide (as of May 2022) and operates a "direct sales" system where they inspect and maintain motorcycles they purchase, then sell them themselves.
This eliminates all intermediate fees (middleman margins) that would otherwise be incurred when selling at auctions, allowing them to pass on these savings by offering higher purchase prices or discounts on used motorcycle resales.

Red Baron also offers consignment sales

Red Baron also offers a "consignment sales" option for selling motorcycles (consignment period: 1 month).
With consignment sales, your motorcycle is displayed and sold at the store, and once sold, you receive the payment minus the sales commission.

During the consignment sales period, your motorcycle needs to be displayed, so you won't be able to ride it. You can expect to sell it at a price fairly close to your desired amount, so if you don't mind leaving your motorcycle for a while, it might be worth discussing this option.

Comparison table for motorcycle purchases between Bike O and Red Baron

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We have summarized the purchase details of Bike O and Red Baron in the table below.

<Bike O and Red Baron Purchase Comparison>
Bike O Red Baron
Number of stores: 66 stores 306 stores
Purchase appraisal method: ・In-store drop-off
・On-site appraisal (nationwide) ・In-store drop-off
・Pick-up appraisal
Consignment sales: Inquire at store Available (within 1 month)
Appraisal fee: Free for both in-store and on-site Free for both in-store and pick-up
Appraisal reservation: Required ・Not required
・Pick-up requires reservation
Application method: ・Official website (online)
・Phone ・Direct drop-off
・Call the store you plan to visit
Appraisal reception hours: 24 hours During store business hours
Appraisers: Appraisal staff ・Store maintenance staff
・Store sales staff
Payment method: ・Under 30,000 yen on the spot
・Over 30,000 yen by bank transfer later ・Generally on-the-spot payment
・May be bank transferred on the next business day
Pick-up: Free
Disposal fee may apply depending on condition Free
Disposal fee may apply depending on condition
Scrapping/Name change fees: Free Free
Reissuance of necessary documents: Possible Possible
Motorcycles with existing loans: Purchase possible Purchase possible

Comparing Bike O and Red Baron for motorcycle purchases, there are motorcycles for which Bike O might offer a higher price, and others for which Red Baron might offer a higher price.

In the next section, we will explain "motorcycles that are likely to sell for a higher price at each," so please refer to that as well.

Motorcycles that are likely to sell for a higher price at Bike O

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Motorcycles that are likely to sell for a higher price at Bike O are:
• Motorcycles purchased from somewhere other than Red Baron
• Accident-damaged or non-running motorcycles
Let's explain these in order.

High purchase price possible regardless of where the motorcycle was bought

At Bike O, there's a high chance of getting a good price for your motorcycle regardless of where it was purchased, be it from a dealer or a private sale.
They are likely to buy a wide range of motorcycles, regardless of make, model year, or whether they're customized.
Since Red Baron tends to offer higher prices for motorcycles purchased from Red Baron, if your motorcycle was bought elsewhere, Bike O is more likely to offer a better purchase price.

For accident-damaged or non-running motorcycles, choose Bike O

Even if it's an accident-damaged or non-running motorcycle, Bike O will appraise it like any regular motorcycle.
While Bike O might offer a small amount even for conditions where other stores charge disposal fees, don't have excessive expectations.
Although Bike O accepts a wider range of motorcycles than Red Baron, disposal fees may be incurred if the motorcycle is in a state where it can only be disposed of.
If your motorcycle was purchased from somewhere other than Red Baron, or if it's accident-damaged or non-running, Bike O is more likely to offer a higher purchase price. In contrast, what kind of motorcycles does Red Baron buy for a higher price?

Motorcycles that are likely to sell for a higher price at Red Baron

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Compared to Bike O, what kind of motorcycles are likely to sell for a higher price at Red Baron?
Motorcycles that are likely to sell for a higher price at Red Baron are "motorcycles purchased from Red Baron."

Motorcycles purchased from Red Baron

Motorcycles purchased from Red Baron are likely to fetch a higher price at Red Baron than at Bike O.
Especially, motorcycles bought from Red Baron and regularly serviced at Red Baron tend to receive even higher appraisals.
This is because Red Baron manages the motorcycle's mileage and condition when it is purchased and serviced there, making it easier to assess its state.
This also helps avoid potential issues like breakdowns after purchase, so if you own a motorcycle purchased from Red Baron, selling it to Red Baron is recommended.

Next, we will explain who is recommended for each purchase service.

Who is recommended for Bike O's appraisal service?

