Has Covid-19 hit used motorbike prices/availability?

[Max5476]

As per the similarly titled car thread, how has covid-19 impacted the price and availability of used bikes?

From browsing autotrader it appears that there is less stock available & it is more expensive than in January / February but that might just be my poor memory and desire to get a top quality bike for shed money.

[airsafari87]

Every bike dealer I have spoken to over the past 3 or so months have all said the same. They have never been busier.

So it would appear as though covid has had an impact on bike sales, a positive impact.

[stu67]

Probably if your looking for a new bike in a particular colour. Although it’s on the other side of the pond I was speaking to one of my colleagues on the West Coast of the States who was after buying a Vespa GTS300 and was told by various dealers that they would not be supplied with new stock this year, so basically “we have what we have now and 0 discount”. He had heard similar from a Harley dealership.
I presume the run off from Covid in the supply chain, not sure what it’s like over here.

[Ho Lee Kau]

Can't speak for UK, but as far as Switzerland is concerned, the motorbike sales were down in April and May, but already in June YTD bike sales were higher than for the same period last year and in July they grew even more.

I notice a lot more L-plates (students) on the roads.

Second hand market is not as deep as it was last year either.

[Jazoli]

Plenty of 0% deals available with big manufacturer contributions, if you are looking for a used bike there will be loads for sale before christmas, the st has not hit the fan yet.

[Biker 1]

Masses of 0% deals, deposit contributions etc at local franchised dealer. They also appear to be offloading all their ex-demo stock with very good discounts. Apparently the hottest selling items are scooters: lots of delivery companies wanting to get in on the act.
Anecdotally, trade-in deals appear to be very generous, even on secondhand bikes. However, as mentioned, when the economic shizzle really hits the fan, what will be the state of play, in say, a year from now?

[Bob_Defly]

All the dealers here (Canada) seem to be selling out quickly, especially toys like dirt bikes. It's been pretty hard to get anything they are so busy.

[Inspire]

Hi

I just traded in my Fireblade for a GS. The Motorrad dealer said that dealers were generally nervous about taking trade ins that weren’t going to be easy sellers as they didn’t want to get stuck with stock that couldn’t be sold, particularly where there is uncertainty around a 2nd wave. I got a good trade price for my Blade so was happy with the deal.

The dealer also said that they were short staffed but again didn’t want to recruit because of the risk of a 2nd wave.

Thanks

Rob

[BobSaunders]

Jazoli said:

Plenty of 0% deals available with big manufacturer contributions, if you are looking for a used bike there will be loads for sale before christmas, the st has not hit the fan yet.

This.

Remember the entire country right now is being propped up by the furlough scheme, plus it is summer time so they are being used - come winter they will be offloaded. Remember everyone still has money in their pocket right now.

[Max5476]

Biker 1 said:

Anecdotally, trade-in deals appear to be very generous, even on secondhand bikes. However, as mentioned, when the economic shizzle really hits the fan, what will be the state of play, in say, a year from now?

Inspire said:

The Motorrad dealer said that dealers were generally nervous about taking trade ins that weren’t going to be easy sellers as they didn’t want to get stuck with stock that couldn’t be sold, particularly where there is uncertainty around a 2nd wave.

I am now looking for an R1200RT, but had a dealer price up a new R1250RT yesterday - it didn't appear they were making a generous trade in offer on my Thruxton (The dealer group has a Triumph site as well, the bike is a 68 plate and low miles, so should be ideal pre-owned stock).

The Thruxton is up on gumtree / facebook and I will see if anyone bites - and keep an eye out for a nice R1200RT. Ideally I want to change before winter, so I can wait until late september / october and see how the market keeps developing.

I am hopeful that even if used bike prices stay high, then the cost to change should still be similar, as the my bike should also be worth more - but i expect they will use the current uncertainty to knock down the trade in price, despite prices staying strong on the forecourt..