Three Tips for Selling Your Motorcycle Fast

Based on the fact that ChopperExchange receives numerous phone calls from customers asking for assistance with listing and selling their motorcycle, we thought it would be appropriate to share some useful tips for writing a successful motorcycle classifieds ad.

1. Set a competitive price and be ready to negotiate.

GOOD: The motorcycle on the left is priced below the suggested Kelley Blue Book retail value, which prevents sticker price shock. It also states that the seller is willing to negotiate and consider best offers. This invites interested buyers to inquire about the motorcycle. Even if your price is firm, you should not disclose that in your listing because it turns off interested buyers and implies that you may be a difficult seller to deal with. If you are not comfortable disclosing that your price is negotiable, at least invite potential buyers to call or e-mail you with any questions. The goal is to whatever can be done to encourage buyers to contact you.

BAD: The motorcycle on the right is priced above the suggested Kelley Blue Book retail value. The seller does not state whether or not the price is firm or negotiable. Nothing about this listing is inviting. Potential buyers are likely to skip it based on the price and lack of price justification.

RECOMMENDED: If you are serious about selling your motorcycle fast, we recommend that you list it at your bottom price on Day 1 because that is the time when your listing will receive the most exposure. Use ChopperExchange, Google, Kelley Blue Book, or NADA Guides to price your motorcycle, if you are not sure how much it is worth. You should never openly state that your price is firm because it turns most interested buyers away. Make sure that the telephone number on your listing is answered when interested buyers call. Always disclose the accurate mileage. Be ready to negotiate. That does not mean that you will have to accept unfavorable offers. It means that you must be ready to explain your price and convince interested buyers that it is a good deal.

2. Fully describe the motorcycle you are selling. Let the buyer know everything.

GOOD: The description on the left tells potential buyers everything they need to know about the motorcycle. The information is neatly organized and easy to read.

BAD: The description on the right does not tell potential buyers anything about the motorcycle, except that the seller was too lazy to write any details. This seller would be perceived as lazy and not motivated to sell his/her motorcycle. There is nothing appealing about this description.

RECOMMENDED: Motorcycle description is the seller's opportunity to convince the buyer to fall in love with the motorcycle and buy it. A great description prompts the interested buyer to take mental ownership of the bike. The seller should disclose the condition of the bike, how it was stored, its maintenance records, ownership history, any extras that may have been added after purchase, and why the motorcycle is for sale. The information should be presented in a list or bullet point format rather than essay. Do not use all capital letters.

3. Post clear and a lot of photos of your motorcycle.

GOOD: The photo gallery on the left contains many clear photos of the motorcycle. Interested buyers can see exactly what the motorcycle looks like and how many miles it has. The photos are clear and show many different angles of the motorcycle.

BAD: The photo gallery on the right only has one photo, which is not enough for online shoppers to see exactly what the motorcycle looks like. Furthermore, the background almost blends in with the motorcycle, and takes away from its overall look and appeal. Nothing about this photo will leave buyers wanting more.

RECOMMENDED: We recommend that sellers take between five (5) and ten (10) good photos of their motorcycle. It is important to capture all angles and extras, including the odometer. The most popular main image is a photo that shows off the motorcycle's pipes. Also, it is important to do a close-up shot of the paint, so potential buyers can see exactly what it looks like. Photos should be taken outside without any distractions in the background. Taking photos inside a cluttered garage is not a good idea. Also, sellers should avoid taking photos of their motorcycle when it is cloudy or dark outside. Such photos look gloomy and depressing.