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Bike O's purchase appraisal is recommended for:
• People who cannot bring their motorcycle to a store
• People who want an appraisal done at their home
• People who want to sell a customized or non-running motorcycle
Let's explain these in order.

People who cannot bring their motorcycle to a store

Bike O's purchase service is recommended for people who cannot bring their motorcycle to a store.
If it's difficult to bring your motorcycle to a store, for example, due to distance, Bike O, which offers free on-site appraisals, will be convenient.

People who want an appraisal at their home

Bike O is also recommended for those who want a purchase appraisal done at their home.
Whether it's your own motorcycle or a family member's motorcycle that was left unused after moving away for work or school, Bike O will come to your home.
While bringing it to a store requires a motorcycle license, an on-site appraisal is convenient as it doesn't require a license.

People who want to sell a customized or non-running motorcycle

Bike O is also recommended for people who want to sell customized (modified) motorcycles, non-running motorcycles, or accident-damaged motorcycles.
Bike O has a large number of affiliated buyers, and each buyer specializes in certain types of motorcycles.
Bike O is recommended because it collaborates with buyers who specialize in custom motorcycles, and those strong in non-running or accident-damaged motorcycles, increasing the likelihood of selling your motorcycle for a higher price.
When getting an appraisal for a customized motorcycle, if you still have the original parts, have them appraised together.

Who is recommended for Red Baron's appraisal service?

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Red Baron's purchase appraisal is recommended for:
• People who own a motorcycle purchased from Red Baron
• People planning to trade in and purchase a new motorcycle at Red Baron
• People who value an ongoing relationship with the store
This is why.

People who own a motorcycle purchased from Red Baron

For those who own a motorcycle purchased from Red Baron, selling it to Red Baron is recommended.
Also, if you have an ongoing relationship with Red Baron for inspections and maintenance, there's a higher chance of getting a better appraisal.
When a motorcycle has been purchased, inspected, and maintained by Red Baron, they have a good record of its mileage and condition, making it easier to assess its state.
This also helps to avoid potential problems such as breakdowns after purchase (risks), so if you own a motorcycle purchased from Red Baron, selling it to Red Baron is recommended.

People planning a trade-in purchase at Red Baron

Red Baron is also recommended for those who plan to trade in their current motorcycle and purchase a new one.
In this case, Red Baron can handle two transactions: purchasing your motorcycle and selling you a new one.
This often results in higher profits for them compared to just buying, so they are likely to reflect this by offering a better trade-in value or a lower price for your new motorcycle.
If the discount on a new motorcycle is limited, they might offer benefits in the form of oil, accessories, or other extras.

People who value an ongoing relationship with the store

If you're only selling your motorcycle, you should choose the dealer that offers the highest appraisal.
However, if you plan to continue riding and receive maintenance at a store, Red Baron is recommended.
Red Baron has stores in 46 prefectures in Japan, excluding Okinawa, so they can accommodate moves to other prefectures.
This can ease the anxiety of having to find a motorcycle shop in a new, unfamiliar place.

How to increase your motorcycle's appraisal value at Bike O and Red Baron

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For both Bike O and Red Baron, the way to increase the purchase appraisal value is to "get multiple quotes."
Getting multiple quotes means having several companies, including Bike O and Red Baron, appraise your motorcycle. This helps you understand the market value of your motorcycle and, in some cases, allows you to pit competitors against each other.

Get appraisals from multiple companies, including Bike O and Red Baron

A classic way to sell your motorcycle for a higher price is to get multiple quotes.
By getting appraisals from multiple buyers, including Bike O and Red Baron, you can compare purchase prices and understand the market value of your motorcycle.
While it can be a bit of a hassle to visit several physical stores for appraisals, a bulk appraisal service is also recommended for purchases.

A bulk appraisal service allows you to apply for purchase appraisals from multiple buyers with a single application, making it easier to get multiple quotes.

Compare appraisal values and sell to the company with the highest offer

Once you have multiple appraisal offers, selling to the company with the best terms will likely result in a high-value purchase.
Also, by letting the buyers know that you're getting estimates from other companies and that you'll sell to the one with the best terms, you might even get an increased appraisal value.

Summary

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We've explained motorcycle purchases from Bike O, which offers free nationwide on-site appraisals, and Red Baron, which has stores in 46 prefectures excluding Okinawa.
We've also introduced who is recommended for each purchasing service and methods for obtaining a higher purchase price, so if you're considering selling your motorcycle, please refer to this article.
If you're only selling your motorcycle, it's best to sell it to the place that offers the highest price, but if you plan to continue riding, it's recommended to choose your selling partner based on future relationships.