If you’re thinking about selling your motorcycle, no doubt, you want to get as much out of the deal as possible. As is the case with most vehicles, motorcycles tend to depreciate over time. The moment you drive one off of the lot, it loses about five percent of its initial value. From there, it depreciates by anywhere from twenty to thirty percent within the first two years and another five percent annually after that. If you don’t take care of it or it sustains damage at some point, it’ll lose even more value. All of that is unavoidable, but there are a few easy, cost-effective measures you can take to boost a motorcycle’s value.
Routine Maintenance
One of the most effective ways to sustain the value of your motorcycle over time is to keep up with routine maintenance. That’ll minimize the toll of time and wear and keep the bike running great. It’ll also reduce the likelihood of unexpected and potentially expensive breakdowns. Be sure to keep maintenance records as well. Potential buyers will probably want to see them, and knowing a bike has been taken care of gives them extra peace of mind. Though routine maintenance comes at a price, it’ll ensure your bike sells for more later on. It’s definitely a worthwhile investment.
A New Paint Job
If your bike has a few scuffs or its paint is fading from exposure to the elements, giving it a new paint job can make a world of difference. It’ll get rid of cosmetic damage and make the bike look like new. At the same time, if the chrome has seen better days, you may want to have it restored or plated. These steps can improve the appearance of your bike. In turn, it’ll be more likely to catch buyers’ attention, and they may be willing to pay more for it.
Washing and Detailing
For bikes that don’t have any real damage, a good cleaning may be all it takes to improve their value. You might be surprised at how much of a difference a bath and detailing can make in the appearance of your motorcycle. Though it won’t necessarily make the bike run better or last longer, it’ll draw the interest of more buyers. As is the case with a new paint job, it may make buyers less likely to try to get away with lowball offers.
New Tires and Brakes
Putting new tires and brakes on a motorcycle will improve its value as well. Those are a couple of the most important components of the bike when it comes to safety, and that added safety will pay off in more ways than one. Many people are tempted to go with cheaper tires and brake pads since they’re going to sell the bike anyway, but that’s not necessarily the best choice. On the other hand, you don’t have to buy the most expensive ones, either. Consider opting for those that fall somewhere in the middle of the price spectrum.
Install a New Seat
Another way to increase your bike’s value is to install a new seat. Seats tend to take on a lot of wear and tear. It doesn’t take very long for the leather to become faded and cracked and the padding underneath to go flat. That detracts from a bike’s appearance as well as the comfort of the ride. You may be able to save a little money without sacrificing results by having the existing seat refurbished to give it a new look and feel.
Making Your Bike Worth More
These measures are a few simple and affordable ways to increase your motorcycle’s value. Some improve the bike’s appearance while others make it run better and ride safer. All of them are well worth the investment you’ll put into them, and they’re sure to make your bike worth more.
