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MECHANIC TALK / SELLING YOUR BIKE

SELLING A MOTORCYCLE IN AUSTRALIA:
HOW TO GET THE BEST PRICE

Selling your motorcycle isn't just about putting up an ad and waiting for the messages to roll in. A little preparation, realistic pricing and a good listing can make a big difference to how buyers see your bike — and what they're prepared to pay for it.

VALUE PREP PRESENT LIST PRICE NEGOTIATE SELL
01 / BEFORE YOU LIST IT

WORK OUT WHAT YOUR BIKE IS ACTUALLY WORTH

Start by looking at comparable motorcycles for sale. The same model can be advertised at very different prices depending on age, kilometres, condition and what's happening in the market.

01

Model & Year

Compare your motorcycle with the same model and similar model years rather than broadly similar bikes.

03

Condition

Tyres, bodywork, service history, mechanical condition and general presentation all contribute to perceived value.

04

The Market

Look at what comparable motorcycles are actually being advertised for in your area before setting your price.

YOUR BIKE IS WORTH WHAT THE MARKET IS PREPARED TO PAY — NOT NECESSARILY WHAT YOU'VE SPENT ON IT.
02 / BEFORE SPENDING MONEY

FIX IT OR SELL IT AS-IS?

Spending a little money before selling can make sense, but not every dollar you put into a motorcycle will come back in the sale price. Focus on the things that make the bike easier to inspect, ride and trust. A dry, slack chain is one of the easiest to sort — here's how often to lube and adjust it.

WORTH LOOKING AT
  • Overdue basic servicing
  • Chain adjustment and lubrication
  • Dead or unreliable battery
  • Minor obvious faults
  • Missing or damaged small parts
  • Basic maintenance items
THINK TWICE BEFORE SPENDING BIG
  • Expensive cosmetic upgrades
  • Major customisation
  • Accessories chosen for your taste
  • Replacing perfectly usable parts
  • Big modifications just before sale
  • Work unlikely to change buyer perception
03 / PRESENTATION

FIRST IMPRESSIONS SELL BIKES.

01 / CLEAN IT

Start Clean

Wash the bike properly. Dirt, road grime and a filthy chain don't exactly scream "well looked after".

02 / DETAIL IT

Sort The Details

Clean the wheels, controls, dash and those awkward areas buyers will inevitably look at when they inspect the bike.

03 / CHECK IT

Look It Over

Check lights, tyre pressures, fluid levels, chain condition and anything obvious before someone arrives to inspect it.

04 / PHOTOGRAPH IT

Then Get The Camera

Photograph the motorcycle once it's clean, outside if possible, with a simple background and decent light.

04 / PAPERWORK

GET IT TOGETHER BEFORE THE MESSAGES START.

Good records make it easier for a buyer to understand the motorcycle's history. Get everything together before you advertise rather than trying to find it while someone is standing in your driveway.

Serviced outside the dealer network? Those records still count — see our guide to log book servicing at an independent workshop.

✓ Service history and logbook
✓ Receipts for servicing and repairs
✓ Registration details
✓ VIN and motorcycle details
✓ Spare keys
✓ Owner's manual
✓ Records of major mechanical work
A FOLDER FULL OF RECEIPTS CAN SOMETIMES SELL A BIKE BETTER THAN A PARAGRAPH FULL OF PROMISES.
05 / YOUR LISTING

YOUR PHOTOS ARE THE FIRST INSPECTION.

Before someone reads every word of your ad, they're probably looking at the photos. Give them enough to understand the condition of the motorcycle before they contact you.

01 Full bike — left side
02 Full bike — right side
03 Front
04 Rear
05 Dash & kilometres
06 Engine
07 Tyres & wear items
08 Any visible damage
DON'T HIDE THE UGLY BIT. If there's a scratch, dent or other visible damage, show it. Finding it in person after it was carefully left out of the photos isn't a great start to a negotiation.
06 / WRITE THE AD

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BEFORE THEY'RE ASKED.

