Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for answers to the most frequently asked questions when buying or selling a motorcycle on Sell Buy Moto? Check out our Motorcycle FAQ for what our customers want to know.

General

How can I lower my current monthly payment?

There are a few options to consider when looking to lower your monthly payment. Refinancing is a common solution for many because there is no waiting period required to refinance, and there is no limit on how many times you can refinance. Also, unlike opening a new line of credit, refinancing replaces your existing loan with another of roughly the same amount, so the impact on your credit score is minimal.

  • Refinance your loan for a lower interest rate. Lowering your interest rate will lower your monthly payments and reduce the amount of interest you pay on your loan over time. Keep in mind that a lower interest rate is not always possible for older vehicles. Because of their depreciation rates compared to new bikes, older motorcycles are often viewed as a financial risk to lenders, and often get inferior interest offers when refinancing.
  • Refinance your loan for a longer term. Extending your loan will spread your remaining payments out over a longer period of time. However, extending the life of your loan may mean owing more in interest in the long run depending on your interest rate. Together, these refinancing options could significantly lower your monthly payments and put more money back in your pocket.
  • Non-refinancing options. Prepaying is a great long-term strategy where you pay more than is due per month, so that monthly payments decrease over time. You can also lower your payment by trading down to a vehicle more affordable within your budget, or trading in your bike for a used motorcycle that has already assumed depreciation costs.

When is the best time to buy or lease a motorcycle?

If you have time to shop around for a motorcycle, keep in mind that there are certain times of the year where you may get a better deal with the price, or find a greater selection to choose from. Dealers are focused on hitting their sales goals and making room for new inventory, so think about buying at the end of the month, quarter, or year for more negotiating power. Holidays like President’s Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day are also great opportunities to take advantage of new vehicle rebates and dealer incentives. When it comes to specific days of the week, consider shopping on slower days like Mondays to get more personalized attention.

If you’re looking for a used bike, consider purchasing in the fall. Most new models debut at the end of the year, making October through December peak trade-in season as consumers exchange their old ride for a new one. This means a greater selection at better prices. Be sure to consider the time of year and the type of model you’re after. Motorcycles will fetch higher prices in the spring when the weather is nice, as compared to models being sold in the winter months.

What types of rebates and incentives are offered?

Various rebates and incentives are frequently offered by both manufacturers and dealerships, and listings on our sight may be eligible. Make sure to check with the seller to see if the listing you're interested in qualifies for any rebates or incentives they might offer. Keep in mind that any OEM incentives offered will only apply to new units.

Should I buy or lease a motorcycle?

Buying and leasing both have benefits based on your lifestyle and preferences. Leasing allows you to get a motorcycle with more features for less money without any trade-in hassle at lease end. It also lets you transition easily into a new ride every 2–3 years, with most repairs covered by factory warranties. While leasing benefits are many, you'll pay more in the long run than a motorcycle bought outright, annual mileage will be limited, and you could face excessive wear-and-tear fees at the end of the lease term.

Buying saves money over the long term without being locked into an agreement, so you can easily sell or trade your bike in the future. Although you won’t have to worry about mileage and wear penalties, you’ll be responsible for repairs after warranties expire and you’ll likely have to offer a greater down payment to drive off the lot.

How do I transfer my old plates?

If you want to keep your license plate from your old motorcycle, you can transfer it to your new ride as long as both vehicles are registered in your name. To do this, you will need your current registration, the title or title application for the new vehicle, and a valid insurance policy on the new motorcycle. Once you have these documents, take them to your local motor vehicle agency, tag office, or DMV to begin the process.

How do I register my new motorcycle?

Some dealers will register your new vehicle on your behalf, which will be made clear in your contract paperwork. In these instances, no action is required on your part. If you do not receive your plates within 30 days, you can file an extension request for your temporary tags with your local county tag agent or DMV. If you meet the requirements, you will be granted a new 30-day operating permit while your vehicle registration is sorted out with the dealership.

If your dealer does not offer this service, you will be required to register your vehicle in the state where you primarily reside at a local DMV or tag office. In most states, you must present a valid insurance policy before you’re able to register, along with a valid driver’s license and the vehicle’s title. Some states may also require proof of residency.

