How to Sell Your Motorcycle in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps required to ensure you sell your motorcycle effectively, including understanding Australian regulations and the different platforms you can use to reach potential buyers.

Step 1: Understanding the Australian Motorcycle Market

The first step in selling your motorcycle is understanding the Australian market. This involves researching motorcycles for sale that are similar to yours, so you have a sense of the asking price to put on your motorcycle.
Here's how you can do it:

Research Similar Motorcycles for Sale

Look up other motorcycles of the same make, model, and year that are currently for sale in Australia. This will give you an idea of the demand for the motorcycle you have, as well as the price range to attach when it comes time to advertise.

Consider the Condition of Your Motorcycle

The mechanical and cosmetic condition of your motorcycle will significantly impact its value. If your motorcycle is complete, running and in excellent condition, it will likely sell for a higher price compared to one that’s incomplete or requires repairs.

Check the Season

Demand for motorcycles tends to be higher in the warmer months. If possible, try to sell your motorcycle during this time, as you’re more likely to get the best price.

Step 2: Preparing Your Motorcycle for Sale

First impressions matter when selling a motorcycle. Therefore, it's essential to prepare your bike to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Here are some steps you can take:

Clean Your Motorcycle

A clean motorcycle is more attractive to buyers. Ensure you clean every part of the bike, including the engine, wheels, and bodywork. Be thorough as the time spent now can pay off later.
Perform Necessary Repairs: If your motorcycle has any mechanical issues, it's best to fix them before listing it for sale. Buyers are more likely to purchase a bike that is in good working condition.

Obtain a Roadworthy Certificate

In Victoria, it's a legal requirement to provide a roadworthy certificate (RWC) when selling a road registerable motorcycle privately. This is valid for 30 days from issue, so it would be recommended to only get this once a sale has been agreed to. Note: an RWC isn’t required for motorcycles on recreational registration or under the Farm Bike Scheme in Victoria.
Queensland has a similar system for private sellers, as does the ACT, but only for motorcycles more than six years old. The system in New South Wales is different again, with no RWC requirement, but re-registration is only granted to vehicles over five years old based on a mandatory annual safety inspection. Every other state and territory in Australia has no mandatory RWC requirement for sellers.
State and Territory rules do change, though, so check with your relevant registration authority for current requirements before advertising your motorcycle.
Even if an RWC or similar safety certificate isn’t required, it’s recommended, as it can show your motorcycle meets the minimum safety requirements for use on Australian roads.
Also, be aware that registration for motorcycles on club, historic or other forms of conditional registration may not be able to be transferred with the sale. If you have personalised plates and want to keep them, you will need to register the bike with new plates. Again, check with your relevant registration authority for rules and regulations in these areas.

Gather All Relevant Documents

This includes the purchase receipts, registration certificate (or renewal), service history and any other paperwork related to the motorcycle – including from previous owners if you have them. Having these documents can make the selling process smoother.

Take lots of Photos

The photos of your motorcycle are far more likely to attract the initial attention of buyers than the wording of your ad. Take the time to ensure the photos are sharp and clear, with no distractions in front of or behind the bike. Taking photos at an open location, like a park or waterfront area, makes this process easier and is also more secure than shooting in the garage or on the front lawn at home where your address may be visible.
Take multiple photos of the whole bike from different angles, as well as close-ups of things like the engine, instruments, tyres and bodywork. Omitting photos from a certain angle can make buyers suspicious about damage to the bike.

Step 3: Pricing Your Motorcycle

Pricing your motorcycle correctly is crucial. Price it too high and you might deter potential buyers. On the other hand, if you price it too low, you might not get the full value of your bike. To determine the right price, you can:

Check the Market Value

Look at similar motorcycles for sale in Australia to get an idea of the market value. Consider factors such as the make, model, year, mileage and condition of the bike.

Consider Your Motorcycle's Condition and History

If your motorcycle is in excellent condition, has low mileage, valuable upgrades, special history or even celebrity ownership, you might be able to price it higher.
Be honest in describing your motorcycle, as misrepresentations regarding age, condition and features will reflect negatively on you. Sellers perceived to be untrustworthy will have trouble selling their motorcycle, regardless of what it is.

Be Willing to Negotiate

Most buyers will try to negotiate the price. Be prepared for this and set your initial price higher than what you're willing to accept.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Platform to Sell Your Motorcycle

Once your motorcycle is ready and you've determined the right price, it's time to list it for sale. The platform you choose can significantly impact how quickly you sell your motorcycle and the price you get for it. Here are a few options:

Facebook Marketplace

Pros

• This is a free platform where you can list your motorcycle for sale and reach a wide audience. You can post photos, write a detailed description and communicate with potential buyers through Facebook Messenger.

Cons

• You may encounter low-ball offers and time wasters. It might also take longer to sell if your network is small.

JustBikes.com.au

Pros

• This is a dedicated platform for buying and selling motorcycles in Australia. It allows you to reach a targeted audience of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Cons

• The platform may charge a listing fee and your ad might get lost among many others.

Webuymotorbikes.com.au

Pros

• This is an instant cash platform that buys motorcycles directly from sellers. If you want to sell your motorcycle quickly, without having to deal with multiple potential buyers, this could be a good option.

Cons

• You might not get the highest possible price for your motorcycle as the platform needs to make a profit.

Step 5: Finalising the Sale

Once you've found a buyer, it's time to finalise the sale. Here are the steps to follow:
Meet the Buyer: Following phone calls to establish a buyer’s credibility (text only communication is usually a red flag), arrange a meeting for them to inspect the bike and negotiate the price. For safety reasons, it's best to meet in a public place rather than your address or the buyer’s.

Be Ready for Questions

As they’re potentially handing over a significant amount of money, buyers will want to know a lot of details on the motorcycle. This can include things like servicing and modifications, any previous damage and past owner history. Most importantly, they’ll want to know why you’re selling the bike, so be prepared to answer questions. As with your ad description, honesty in your communication with a buyer can help seal a deal.

Test Ride

If the buyer wants to test ride the bike, make sure they have a valid motorcycle licence and agree on the terms beforehand. In can be a good idea to insist on some form of security from the potential buyer, like their licence and the keys to the vehicle they arrived in.

Complete the Paperwork

Once you've agreed on the price, complete the necessary paperwork (including the roadworthy certificate, if required) to transfer the title to the buyer.

Receive Payment

Ensure you receive payment before handing over the bike. It's best to accept cash or a bank cheque to avoid scams with online payment options.

Selling a motorcycle in Australia can be a complex process, but with the right approach, you can make it a smooth and profitable experience. By understanding the market, preparing your bike, pricing it correctly, choosing the right platform, and finalising the sale professionally, you can successfully sell your motorcycle.

NOTE: The above information should be regarded as general advice only. Seek information from additional sources to determine what best suits your individual needs and circumstances.