How to sell a motorbike?

[southpaw]

I need some tips off you guys on how to sell a motorbike (I'm trying to keep this general so it may be of use to other people!).

Couple of questions:
1. Whats the best way to value a bike?
2. Should I sell the bike and all my kit as a job lot, or separately?
3. What are the best places to advertise? MCN, Bike Trader, Ebay etc
4. When someone comes round to see the bike, what do I do if they ask for a test ride? Check for insurance? what about if they just try and nick it?
5. Whats the best way to take their money? Cash/cheque/bankers draft etc
6. What kind of things should I be making a big deal of in the advert? Milage, warranty etc? Or is general condition moe important?

Thanks

[MrsMiggins]

1. look at MCN, see what similar bikes are priced at and work your price out based on mileage, condition etc
2. sell seperately. You should get more. some stuff would probably be better on ebay while the bike's probably best in MCN (depends on the bike tho')
3. See 2
4. before a test ride you want proof of insurance, sight of their licence in case they trip any speed cameras and the full price in cash. If they're not happy tell them they can sit on the back and you'll ride it
5. cash for smaller amounts. bank draft for larger amounts, IMO. I'd avoid cheques as they can bounce months after they seem to have cleared
6. depends on the bike. What is it? Stress the positive but answer questions honestly if anyone phones up about it.

[southpaw]

MrsMiggins said:

6. depends on the bike. What is it? Stress the positive but answer questions honestly if anyone phones up about it.

Its a Gilera DNA50. Which rules out a few limitations - its limited to 30 mph, so no tripping speed cameras, passenger rides (not insured or licensed for it!) or any fast get aways

[MrsMiggins]

IMO MCN is better for more expensive bikes. You'd probably be better advertising in your local paper, sticking ads in shop windows, supermarket notice boards etc

Again, stress the things that make it easy to ride. Can be ridden on a full car licence, cheap to insure, easy to park, ideal for commuting (XXmpg etc etc)

[srdtvr]

The test ride is always a worrying area. Everytime I've been to look at a bike a test ride has been offered without any hassle and I've taken the oportunity but not really "disappeared" on a long ride just a quick buzz round the block to satisfy myself all is well with gear box and general feel. When I've sold bikes surprisingly not many have askled for a test ride the ones that have left me holding the asking price in cash and with the agreement if you bend it you've bought it - not really legally binding.
But once many years ago I got caught out by a very friendly "biker" who arrived on his own with helmet and gear to look at my immaculate CX 500 ( it was a while back)we chatted he checked the bike over, had a cup of tea chatted some more bike banter and the deal was a cert, "can I have a test ride up the road" he said "sure" I said to my new biker mate, (bet you know what happened next) Of he went - bike looked a bargain - it sure was for him he turned the corner and was never seen again. Police looked a bit smug when they came round to take details. Fortunately insurance paid out but only after a long investigation. Caught once - never again. If the bike is good and well looked after they usually sell themselves but beware of the scammers Good Luck

[southpaw]

srdtvr, i'm a bit confused by your story. Did you say he arrived on his own bike? So if he nicked yours, what happened to him?

Thanks for the advice anyway, I'll have a car and chase driver ready and waiting for a slow spee chase should anyone try and nick it (not that they would)

[billy h]

you could put it on ebay, put your kit on seperately but offer the buyer it for an extended price of your choice, when advertising use all the good aspects of the bike, if there are any bad points state briefly in the ad, if they want a test ride make sure that they are insured and take either the keys to their car or the full price that you want for the bike. hope i have been of help

[MrsMiggins]

You should discuss the test ride before they come to view so you can sort out the issue of security. If they want to leave anything other than cash e.g. their car, ask them to bring the registration document and their driving licence so you can see that they haven't just nicked a car to leave with you.

As before, make sure you get sight of their licence and proof of insurance before you let them ride it or you leave yourself open to trouble - speeding fines, charges for permitting someone to ride while uninsured etc

[srdtvr]

Hi southpaw,
In answer to your query, he arrived on foot carrying helmet and leathers claimed he travelled by train.
a lesson I learnt the hard way.
Most people are honest but my advice although a bit harsh - don't trust anyone.
Good luck with the sale
PS you don't want to buy a nice Bandit 600 by any chance ?
Cheers
Steve