What is Sell Buy Moto’s refund policy for online motorcycle purchases?

If you or your dealer cancel your online order for any reason, your purchase funds will be returned to your bank account within 7–10 business days.

While Sell Buy Moto aims to bring consumers an enjoyable online shopping experience, once the transaction has been finalized, any refund requests must be discussed directly with your dealer.

What is Sell Buy Moto’s refund policy for private listings?

Sell Buy Moto offers affordable, competitive pricing that provides wide exposure for the motorcycle or item you are selling, and offers effective enhancements to improve the chances of a buyer noticing your Ad. Therefore, we do not offer refunds on advertising fees once an ad has been activated.

At your request, we will:

  • Correct any mistakes we have made in the ad at no charge
  • Correct mistakes that you made during submission of the ad at no charge
  • Make enhancements to your ad for an additional charge

Sell Buy Moto will only provide a refund for the following reasons:

  • Your ad has not been posted and you wish to cancel the ad
  • You mistakenly ordered and paid for duplicate ads through Sell Buy Moto and wish to cancel, and obtain a refund on, the duplicate(s) only. Sell Buy Moto will not, however, provide a refund on the original ad.

Sell Buy Moto is not responsible for, and will not provide refunds for any other reason, including but not limited to, a change of mind regarding ad content or enhancements, or errors or omissions in ad content or enhancements. We will make every reasonable effort to satisfy our advertisers but we are not responsible for lack of response to an ad, lack of inquiries, or offers to purchase the item. If the item has been sold via another means, the advertiser may cancel the ad, but will not receive a refund, either in whole or in part.

Why can’t I find the motorcycle I want?

Sell Buy Moto has the largest selection of inventory nationwide, but you may not find the specific motorcycle you’re after if your search is too narrow. You are not required to fill in every criteria box provided for you on our search page, and you can broaden your searches by leaving some fields blank or looking for a wider range of criteria, including price, year, or distance. You can use the keyword search functionality to expand your search.

How do I find motorcycles for sale near me?

Use the Zip Code feature to search for bikes convenient to your location, or enter multiple zip codes to get a longer list of available motorcycles. You can also search by state or region to get an even larger selection that may be within driving distance of your home.

If you’re open to a motorcycle outside of your area, consider buying online. You can complete your deal online and get your next motorcycle shipped directly to you, wherever you are.

How can I find a motorcycle dealer near me?

Click “Motorcycle Dealers” in the top navigation bar. Here, you can search for hundreds of dealers by name, location, or make to find inventory and contact information.

What is My Trader?

My Trader is Sell Buy Moto’s platform that allows you to personalize your buying and selling experience. My Trader offers the following features to help you buy, sell, or simply browse our nationwide inventory:

  • Save your favorite searches and run them with one click
  • Save your favorite motorcycle listings for later comparison and research
  • View and modify any bike ads you have placed on our site, and respond to potential buyers
  • View and modify your past motorcycle orders or any orders in progress

What are Lemon Laws?

Lemon Laws are federal and state protection laws that prevent buyers and lessees from getting stuck with defective vehicles, including motorcycles. A motorcycle is considered a lemon if it has a defect that the manufacturer or authorized dealership cannot correct despite a reasonable opportunity. Check the BBB Auto Line to confirm Lemon Laws for your state. Common problems that generally qualify under Lemon Law include engine, transmission, steering, and electrical systems. If your vehicle qualifies, you have the right to obtain a full refund of the purchase price or a similar replacement model.

Buying Online

How do I buy a motorcycle on sellbuymoto.com?

To begin an online purchase, find the motorcycle you want that has the “Buy Online” feature enabled by searching our listings.

After you’ve found the perfect bike, click the “Buy Online” button at the top of the vehicle’s detail page to begin your online order. Here, we'll walk you through a series of steps, from trade-in and payment method, to delivery. Once your order is complete, you'll receive a detailed deal summary via email. You can also manage your order by logging into your My Trader account. You will receive a copy of your deal summary when your order is complete, or you can manage your order by logging into your My Trader account.

