Ready to say goodbye to your motorcycle? Sell it privately to get the most money for it.
We’ll guide you through the steps of selling your bike and introduce you to a new tool that simplifies the process.
Your motorcycle’s title is the most important document in the sale. It proves you’re the legal owner of the bike. If you can’t find it, now’s the time to dig it up or request a replacement from your state agency.
Most motorcycle titles include:
If your motorcycle doesn’t have a title, you’ll need:
If you stored your title years ago and lost it, you’re not alone. Many people make the same mistake, and every state has a replacement process you can follow.
Title replacement often takes a couple of weeks, so start the process well in advance.
In addition to the bike’s title, you’ll want to collect the following supplemental documents:
These documents build trust with buyers, prove maintenance and upgrades that let you set a better price, make your bike stand out, and demonstrate transparency.
When you sell your motorcycle with DealNow, the buyer can request a vehicle history report via our integration with AutoCheck. You can also be proactive and run the report yourself. Whether you initiate it or the buyer does, our integration makes the report as easy as a few clicks from your DealNow dashboard.
You want top dollar, but you also want your bike to sell. The following tips will help you price it in the sweet spot.
Leverage the following websites to establish a fair market value (FMV) for your motorcycle:
Pro tip: These tools often provide a range of values. Price your motorcycle higher or lower in the suggested FMV range based on its condition, modifications, and your urgency to sell.
For high-end motorcycles or rare and custom models, professional appraisals are worth the investment. A certified motorcycle appraiser provides an unbiased, detailed assessment of your bike’s value.
Economics plays a large role in pricing, especially when selling premium motorcycles. Fluctuations in supply, demand, fuel prices, and overall market sentiment affect what you can get for your ride.
To get a feel for the market:
Look for motorcycles with similar makes, models, years, and conditions to guide your initial price range.
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to set your selling price. Here’s a smart approach:
If 2–3 weeks go by without serious offers, drop the price by 5%. Continue this process until you start to attract potential buyers.
If you’re in a rush to sell, list your motorcycle at the lower end of its FMV, and be prepared to reduce it further after a few days if you don’t get much interest.
Factor in any aftermarket parts or recent major services when setting your price, but don’t expect to recoup the full cost of upgrades—they add less value than their purchase price.
Unless you already have a buyer, you’ll need to list your bike online. You can list it in online classifieds, social media, a motorcycle marketplace, or other types of online sites. Feature it on multiple platforms for maximum exposure.
Regardless of where you list your bike, you’ll want to catch the eye of potential buyers. Your listing is like a “dating profile” for your motorcycle.
It’s always better to give too much information than too little. The more extensive your description, the more credible your listing will be.
Save your photos and descriptions so you can quickly list your motorcycle on multiple sites.
The best way to justify your asking price is to showcase your bike’s best features when you make your listing. These could include:
Take photographs and collect supporting documents to add to the listing and show to interested buyers.
If you’re selling a popular sport bike, you might find plenty of ready buyers in your local classifieds. For a vintage or high-end motorcycle, you may need an online listing site that caters to enthusiasts. Here are some of your best options:
| Platform | Pros | Cons | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
eBay Motors |
|
|
|
|
Facebook Marketplace |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local classifieds |
|
|
|
With DealNow you sell your motorcycle and get paid securely and quickly, no matter which sites you list it on. Our transactional workflow protects you throughout the process and includes instant payments of any amount, any time of the day.
After finding a buyer, invite them to your DealNow dealroom for a secure, fast, and intuitive sale. Here’s how DealNow removes friction from online motorcycle sales:
| Issue | Online listing sites | DealNow solutions |
|---|---|---|
|
Tire kickers |
People who can't afford to buy your bike waste your time. |
Fund verification shows you that your buyer is serious. |
|
Scammers |
Scammers use fake names to avoid getting caught. |
Buyer verification shows you that you're dealing with a real person, operating under their actual identity. |
|
Identity theft |
Lack of secure messaging exposes your personal info to strangers. |
Encrypted messaging protects your contact info and routes all communication through the DealNow app. |
|
Test ride scheduling |
Back-and-forth coordination of the test ride wastes your time and exposes your personal contact info. |
In-app scheduling makes coordination easy. The buyer selects from your preset availability to schedule the test ride. |
|
The trust problem |
The buyer doesn't want to pay until they have some assurance they will get the bike; you don't want to release the motorcycle until you’ve been paid. |
Signing of a bill of sale protects both parties. Instant funds transfer gets the deal done on the spot. |
|
Bill of sale |
It's inconvenient to print copies of the bill of sale, remember to bring them to the meet-up, and fill them out correctly. |
A digital bill of sale for your state—with a guided walk-through for both parties—is signed, countersigned, and stored in the cloud. |
|
Payment |
Traditional payment methods are slow, expensive, risky, inconvenient, inadequate, or all of the above. |
Receive any amount of money instantly, any time of day, any day of the year. |
Whether you found your buyer on Cycle Trader or Craigslist, finish strong with DealNow. It’s the smart way to get paid for your motorcycle.