A useful motorcycle listing gives buyers the information they need to decide whether the bike is worth inspecting. Clear information can also save you from answering the same questions twenty times.

INCLUDE THE USEFUL STUFF

Year
Make
Model
Kilometres
Service history
Recent work
Modifications
Registration
Known issues
Asking price
PLEASE DON'T MAKE THIS THE WHOLE AD

THE CLASSIC THREE-LINER.

"Great bike.
Runs well.
No time wasters."

It doesn't tell the buyer much. Give them the information they'd actually ask you for if they were standing next to the motorcycle.

07 / SET YOUR PRICE

LEAVE ROOM TO TALK — NOT ROOM FOR FANTASY.

Decide what you'd realistically like to receive for the motorcycle, then consider whether you want some reasonable negotiation room in the asking price. Price it too high and genuine buyers may simply scroll past.

START WITH YOUR REALISTIC TARGET PRICE
+
ADD REASONABLE NEGOTIATION ROOM
THAT BECOMES YOUR ASKING PRICE
08 / HOW DO YOU WANT TO SELL?

PRIVATE SALE OR DEALER?

There isn't one approach that suits every seller. Think about whether your priority is the selling price, convenience, speed or how much time you want to spend dealing with enquiries and inspections.

OPTION 01

Private Sale

  • You set the advertised price
  • You handle enquiries directly
  • You organise inspections
  • You deal with negotiation
  • You manage the handover with the buyer
OPTION 02

Dealer / Trade-In

  • Generally a simpler process
  • Less time dealing with private enquiries
  • No need to organise multiple private inspections
  • Can be convenient when changing motorcycles
  • The offered price may differ from private-sale expectations
09 / NEGOTIATION

DON'T NEGOTIATE AGAINST YOURSELF.

Know what you're prepared to accept before someone starts negotiating. If you've priced the bike based on its condition, history and the current market, you should also be able to explain why you're asking what you're asking.

Know Your Number Decide your realistic minimum before the conversation starts.
Let Them Make The Offer You don't need to immediately reduce your own price before the buyer has even made an offer.
Use The Bike's History Service records, recent work and good condition help explain the value you're asking for.
10 / BEFORE THE BIKE LEAVES
WA CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

DON'T FORGET THE TRANSFER.

If you're selling a Western Australian licensed motorcycle, the seller must notify the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure of the change of ownership within 7 days.

Eligible vehicle transfers can be completed online through DoTDirect. If the transfer can't be completed online, the Notification of Change of Ownership — Vehicle Licence Transfer (MR9) process may be required.

Before completing the sale, check the current requirements directly with Transport WA, particularly if the motorcycle is being sold interstate, has optional plates or the transfer involves unusual ownership circumstances.

CHECK CURRENT WA VEHICLE TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS →

THINK LIKE THE BUYER

WANT TO KNOW WHAT BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR?

Understanding what buyers check when inspecting a motorcycle can help you prepare yours before putting it on the market. From tyres and brakes to service history, paperwork and warning signs, look at your motorcycle from the other side of the sale.

READ OUR MOTORCYCLE BUYING GUIDE →
THE BOTTOM LINE

MAKE IT EASY FOR SOMEONE TO BUY YOUR BIKE.

A clean motorcycle, sensible asking price, good photos, useful information and a clear service history can make the whole selling process easier. Prepare the bike properly, be upfront about its condition and give buyers the information they need to make a decision.

GETTING YOUR BIKE READY TO SELL?

SORT THE BIKE BEFORE YOU LIST IT.

Need servicing, repairs or a mechanical check before putting your motorcycle on the market? Talk to the Motorcycles Plus workshop in Kewdale.

General information only. Vehicle sale and transfer requirements can change and may vary depending on the circumstances of the sale. Check current Transport WA requirements before transferring a motorcycle.