Check out our Buyer’s Resource Center for more information, or contact us directly with any questions.

How Does Sell Buy Moto Provide Accurate Pricing Information?

There are many aspects of pricing, including taxes, document fees, titling fees, and destination charges. All dealer fees and bike expenses will be outlined in the Buy Now Deal summary.

  • Taxes Our compliance partner helps us to calculate state and municipal-level taxes for each Buy Now deal, ensuring consumers get the most accurate price, regardless of where they are in the nation.
  • Fees In our system, dealers have the ability to customize fees specific to their dealership. These fees are automatically included in the final Buy Now price. These fees may include document fees, titling fees, and destination charges.
  • Shipping Expenses Shipping expenses are calculated by our shipping partner, RunBuggy, and calculated based on the drop off address given during the Buy Now process.

What happens after I place an order?

We'll send you an email message acknowledging receipt of your order and a copy of the deal summary will be available in your My Trader account under “My Active Deals”. The dealer will reach out to you directly to confirm your order and finalize any outstanding details.

Once your deal has been finalized with the dealer, you can find your deal and purchase summary located under your “Inactive Deals”.

What if I don’t want to buy totally online?

While ordering online can save you hours in the dealership, if you’re not interested in buying completely online, you can start your order on Sell Buy Moto and finish your purchase at the dealership. Go as far as you're comfortable in the process and Sell Buy Moto will automatically save your progress within your My Trader account. Contact the dealer when you’re ready to make an appointment, and they will access your order information when you walk in the door.

Can I continue my “buy online” deal offline?

Yes. If you choose to take your deal offline, coordinate with your dealer to finish the purchase in-person.

What happens if I don’t complete an order I start?

Once you start your order, your progress will be automatically saved within your My Trader account, and you'll have 30 minutes to complete your deal before the bike becomes available for other users to purchase. If you discontinue or get interrupted during your purchase session, you'll still have the remaining time to complete your order. If your deal timer expires, you can revisit your order at any time by logging into your My Trader account. If a purchase is incomplete but the bike is still available, it will remain in “Active Deals” under your My Trader account. If a bike is no longer available for purchase, it will file under your “Inactive Deals” in your My Trader account.

How Do I Ship My Motorcycle?

Shipping your new motorcycle is easy. Sell Buy Moto has partnered with RunBuggy to provide an easy shipping solution for every Buy Now transaction. Once you place an order, select the shipping option. When the dealer confirms shipment, you’ll receive an email notification from RunBuggy prompting you to confirm your shipping details and payment information. A transporter will then pick up your motorcycle and deliver it right to your driveway. While your motorcycle is en route, you can monitor your order to know exactly where it is and when it will arrive. 

How do I schedule a test drive before I buy online?

If you’ve already found the perfect motorcycle and are interested in a test drive before you buy, contact your dealer to confirm a time to view the bike. Please note, some dealerships do not allow test drives, but you can inspect the bike before you finalize your purchase. If you’re buying your bike long-distance, contact your dealer to request a video chat for your motorcycle.

Not satisfied with the bike after an in-person preview? No problem. There’s no obligation to continue your online purchase.

Is buying a motorcycle online safe?

At Sell Buy Moto, we want you to stay safe, and we believe that knowledge and awareness are the best ways to prevent fraud. Before buying online, consult our Security Center to protect yourself against deception and confirm you’re dealing with a legitimate seller.

We also suggest verifying the motorcycle’s market value using our Motorcycle Valuation Tool to assure you’re getting a fair price, and coordinating a vehicle inspection to see the vehicle in-person before you buy. If you can’t inspect the bike yourself, look for our certified Inspection Badge on already-inspected motorcycles. These listings include a Sell Buy Moto Assurance inspection report that helps protect you from buying a lemon.

For more information, view our blog post, 13 Tips for Avoiding Scams When Buying Online, to access actionable steps for staying safe.

How can I contact my dealer on Sell Buy Moto

Before placing an order, you can find the seller’s contact information listed on the motorcycle’s detail page.

How can I contact my dealer after I’ve placed an order?

