8 Tips for Maintaining Motorcycle Resale Value

When it comes to motorcycles, nothing beats the exhilaration of the open road, the sense of camaraderie among riders, and the liberating feeling of being on two wheels. However, beyond the fun, the brotherhood, and the lifestyle, there is a sensible aspect of owning a motorcycle: it's an investment. And like any other investment, you want to ensure it retains its value over time.

Ensuring your bike maintains its value can lead to better returns when it's time to sell or trade it for a newer model. Here are a few tips for maintaining the resale value of your motorcycle to help you get the best price for your beloved machine.

Conduct regular maintenance and servicing

Just like a car, regular maintenance and servicing are key to keeping your bike in top-notch condition and preserving its value. Routine tasks like oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotation ensure your safety while riding and authenticate to potential buyers that the motorcycle has been well cared for. This can greatly boost their confidence in the purchase, knowing they are investing in a well-maintained machine.

Keeping a detailed record of the services and check-ups performed on your bike can significantly enhance its resale value. A well-documented service history gives tangible proof of your bike's condition, giving prospective buyers more confidence in their purchase.

Try to keep the mileage low and avoid accidents

Your motorbike's mileage and accident history can significantly affect its resale value. For instance, a motorcycle with higher mileage can indicate wear and tear in the bike's components, which may equate to a lower resale value. On the other hand, a motorcycle with an accident history can raise questions about possible hidden damage.

Generally, bikes with lower mileage and no accident history have higher resale value. Consider using your motorcycle for personal use or special events only and use a commuter vehicle to move to and from work. Doing so will keep the miles low, preserve your motorcycle's condition, and make each ride feel unique.

Driving fewer miles and practicing safe riding will also reduce the risk of accidents. Being involved in a motorcycle accident will not only lead to serious injuries, but your bike will sustain damage that may lower its resale value.

Address minor damages

The city or state council isn't doing any favors on your sports bike's rims, nor is your neighbor's kitten that occasionally hangs around your motorcycle. Therefore, if you see any damage on your bike, which is bound to happen, fix it as soon as possible.

Even something small, like a loose mirror or a tone seat cover, can affect your motorcycle's resale value. Fix any damage on time to avoid a huge repair bill or having to explain to the potential buyer why it isn't as bad as it looks.

Keep original motorcycle parts

Most riders love customizing and redesigning their bikes to suit their preferences. Motorcycle customization includes adding new paintwork and aftermarket modification and upgrades, such as exhaust or fuel system, and replacing the windscreen or seat. However, customizing your motorcycle too much, especially heavyweight bikes, can cause their value to reduce significantly.

Keep the original motorcycle parts if you want to install aftermarket parts and change your bike's design. Reinstall the original parts before putting your motorcycle on the market to raise its value. In addition, you can install motorcycle luggage such as a sissy bar bag, saddle bag, tank bag, or trunk to your bike.

Get a new paint job

Your riding will inevitably leave the finish of your motorcycle scratched and dinged. Maybe it has gotten so worse that rust and corrosion are taking over. Fortunately, applying new paint to your bike can help cover damage and make it look brand-new.

Today's patch-up paint companies use ultra-modern color-match technology that can spruce up your bike and make it shine with the exact shade it had when it left the dealership lot. There are high-quality products with clear, easy-to-follow instructions designed for beginner motorcycle owners, whether you just want to patch up a few minor dents or need to do a complete repaint. You can also opt for some paint protection mods such as paint protection film (PPF) for your bike if you really want to preserve its resale value.

Keep your bike clean and protected

A clean motorcycle is a happy bike. Routine motorcycle cleaning helps keep your bike looking great and prevents dirt, grime, and corrosion buildup. A clean, well-kept bike can also greatly impact a potential buyer's perception and is more likely to fetch a higher resale value.

Invest in high-quality cleaning products explicitly designed for motorcycles. Wash the parts that can't be damaged by soap and water and polish the chrome motorcycle parts, such as the exhaust pipes.

An unclean, dirty, and cluttered parking lot is certainly not a place for your two-wheeler. Ensure you find the right place for it, as this will prevent the accumulation of dust and grime, especially when not in use.

Sometimes, improper storage can greatly affect your motorcycle's performance. Therefore, ensure you keep it in a clean and functional area where it's well maintained. Consider using a motorcycle cover to protect the exterior of the bike and its mechanical elements from harsh direct sunlight, rain, and dust.

Understand the market value of your bike

Before you put your motorcycle on the market, take some time to determine a fair price to charge. Doing so will help you save a lot of time down the line.

As with anything you wish to sell, your initial step should be to figure out what the market will offer. Conduct some online research to see how desirable your motorcycle's model, make, and year are. You should also check internet classified ads to see how other individuals are asking for a similar bike.

Using an online motorcycle resale value calculator can also give you an estimate of your two-wheeler’s current market value based on aspects like its condition, age, and mileage. This tool can be valuable when setting a competitive price for your two-wheeler, ensuring you don't undervalue or overprice your motorcycle. Remember that getting a fair price on your motorcycle depends on the bike's overall condition and your negotiation skills.

Get the necessary documents

Selling any asset or property always requires paperwork. Potential buyers will be more confident in their decision to buy from you if all the necessary documents are in place and readily available.

Ensure you have all the necessary documentation to get the best price for your motorcycle. Make sure you transfer the documents to the new proprietor's name once the transaction is done. Some of the necessary documents include:

• Motorcycle insurance plan documents
• Forms 28, 29, and 30
• Registration certificate
• Road tax certificate
• No objection certificate

You can visit your regional transport office (RTO) for more information.

It's crucial to transfer the required motorcycle third-party insurance obligation as soon as possible. The previous owner is held liable if the bike sold is involved in an accident, but the motorcycle's third-party insurance policy hasn't yet been transferred.

In addition, ensure you request a settlement quote from the lender before listing a bike that has an outstanding motorcycle loan. Technically, a financed motorcycle isn't your sole asset until you finish making the full payment and ownership has been transferred to your name.

Conclusion

Maintaining the value of your motorcycle is a strategic process that requires regular maintenance and servicing, keeping your bike clean and protected, wise upgrades, understanding the market, and more. By implementing the given strategies, you can ensure that your two-wheeler remains an invaluable asset.

Remember, your bike isn't just a source of fun and freedom; it's an investment, so preserve and enhance it by taking steps to maximize its resale value.