Quick bike sale options?
Discussion
Hi,
I got a job offer abroad, which means I need to move in a couple weeks' time with an open contract. My stuff will go to storage, but I'd like to sell the bike ASAP, since it's unclear if and when I'll be back.
I live in Leeds, and the local dealers either don't want it at all or act unprofessionally when it comes to closing a deal. I fully expect low-ball offers, but when they give me one and then cut it by a further 50% the next day as I come to hand the bike over... That's no way of doing business. And apparently it's such a niche product that even WeBuyAnyBike.com won't call me back.
The bike in question is a 2007 Yamaha X-Max scooter. It's not in showroom condition, but runs smoothly and mechanically solid. Average mileage, long MOT... In my understanding, its lack of market appeal has more to do with UK license categories than with the actual product.
Anyway, it needs to go quickly, and I'm not sure how to proceed. Any ideas or insights on the matter?
I got a job offer abroad, which means I need to move in a couple weeks' time with an open contract. My stuff will go to storage, but I'd like to sell the bike ASAP, since it's unclear if and when I'll be back.
I live in Leeds, and the local dealers either don't want it at all or act unprofessionally when it comes to closing a deal. I fully expect low-ball offers, but when they give me one and then cut it by a further 50% the next day as I come to hand the bike over... That's no way of doing business. And apparently it's such a niche product that even WeBuyAnyBike.com won't call me back.
The bike in question is a 2007 Yamaha X-Max scooter. It's not in showroom condition, but runs smoothly and mechanically solid. Average mileage, long MOT... In my understanding, its lack of market appeal has more to do with UK license categories than with the actual product.
Anyway, it needs to go quickly, and I'm not sure how to proceed. Any ideas or insights on the matter?
It's a 250, which requires an a2 license. Given its condition, it should be worth about £1200 to a private buyer. I'd be happy to let it go for half that sum.
eBay is a risk I'd rather avoid, got limited experience with it and subsequently a low rating. That plus a cheap bike... doesn't look kosher.
I'll try the local Facebook groups, but anything above £20 doesn't usually sell well in Yorkshire. Also might give the PH classifieds a go, but getting into Autotrader doesn't look promising. Plenty of stuff to do with the move and not much time to meet with potential buyers.
Thanks for your advice so far, any additional tips or ideas are welcome.
eBay is a risk I'd rather avoid, got limited experience with it and subsequently a low rating. That plus a cheap bike... doesn't look kosher.
I'll try the local Facebook groups, but anything above £20 doesn't usually sell well in Yorkshire. Also might give the PH classifieds a go, but getting into Autotrader doesn't look promising. Plenty of stuff to do with the move and not much time to meet with potential buyers.
Thanks for your advice so far, any additional tips or ideas are welcome.
Well, that was efficient.
After a quick PM exchange following the thread, a meeting was arranged this morning and the bike went home with its new PH owner. I made my few quid, but mainly gained peace of mind knowing it went to good hands, rather than to some greasy dealer's lot. Between that and the sunny weather today, I'm one very happy camper.
Thanks for your help, and apologies to several other PH members whose messages I didn't have a chance to respond to. Good luck to the new owner, and my thanks to him for a smooth and friendly transaction.
After a quick PM exchange following the thread, a meeting was arranged this morning and the bike went home with its new PH owner. I made my few quid, but mainly gained peace of mind knowing it went to good hands, rather than to some greasy dealer's lot. Between that and the sunny weather today, I'm one very happy camper.
Thanks for your help, and apologies to several other PH members whose messages I didn't have a chance to respond to. Good luck to the new owner, and my thanks to him for a smooth and friendly transaction.
Nice work sir, glad you two are bonding. 
The slightly modiifed Playboy bunny was the official logo of the Spanish X-Max owners club (CX stands for 'Club X-Max'). I bought the bike from their president back in 2009, after he upgraded to a Multistrada. Plenty of useful info there in case you ever run into technical issues: http://www.clubxmax.com
The scuffs you see are just evidence of city riding in its home town of Barcelona, where it's considered a full contact sport.
The slightly modiifed Playboy bunny was the official logo of the Spanish X-Max owners club (CX stands for 'Club X-Max'). I bought the bike from their president back in 2009, after he upgraded to a Multistrada. Plenty of useful info there in case you ever run into technical issues: http://www.clubxmax.com
The scuffs you see are just evidence of city riding in its home town of Barcelona, where it's considered a full contact sport.
Edited by Derish on Monday 4th July 16:02
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