Motorcycle Sale By Owner (2024)

FAQs

How do you write a motorcycle for sale? ›

The make, model, year, and price are all helpful to include in your listing, but you should also make it clear that your motorcycle is being sold in “as-is” condition. This means that you will not make any warranties or promises as to the condition of the motorcycle.

Avoid scams

It's a good idea to trust your instincts. When you accept payment, obtain their driver's license information too—a photocopy is best. A legitimate buyer won't balk at sharing these details, but a criminal will want to get the goods and get out of there.

You could use your local paper, but an online marketplace with hundreds to thousands of potential buyers perusing listings will give your motorcycle more exposure. Other ways to advertise your motorcycle include putting a listing up at your local motorcycle club or a nearby dealership's bulletin board.

Make sure to create a bill of sale that includes the new owner's name and contact information. Give the new owner of the motorcycle the keys, the title of the bike, the owner's manual, and any maintenance records they might need. Remove the license plate and make sure to keep the registration card for the motorcycle.

Be honest about the motorbike or scooter's condition. The number of owners the bike has had and perhaps even why you're selling it, can all be of interest to a potential buyer. Above all, though, be concise. In our experience, around 75 words is the ideal length for an online advert.

If you use your motorcycle more than 50% of the time for business transportation, you'll likely be able to deduct your entire depreciable basis in a single year using a provision of the tax code called Section 179.

Accept Only a Secure Form of Payment

Confirm what payment method will be used with the buyer in advance. Cash and cashier's checks are both secure options. Personal checks are not. If the buyer requests the use of an escrow account, research the company thoroughly.

In general, the requirements for changing ownership of a motorcycle in California are: Possession of the title (pink slip) or an application for a duplicate/paperless title. The signature of the seller(s) (and lienholder, as applicable) on the title. The signature of the buyer on the title.

Can you sell a motorcycle with a lien? You can! You can even sell a motorcycle that has negative equity (otherwise known as an “upside down motorcycle loan,” or when you owe more on your loan than the bike is worth). The process is just a bit more involved than if you owned the bike outright.

Selling a motorcycle can be tricky, which is why partnering with an experienced marketplace, such as Cycle Trader is your best bet in ensuring a fast and easy sale. As a trusted brand in the industry, we have the tools and security features to make selling your bike a breeze.

How do I take pictures of my motorcycle for sale? ›

Natural and simple

Pick a sunny, dry day, and make sure the background is a plain and uncluttered as possible. Even a plain wall will suffice, anything to make the motorbike stand out more, so that the viewer isn't distracted by anything else in the picture.

To grab the best deal, sell when demand is high. Historically, spring and early summer see a spike in sales. Warmer weather encourages riders to hit the road, igniting the urge to buy. Track sales trends online or in magazines, and plan to list your bike when interest peaks.

Back up your documents and keep records of the make/model/year, VIN number, date of the purchase, mileage when you sold the bike, and the sales amount. With a final sale, both parties should sign a bill of sale, ideally in front of a notary in public.

What are the tax obligations when selling a car? If you sell a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or other vehicle for personal use) for a loss, the IRS is generally not interested in the transaction. However, if you sold the car for a profit, you may be required to report that profit as a capital gain.

SELLING A MOTORCYCLE TO RUMBLE ON IS SAFE.

Simply put, it's the best way to sell your motorcycle, without risk and with plenty of reward. There are common questions that arise when you sell a motorcycle to a free listing site like Rumble On. “Is this a safe process?” The short answer is yes.

You can trade it in at a dealer or sell it to the dealer as is, you can advertise it in a traditional classified publication like a local newspaper, you can call a third party buyer that will come to you and make you an offer or you can make use of a private listing service such as AutoTrader.

Be honest

Honesty is the best policy. It is essential to be honest about the condition of the bike. Be sure to mention of any scratches, dents, other damage or past repairs in the advert and include detailed photos. This will help potential buyers make informed decisions about the bike.

A motorcycle (or motorbike) is a vehicle used to transport people from one place to another. It does not have 4 wheels like a car. It has 2 wheels like a bicycle, and it has a motor like a car.