Once the inquiries start rolling in, you’ll need to weed out the serious buyers from time-wasters or scammers. Your screening goals:
Here are some tips on weeding out untrustworthy buyers:
When you use DealNow to finish your transaction, you’ll enjoy verification of buyer identity and buyer funds. It’s all part of our streamlined process that keeps you safe and saves you a bunch of time.
After selecting a buyer, it’s time for a test ride. This gives them a chance to experience your motorcycle firsthand, so make sure it’s in tip-top shape.
DealNow simplifies the process by allowing you to set your schedule and preferred test ride locations. Potential buyers can easily book test rides through our app, eliminating the need for lengthy back-and-forth communications.
If the buyer likes the bike, it’s time to close the deal. The closing starts with you and the buyer signing an official bill of sale.
While not legally required, a bill of sale is a smart idea. It records the terms of the transaction to protect both parties in the event of disputes. Here are the details included in most bills of sale:
You can print two copies of a bill of sale, but there’s an easier way. DealNow provides an official bill of sale for your state. You each sign it electronically. This action gives the buyer confidence that they can safely pay you (savvy buyers are hesitant to send money before getting the motorbike, and you’re rightfully hesitant to sign over the title before getting paid).
After both of you have signed the bill of sale, it’s time to get paid for your motorcycle. Be wary: traditional payment methods are full of friction, inconvenience, risk, or all three.
Some sellers turn to escrow services to overcome the security risks of other payment methods, but these are expensive and time-consuming.
DealNow lets you receive instant, secure, unlimited payments through our intuitive mobile app. Funds are held in an FDIC-insured account with easy transferring to your regular bank account.
Once payment is received, it’s time to transfer ownership of your motorcycle. The title transfer process varies by state and whether your motorcycle is titled or only registered.
For titled motorcycles:
For registered motorcycles (in states without motorcycle titles):
In both cases:
Note: Some states may require additional paperwork or steps. Verify the specific requirements with your local DMV or motorcycle registration agency.
A release of liability form shields you from consequences arising from the buyer’s actions with the motorcycle after the sale. If the buyer neglects or deliberately avoids registering the motorcycle in their name, you will be protected from potential financial and legal repercussions.
Visit your state’s DMV website to learn about filing a release of liability form for motorcycles.
You can submit this form online, but be aware of the submission deadline; most states require filing within 5–30 days of the sale.
Pro tip: File your release of liability form before canceling your motorcycle insurance policy.
DealNow takes the friction out of the motorcycle selling process with our self-serve technology and smooth dealflow. We guide you through every step of the sale. Here’s how easy it is:
Ready to sell your motorcycle with less hassle and more security? Give DealNow a try. It’s the smarter way to handle your private sale.
The best time to sell a motorcycle is in the spring or early summer when riding weather begins. Many buyers start looking as temperatures warm up. In warmer climates, you might have success year-round. Consider your local climate and riding season when timing your sale.
Always meet potential buyers in public, well-lit areas for viewings and transactions. Use DealNow. We’ll help you:
When the sale is done, file a release of liability form after the sale to avoid legal entanglements with the new owner.
Motorcycles are usually easy to sell if they are well maintained and listed at a fair price. You might have a harder time finding an honest buyer if:
Be patient and prepared for some negotiation. Finding the real buyer at the right price can take time.
Avoid misrepresenting your motorcycle’s condition. This can turn off potential buyers and even lead to legal issues. Don’t forget to sign a written bill of sale. This document protects both parties. Avoid meeting potential buyers at your home or in isolated locations for safety reasons.
Refrain from accepting personal checks or unverified cashier’s checks as payment. Never hand over the bike before receiving full payment, and don’t forget to remove your license plate and personal items before finalizing the sale. After the sale, don’t forget to file a release of liability form.
Cleaning a motorcycle for sale involves more than a simple wash. Start with a thorough wash and dry, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas. Clean and polish chrome parts to restore their shine. If your bike has leather seats or saddlebags, treat them to enhance their appearance. Clean and lubricate the chain, and touch up any minor scratches if possible.
Double-check that lights and electrical components are clean and functioning. A well-cleaned motorcycle looks more appealing and commands a higher price.
Selling a motorcycle without a title (pink slip) is challenging and often illegal.
In some states, you might be able to sell older motorcycles with a bill of sale and registration. Some states allow selling with a bonded title if the original is unavailable. If you’ve lost the title, you’ll need to apply for a replacement before selling. Check your local DMV regulations, as the title is usually required for a legal sale.
DealNow is the easiest way to close your own vehicle deal, anytime. It’s the safe and simple way to avoid fraud, sign documents, and instantly transact, all in one app.