After you've completed an online order, the dealer's contact info will be shown on the confirmation page after checkout. The dealer's contact info is also available within the deal summary in your My Trader account, and should be included in all transactional emails.

How can I negotiate the “buy online” price?

Buying online is convenient and fast, saving you time and money. That’s why our Buy Online prices are non-adjustable. These prices are in line with fair market values and include location-based taxes, title, and dealer fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you sign your name on the dotted line.

What If I Want To Buy A Bike In Another Part Of The Country?

You can easily purchase a bike in another part of the country. Simply find the bike you want, complete your purchase online, and finalize your shipping details with RunBuggy. A transporter will then pick up your motorcycle from the dealership and deliver it right to your driveway. 

How do I return my motorcycle?

If you’re looking to return your motorcycle, review your purchase agreement provided by the dealer, or contact the seller directly to discuss your options.

How long does it take to have my motorcycle delivered?

Delivery timing will depend on the delivery option selected for your purchase order. If the dealer is coordinating your shipping, review your purchase agreement terms or contact the seller directly. If you’ve secured a third-party delivery service, please contact your shipping partner for timing.

What happens if my order is out of stock?

Dealers work hard to ensure that stock is on hand for purchase, but occasionally listed motorcycles will be out of stock by the time an online order is placed. If a dealer cancels your order for any reason before payment is processed, you will receive a refund for the full purchase price.

If the bike you ordered is unavailable, please connect with your dealer to discuss alternative options for a new order. You may also contact Sell Buy Moto's customer service team with any questions or concerns regarding unfulfilled orders.

What if I didn’t receive my order?

If you paid for an order and the estimated delivery date passed, please contact the dealer to confirm shipping details. Dealers are responsible for communicating with you and for correcting any problems that might arise with lost shipments, damaged items, or other issues relating to your order. You can find the seller’s contact information in your My Trader Account.

If a dealer on Sell Buy Moto fails to deliver, please contact us so that we may assist you and prevent such problems from occurring in the future.

What if my order is incorrect?

Similar to unreceived orders, incorrect orders should be brought to your dealer's attention. Contact your dealer for assistance using their contact information found in your My Trader Account. All dealers are responsible for shipping the correct inventory.

If a dealer on Sell Buy Moto fails to deliver an accurate order, please contact us so that we may assist you and prevent such problems from occurring in the future.

My email to a dealer bounced, now what?

If your email to a dealer bounces, please report this to us immediately, so that our Investigations team can follow up with the dealer. Sell Buy Moto dealers are required to have valid email addresses. Dealers who do not are in violation of our Participation Agreement and Terms of Service.

What happens if I have problems with my dealer?

Sell Buy Moto wants every order to go as smoothly as possible, but in rare cases, disputes will occur. Since the sales agreement is between the buyer and the seller, we encourage buyers to contact their seller directly with questions about an order made through CycleTrader.com.

You can locate your dealer’s contact information on the email notification sent to you following your purchase, or if you have questions before making a purchase, you can find the seller’s information in your My Trader Account.

If you still have questions or need further assistance, you can contact our customer service team here.

Can I Cancel My Deal and Get a Refund On My Deposit?

Prior to finalizing your transaction with the dealer offline, you can cancel your deal at any time for a refund. Once you’ve finalized your transaction with the dealer offline, you must review the dealer’s refund policy and coordinate with the dealer directly.

In addition, if your online purchase is confirmed by a dealer but does not go through, you will be refunded to your original payment method. This can take up to 7-10 business days.

Credit, Financing, & Insurance FAQs

What are my financing options for a motorcycle?

When you buy online with Sell Buy Moto, you can choose how you prefer to pay for your motorcycle. These options include: cash payment, dealer financing, or third-party financing from your own bank or credit union. When placing an online order, indicate your payment preference or schedule a time to speak with your dealer directly. To learn more about financing options, visit our Credit Center help page.

What fees can I expect on my next motorcycle purchase?

At Sell Buy Moto, our Buy Online prices include location-based taxes, title, and dealer fees. Our pricing is compliant with state regulations, so you get the most transparent online pricing possible.

