[2024] What's the Outlook for Used Motorcycle Prices? Will the Soaring Prices from the Pandemic Finally Fall?

Furthermore, many people who previously used public transportation like trains and buses started buying motorcycles to avoid contact with others while commuting, increasing the demand for used motorcycles over new ones with long delivery times, as they needed immediate transportation.

Reason 2: Manufacturer order restrictions

One of the factors contributing to the surge in used motorcycle prices is that motorcycle manufacturers have restricted the sales channels for their own bikes, limiting the models that can be sold by dealers other than authorized ones.

Even nationwide motorcycle shop chains that handle various motorcycle manufacturers are now limited in the models they can sell, for example, not being able to sell all large Honda or Kawasaki motorcycles. For some models, purchases are restricted to authorized dealers.

Motorcycle shops that could no longer sell new bikes began focusing on selling used bikes. This led to an increase in demand for used bikes not only from individual users but also from a greater number of motorcycle shops, which drove up used bike prices.

Reason 3: Impact of income and other factors

Over the past few decades, average wages have not kept pace with inflation, and more people are hesitant to buy new cars.

With increasing taxes and social security contributions, and a continuous decrease in disposable income, new car prices are rising steadily. This has led to an increased demand for used cars, which have lower initial purchase costs.

If income increased at a higher rate than the rise in prices and new car costs, more people would consider buying new cars. However, currently, no effective measures have been taken, and a prolonged stagnation of income is expected, so the demand for used cars will continue to grow.

【Trend】Classic and famous motorcycles tend to appreciate in price.

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Due to delays in new car deliveries caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and increased demand for motorcycles that allow for individual travel, used motorcycle prices had been soaring.

As of February 2024, the used motorcycle market is gradually stabilizing, but classic and discontinued models, regardless of the general market situation, have the potential to see their prices soar.

Motorcycles sold in the 90s are also on the rise.

Used motorcycle prices for models sold in the 1970s have universally risen and plateaued, and the 80s models are showing similar trends of rising or plateauing.

Prices for some motorcycle models sold in the 90s have also started to rise, and like the 70s and 80s models, bikes not currently seeing price increases will likely appreciate over time.

Among them, Kawasaki's ZEPHYR 400, which sparked the naked bike boom and ceased production in 2009, already has used models exceeding 2 million yen, indicating a remarkable price increase.

Soaring prices for 2-stroke vehicles no longer sold new.

The used prices of 2-stroke vehicles are soaring, particularly for models like HONDA's NSR250R, YAMAHA's TZR250R, and Suzuki's RG-V250Γ, which were popular during the racer replica boom of the 1980s and 90s.

Two-stroke vehicles were discontinued due to environmental regulations (EURO regulations) and noise concerns, which set emissions standards for substances like carbon dioxide to protect the environment.

Some 2-stroke vehicles, despite having only about 20,000 km on the odometer, are fetching prices over 2 million yen. Because these discontinued 2-stroke vehicles are rare and no longer sold new, their used prices are soaring.

What is the "25-year rule" for automobiles?

The price of used cars, especially some sports cars, is soaring, and it is said that the "25-year rule" in the United States is one of the reasons for this increase.

Except for demo cars and similar cases, the U.S. generally does not allow the import of right-hand drive vehicles. However, the "25-year rule" is an exception that allows automobiles that are 25 years old or older to be imported, even if they are right-hand drive.

There is no "25-year rule" for motorcycles like there is for automobiles, but due to the increasing popularity of Japanese vehicles in the U.S. influenced by movies and anime, there is a possibility that certain motorcycle models may also become highly popular.

【Forecast】What will happen to used motorcycle prices in the future?

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As of February 2024, the used motorcycle market is gradually declining and stabilizing, but what will happen to used motorcycle prices in the future?

Used motorcycle prices will fall.

As the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which began and spread around 2019, gradually settles down, and demand for used motorcycles decreases, the market price for used motorcycles is expected to fall.

One of the reasons for the soaring used motorcycle prices was the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the demand for motorcycles and cars as a means to avoid close contact with people.

With COVID-19 now classified as a Class 5 disease, the number of people commuting and traveling by public transportation is returning to normal, and the demand for motorcycles as a COVID-19 countermeasure is also decreasing.

Prices will stabilize when new car supply increases.

Since the supply of new cars has decreased, leading to an increase in used car prices, prices will fall as the supply of new cars increases.

The production of new cars was affected by a shortage of parts, such as semiconductors, but this parts shortage was resolved in 2023, so the supply of new cars will likely increase in the future.