Here are some common fees you may see listed on your deal summary:

  • Destination fee: This is the manufacturer’s cost of moving a new motorcycle to the dealer.
  • Documentation fee: The “doc” fee covers administrative document processing for your new motorcycle purchase.
  • Tax, Title, & Registration: These fees are determined by state and city government, where each state charges sales tax, property tax, and/or usage tax when you purchase a motorcycle. Depending on your location, taxes may be calculated based on the full price of the motorcycle, or the bike’s purchase price minus any trade-in value.
  • Set up fee: This fee is necessary to get your unit put together and ready to ride.

Are there any additional fees that may be in my contract?

Additional fees often occur if a consumer purchases any bike add-ons. These fees can include:

  • Credit insurance: Credit insurance is optional insurance protection that covers your loan if you can no longer make payments due to disability, job-loss, or death.
  • GAP insurance: In the event that your motorcycle becomes inoperable, Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance protects you if you owe more than your bike is worth. This optional coverage can be purchased through a dealer or through your preferred insurance provider.
  • Market adjustment: This is a fee often applied to new vehicles that are in high demand and limited supply, such as special edition models.

How do I prequalify for a motorcycle loan?

Pre-qualifying for a loan is simple and it has no impact on your credit score. When shopping on Sell Buy Moto, click the “Get Pre-Qualified” button on any available motorcycle listing. We’ll walk you through the pre-qualification step by step so you can compare potential loan options from preferred lenders.

You can also get pre-qualified by going to your local bank or credit union, or searching “motorcycle pre-qualification” online and choosing from a number of different lenders.

How long does a pre-qualification last?

On average, a motorcycle loan pre-qualification lasts 30 days, giving you time to shop for the perfect bike.

How do I finance if I’m not buying from a dealer?

If you’re buying your motorcycle from a private party, you can click the LendingTree "Compare Motorcycle Loans" button on the search results page or on a specific motorcycle listing. You'll be able to shop and compare loans online, with competitive and flexible terms and rates, from LendingTree.

You can also contact your preferred bank or credit union to apply for a private-party motorcycle loan. These loans generally carry higher interest rates than motorcycles financed through dealerships, and lenders may have restrictions for age and mileage. These loans may also take longer to close, so it may be helpful to stay in contact with the seller about your approval status.

​​What does my interest rate mean?

Interest rate is the borrowing fee a lender charges for the use of a loan. Expressed on an annual basis, this charge is known as the annual percentage rate (APR), which is added on top of your monthly payments. The rate you are given depends on your credit score and the length of your motorcycle loan. Lower APRs are typically given to consumers who have better credit scores as they present less of a risk to lenders. Shorter term loans also typically carry lower interest rates.

What’s a good motorcycle interest rate?

The average interest rate on motorcycle loans is about 8%. For high credit scores, the average interest rate is about 5.5%, whereas a score in the mid-500s carries an average APR of about 20%.

Interest rates vary by credit score and other factors, such as the type of motorcycle you purchase. In fact, street bikes may fetch lower rates than off-road bikes.

How do I get a motorcycle loan?

If ordering online, indicate that you need financing on the Payment page and your dealer will work with you to choose a motorcycle loan that works best for your lifestyle and budget. If you want to seek out other financing options, you can apply for a loan through your preferred bank or credit union.

How long does it take to get a loan decision?

Once you submit your financing application, you should receive your decision anywhere from a few hours to a week, depending on the lender. However, many applicants receive a decision within two hours or less. Online lenders and dealerships typically provide loan decisions faster. Timing also depends on your credit, the documents submitted, and the type of motorcycle you're purchasing.

How do I know which loan is right for me?

Once you’re pre-approved, you’ll have to decide which loan works best for your lifestyle and budget. Start by analyzing loan factors, including the length of the loan, interest rate, balloon payments, the total amount owed over the life of the loan, and monthly payments.

Short-term loans tend to carry higher monthly payments and lower APRs, allowing you to pay off the loan quicker. Long-term loans typically offer lower monthly payments with higher APRs, meaning it may take longer to pay off the loan.