Some models have seen their used car prices drop since 2022, so it is expected that prices will approach pre-COVID-19 levels.

Famous cars may see prices soar.

The price of used "classic cars," which are highly popular among many people, is expected to soar.

Models like HONDA's CB400 SUPER FOUR and SUPER BOL D’OR, and YAMAHA's SR400, which are considered classics, are already seeing an upward trend in used prices, and there's a possibility of further price increases.

While the surge in used motorcycle prices is largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, some models were already experiencing price increases before the pandemic. Therefore, even if the COVID-19 situation stabilizes, the market is unlikely to see a significant drop in prices.

【Rising】7 motorcycles whose used market value is likely to soar

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Here are 7 models whose used market prices are expected to rise in the future.

These are all discontinued models, so if there's one you're interested in, be sure to check it out before the number of available units on the market decreases.

HONDA CB400 SUPER FOUR

The HONDA "CB400 SUPER FOUR" (Super Four) is a highly regarded motorcycle, even being used as a training vehicle for medium-sized motorcycle licenses at driving schools, making it easy for first-time medium motorcycle riders to operate.

It features an easy-to-handle 4-stroke DOHC liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine. The first generation appeared in 1992 and underwent several model changes, but production ended in October 2020.

Models include the CB400 SF equipped with the HYPER V-TEC variable valve mechanism, and the derived "SUPER BOL D’OR" (Super Bol d'Or) which has a front cowl.

• Manufacturer: HONDA
• Model Name: CB400 SUPER FOUR
• Engine Displacement: 399cc
• Used Car Market Price: 200,000 - 1,650,000 yen

YAMAHA SR400

The YAMAHA SR400 first appeared in March 1978, and after its Final Edition in 2022, it was removed from the catalog lineup.

It features a classic design with a strong presence and is equipped with a 399cc air-cooled, 4-stroke OHC single-cylinder engine.

Although there was a period from 2017 to 2018 when it was not sold, it was a long-selling model that was sold for over 40 years. Even after production ended, it remains a model with strong enduring popularity.

• Manufacturer: YAMAHA
• Model Name: SR400
• Engine Displacement: 399cc
• Used Car Market Price: 220,000 - 1,850,000 yen

KAWASAKI ZEPHYR400

The KAWASAKI ZEPHYR 400 debuted in April 1989, igniting the naked bike boom.

At the time the ZEPHYR 400 was launched, the racer replica era, where "power and performance were everything," was in full swing. The ZEPHYR 400, equipped with an air-cooled engine producing 46ps (the self-imposed maximum horsepower limit at the time was 59ps), appeared to go against the trend.

It captured the hearts of those uninterested in the booming racer replicas and established the "naked" genre, bringing a fresh breeze (Zephyr means the god of the west wind in Greek mythology) to the motorcycle world.

• Manufacturer: KAWASAKI
• Model Name: ZEPHYR400
• Engine Displacement: 399cc
• Used Car Market Price: 200,000 - 4,500,000 yen

SUZUKI GSX400 IMPULSE

SUZUKI's 400cc class naked bike, the "GSX400 Impulse," went on sale in February 1994 and disappeared from the catalog lineup after the 2008 special edition.

Equipped with a liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine producing a maximum output of 53ps, a Type S with a bikini cowl appeared two months after its launch.

In 1995, a model commemorating SUZUKI's 75th anniversary was released, and the 1999 model, which underwent its first minor change, featured Brembo 4-pot calipers, making it a model with improved performance.

• Manufacturer: SUZUKI
• Model Name: GSX400 Impulse
• Engine Displacement: 399cc
• Used Car Market Price: 500,000 - 1,650,000 yen

SUZUKI GSX-R1000R ABS

The "GSX-R1000R" was introduced in 2001, embodying the achievements and know-how from SUZUKI's GSX-R750 in the Superbike Championship.

Based on the 2000 model GSX-R750 engine, its stroke volume was increased, bringing the displacement to 987.8cc, and it was equipped with a liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 4-cylinder engine. The first generation produced a maximum output of 160ps.

The model underwent repeated changes since its initial launch, and the final model released in 2017 saw its maximum output increased to 197ps. Features like ABS and TEC became standard, making it a model that offered an even more comfortable riding experience.

• Manufacturer: SUZUKI
• Model Name: GSX-R1000R ABS
• Engine Displacement: 999cc
• Used Car Market Price: 450,000 - 2,050,000 yen

HONDA HORNET250

The HONDA HORNET, named after the English word for wasp, is a motorcycle that boasts an impressive 180mm rear tire, unusual for a 250cc bike.

First released in January 1996, it underwent several minor changes but was removed from the catalog in 2007 due to the平成18 (2006) exhaust gas regulations.

It features a 4-stroke liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine, a distinctive design with the muffler silencer positioned directly under the rear cowl, and different sized wheels front and rear (16-inch front, 17-inch rear). (Excluding some models)

• Manufacturer: HONDA
• Model Name: HORNET 250
• Displacement: 249cc
• Used car market price: 230,000 to 850,000 yen

KAWASAKI ZRX1200

The KAWASAKI ZRX1200 is the successor to the ZRX1100, launched in 2007.

It is equipped with an engine based on the ZRX1100's, which itself was based on the 4-stroke liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine mounted on the ZZR1100 and GPZ1100, but with its displacement increased to 1,164cc.

While inheriting the basic structure of the ZRX1100, the frame and swingarm were revised for increased rigidity. It also featured an anti-theft immobilizer and a 260 km/h speed limiter. Sales continued until 2006.

• Manufacturer: KAWASAKI
• Model Name: ZRX1200
• Displacement: 1,164cc
• Used car market price: 700,000 to 2,200,000 yen

【Falling Prices】Is it the right time to buy? 4 used motorcycles whose prices are likely to drop

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Here are five models whose used car market prices are expected to fall in the future.

Due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, some models have seen higher prices than their original value, but prices also fluctuate depending on the purchase timing. If you want to buy a motorcycle at a better price, consider the timing of your purchase.

HONDA CBR250R

The HONDA CBR250R debuted in 1987 and was succeeded by the CBR250RR in March 1990 before disappearing. However, it reappeared in March 2011 as the CBR250R (MC41 model).

The CBR250R was sold outside Japan as well, and production took place in Thailand, which kept its new retail price low at approximately 430,000 yen (standard model).

It underwent minor changes, including a seat shape alteration in 2012 and the adoption of dual headlights in the 2014 model. However, it failed to meet the 2016 exhaust gas regulations and was removed from the catalog after the 2017 model.

• Manufacturer: HONDA
• Model Name: CBR250R
• Displacement: 249cc
• Used car market price: 150,000 to 850,000 yen

SUZUKI GSX-S750

The SUZUKI GSX-S750 was launched in 2017 as a sibling model to the super naked SUZUKI GSX-S1000.

It is equipped with features that make it easy to ride in the city, such as "Low RPM Assist," which automatically raises the engine speed at low RPMs based on various factors like engine speed and gear position, and the "Suzuki Easy Start System," which allows the engine to start with a single push.

Minor changes were also made, such as the handlebar being changed to aluminum in the 2018 model, but it was dropped from the catalog in 2022 without being updated to meet the exhaust gas regulations.

• Manufacturer: SUZUKI
• Model Name: GSX-S750
• Displacement: 749cc
• Used car market price: 450,000 to 850,000 yen

HONDA MONKEY125

The HONDA MONKEY125, which saw its 50cc model discontinued in 2017, reappeared the following year, 2018, as a 125cc model.

Based on the 125cc-class Grom, the MONKEY125's body was significantly enlarged from the traditional 50cc model. It also boasts improved looks and riding performance, featuring inverted front suspension and front and rear disc brakes.

As of February 2024, it is still sold as a current model, but in 2021, a new engine and a major change from a 4-speed to a 5-speed transmission were introduced. Therefore, for those looking for a more affordable model, models from before 2021 are a good target.

• Manufacturer: HONDA
• Model Name: MONKEY125
• Displacement: 124cc
• Used car market price: 250,000 to 720,000 yen

HONDA PCX150

The HONDA PCX150 was launched in June 2012, based on the popular 125cc-class maxi-scooter "PCX," and featuring a 149cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine.

In 2014, the lighting was updated to LED and the fuel tank enlarged. In 2018, the exterior design was changed, a smart key was adopted, and an accessory socket was added, making it a more convenient model.

In 2021, the engine was revamped, increasing the displacement from 149cc to 156cc, and consequently, the model name was changed to PCX160. The previous PCX150 is now a prime target for buyers.

• Manufacturer: HONDA
• Model Name: PCX150
• Displacement: 149cc
• Used car market price: 110,000 to 450,000 yen

Summary

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We've discussed the reasons behind the rise in used motorcycle prices, often referred to as a "used car bubble," and the future outlook.

While the heat of the so-called motorcycle price bubble is expected to cool down from 2024 onwards, some motorcycles may still see their prices rise regardless of market conditions.

In addition to explaining the surge in used motorcycle prices, we've also introduced motorcycles that are likely to increase in value and those that are likely to decrease, so please refer to that information as well.