Be aware, some loans have shorter terms that can result in a balloon payment. A balloon payment can occur with a smaller monthly payment upfront while the remaining loan balance is owed at the end of the loan term. These types of loans can be beneficial for a lower monthly payment, but you run the risk of not being able to keep up with the motorcycle's depreciation and could end up upside down on your loan.

Make sure you compare the total amount owed over the life of the loan, including taxes, fees and monthly payments, so that you’re not overextending what you can afford.

How does my credit score impact my ability to get a motorcycle loan?

When reviewing your loan application, lenders use a credit scoring system to decide the terms and interest rate of your loan. Having a higher credit score may make it easier to qualify for better rates and terms, whereas a low credit score might mean high interest rates, fewer lending choices, and require a larger down payment.

If you want to secure a loan and score better rates, utilize free resources such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to understand, build, and manage your credit, or consider adding a cosigner to your loan. For help understanding and managing your credit, visit our Credit Center help page.

How do I find my credit score?

It’s important to know your credit score before walking into a deal. You can often find your credit score listed on your bank account or credit card provider’s website. Additionally, you're entitled to one free copy of your credit report every year from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. To get your free report, order online from AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federally authorized website for credit reports.

How do I get a motorcycle loan with bad credit?

While it’s possible to get a motorcycle loan with poor credit, higher scores increase your chances of securing better terms and a lower APR. To offset a low credit score and increase the likelihood of better rates, get pre-qualified to know how much you can afford and offer a greater down payment upfront to reduce the amount needed to borrow. You can also take steps to improve your credit, such as reducing the amount of debt you owe and paying your bills on time to demonstrate a clean payment history.

Do I need a co-signer?

Co-signing can be helpful for buyers without established credit or those with poor credit. Having a friend or family member cosign on your loan can help you qualify for financing or secure an even better interest rate. This individual will take on the responsibility to pay your loan in the event that you become unable to.

Asking someone to co-sign a loan is a big commitment. A co-signer's credit score can drop if you miss a payment or submit late payments, so be sure to understand the risks before making a purchase.

What insurance coverage do I need for my motorcycle?

Motorcycle coverage may vary from state to state, but liability insurance is required by law in most states. If you’re at fault in an accident, this policy covers the expense of others’ injuries and property damages. If you’re financing or leasing your new motorcycle, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage until the vehicle is paid off. Be sure to consult with your dealer and insurance agency to determine the right amount of coverage for you. To learn more about motorcycle insurance, visit our Coverage & Warranties help page.

What is GAP insurance?

Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance is an extra option that protects you if your motorcycle is totaled or stolen, covering your loan payments if you owe more than the bike’s current value. GAP insurance only helps pay the difference of what your comprehensive or collision coverage does not cover in the event that your motorcycle becomes unrideable. It does not cover the cost of a replacement motorcycle. Buying a motorcycle is an investment, and GAP insurance can help cover the value of that investment if your bike is totaled or stolen.

Yamaha Financing

What is Yamaha Financing?

Yamaha Financing allows you to seamlessly finance your motorcycle purchase with a Yamaha certified dealer while shopping on Sell Buy Moto.

How does Yamaha Financing work?

When you find a motorcycle you’re interested in, utilize the “Buy Now” feature to see if Yamaha Financing is available. If it is, you will be directed to fill out the pre-qualification form. Once you receive your pre-qualification decision, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate with your estimated financing amount and a specific order number that can be verified by a Yamaha certified dealer.

Can I use Yamaha Financing with other manufacturers?

Yamaha Financing is only available to units sold through a Yamaha certified dealer. This can include a range of makes and models.

How long does pre-qualification last?

Pre-qualification with Yamaha Financing is valid for 30 days, allowing you to take time to find your dream bike.

Does pre-qualification impact my credit scores?

Pre-qualification for Yamaha Financing results in a soft credit pull that does not impact your credit scores.

What if I’m not approved for financing through Yamaha Financing?

If you are not approved for Yamaha Financing, you will receive a response from Yamaha, not Sell Buy Moto.

Trading & Leasing FAQs

What are the benefits of trading in my current motorcycle?

The great thing about trading is that you can use your trade as a down payment for your new motorcycle to lower your monthly payment, and even get yourself a sizable tax break. In many states, you will only pay tax on the difference in price between your new purchase and the trade-in value of your old motorcycle. If you choose to sell your old motorcycle yourself, this tax benefit won’t apply.

How can I trade in my motorcycle?

If you’re interested in trading your motorcycle, use our Motorcycle Values tool to get started. We’ll have you confirm some details like year, make, model, and give you a trade-in estimate. Here, you can choose to opt-in to receive dealer offers for your bike. Or, if you have a specific motorcycle in mind, you can build your trade estimate directly into your online deal using the “Buy Online” button on the motorcycle’s detail page.

While these trade-in estimates are based on recent sale prices for similar motorcycles, they represent an estimated amount only, while the actual trade-in value is contingent upon an in-person evaluation.

I still owe on my loan, can I trade or sell my motorcycle?

Yes, you can trade or sell a motorcycle you still owe on. Just keep in mind that if you still owe on your motorcycle, you have a lien against it. That means your lien holder, typically your financing company, owns the title to your bike and it must be paid off completely for them to release your title.

To sell your bike, contact your lien holder to figure out your remaining balance and calculate your equity in the motorcycle. To do this, find the current value of your motorcycle using our Motorcycle Values tool and subtract the payoff amount.

  • If the result is positive, you have equity in your motorcycle.
  • If it’s negative, you owe more on your motorcycle than what it’s worth and are considered “upside down.”

Private Party Sale

Regardless if you have positive or negative equity, any private party sale should take place at your lender’s bank, or if you have an online lender, they can direct you to a bank partner.

  • If you’re upside down on your motorcycle loan, you will owe your lender any money you make from the sale, plus your negative equity. In this case, the buyer will pay the sale amount to the lender and you will pay the difference of what is still owed.
  • If you have positive equity, the buyer will either pay the lender the total asking price or just the loan payoff amount and the lender will then pay you for your equity.

Once debts are paid off, you and your lender will sign the title and hand it over to the buyer.

Trade-In

If you’re looking to trade and have positive equity, dealers will give you a credit towards your next motorcycle. Any negative equity will be rolled into your new loan, but keep in mind, this means you’ll actually be borrowing more money for your new bike.

Can I trade in a motorcycle I’m leasing?

You can trade your lease into the dealer from which you originally leased, or bring your ride to any other dealer and let them handle the trade-in. A dealer will handle your deal in one of two ways:

  • They may buy your motorcycle from the leasing company at it’s trade-in price and use the wholesale value of the motorcycle as a trade credit
  • They may choose to cover the rest of your lease payments, return the motorcycle to the leasing company, and offer no trade-in credit towards your new motorcycle

It’s uncommon to build equity in a leased vehicle, so oftentimes the cost to terminate a lease early will exceed the motorcycle’s trade-in value. If the payoff amount is greater than your trade value, you have negative equity, and you may need to combine your lease payments with your new motorcycle’s financing. If your trade value is greater than the lease payoff, you have positive equity that can be applied to your new vehicle purchase. To estimate your vehicle’s payoff value, review your lease agreement for remaining payments and fees that have to be paid to your leasing company.

What’s J.D. Power's trade-in value?

This is the value assigned to your trade-in by the global data and analytics company, J.D. Power. These values take your motorcycle’s wholesale price, similar vehicle sales, and market demand into consideration when calculating trade-in values. J.D. Power assumes your vehicle is in relatively good condition, so actual value may differ depending on an in-person appraisal.

Am I getting a fair trade-in value for my motorcycle?

Many factors go into a motorcycle trade-in evaluation, but to know if you’re getting the best price, start by assessing your motorcycle. Walk around your trade-in, and ask yourself what flaws you would want fixed if you were to buy your own bike. If you look at your trade-in this way, you’ll be better prepared to negotiate.

Will my motorcycle hold value?

Depending on the make of your motorcycle, the resale value it holds will vary. For example, while Harleys typically hold more value than other brands, there are other factors that can contribute to value or cause depreciation. Some of these include mileage, maintenance, accidents, modifications, and overall condition. Depending on how often your bike is driven and maintained, or if it’s had any damage, can impact how much it will be worth if you choose to sell it.