Topic: how to (not) sell a motorcycle

[Don R]

 I saw a clever post on FB on how to sell a motorcycle pointing out how to sell a motorcycle, we've all seen annoying ads so I thought we could list how NOT to sell a motorcycle. Who knows, some person's significant other might make them put in an ad for something they would rather keep and we can help by showing sales techniques that don't work.   

 I'll start with, post a photo of "your bike sitting outside in the snow with engine openings exposed" 

[carnivorous chicken]

"Ran when parked."

Carbs and/or exhaust removed for who knows how long.

[ekpent]

 Don't move any of the plywood leaning on it or boxes stacked on it where it is jammed in the corner of a poorly lit garage with your one meager picture. Wouldn't want to show too much of it  And be sure not to answer any questions or responses if your selling on CL or Facebook.

[Alan F.]

Cite the Blue Book Value of a GOOD Condition bike when yours hasn't been registered, insured or plated since 19XX...

Edit: unless you've hung up your helmet but love your bike enough to keep it tip top as a hobby, there are some of these guys around and we value them and their knowlege highly.

[BenelliSEI]

My favourite..... “I’m too lazy to even put  some air in the flat, +20 year old tires.” But, “it just needs a new battery”.......

[rb550four]

  It needs a carbs clean and a tune up.
It sat outside for 20 years , upright for 2 years. ,Lost the carbs ten years ago.
No time for this project.
I started to cafe it and it'll take some work to finish it.
My friend and I put on a new tire and it hasn't started since.
I taught myself to weld on this bike.
I might not know what this bike is , but I know what it's worth, so no low ballers.
I'm selling it for a friend who needs money fast, he's in rehab now  and it has no papers.
I don't have to sell it.
I've run the balls off this thing for years, it's a real survivor.

 

[rb550four]

 
     1971 HONDA , my wife wants me to sell.
She has always been my favorite ride. She comes with a a firm seat and nice soft bags but she is loud.
The price is negotiable. She is 5'8 with red hair. Call if interested.

[Don R]

  When asked about the price start blathering about the $160,000 prototype that just sold.
  List a $400 parts bike and explain 79 times it doesn't run, have a title, license plate or every part it was born with. 

[ekpent]

  When asked about the price start blathering about the $160,000 prototype that just sold.
  List a $400 parts bike and explain 79 times it doesn't run, have a title, license plate or every part it was born with. 

  Sounds like an add I am going to be writing soon Don ! But I am going to be asking more then $400.00.    Need a piece of someones stimulus check. 

[BigJimG]

  When asked about the price start blathering about the $160,000 prototype that just sold.
  List a $400 parts bike and explain 79 times it doesn't run, have a title, license plate or every part it was born with.

THIS... There's a guy near me who is asking $1500 for a mostly complete, but dirty, engine locked up, non titled '78 750F2.

He's also has a CL450 in even worse condition he's asking $1000 for.

I'm considering offering him a lot less than that for the '78...

[RAFster122s]

     1971 HONDA , my wife wants me to sell.
She has always been my favorite ride. She comes with a a firm seat and nice soft bags but she is loud.
The price is negotiable. She is 5'8 with red hair. Call if interested.

You forgot, no test rides...

[Tim2005]

"We haven't tried starting it" always seems very unlikely to be true

[Don R]

 Me- the engine is stuck-
Seller- yeah, but it's not stuck hard.
 Me- where are the carburetors?
Seller- in the other barn, I keep them there for safety.
 Me- what about the mice?
Seller- I don't think they will go in there. 

[lash]

this

[Stev-o]

For Sale - old Suzuki bike, all original and babied it's entire life, wife says sell.... $20,000 FIRM.

[Don R]

 Tell a buyer you will hold it for him, while he gets his covid shot and puts a trailer hitch on his car tomorrow. He's in Phoenix and I'm in Central Illinois and it's a $400 bike. I'm curious enough to go along for the ride.

[Bailgang]

Buyer - Is the price negotiable?
You- It can always go up if you want.

[34barab]

     1971 HONDA , my wife wants me to sell.
She has always been my favorite ride. She comes with a a firm seat and nice soft bags but she is loud.
The price is negotiable. She is 5'8 with red hair. Call if interested.

I’m getting hard of hearing, so how much for the redhead?

[Evets]

I am owned by a redhead. Deaf or not, you really don't want one.

[ekpent]

Buyer - Is the price negotiable?
You- It can always go up if you want.

  My family as in my folks and I have always dabbled in the antiques trade doing shows etc. so lots of dealing with people. One thing that would piss my Mother off and me also nowadays is when someone at a show or who hasn't even looked at the bike or product starts their negotiation with the three words " I'll give you". She used to have some good comebacks !

[Alan F.]

I am owned by a redhead. Deaf or not, you really don't want one.

There's a good first post! Welcome.

[Primus]

"We haven't tried starting it" always seems very unlikely to be true

Yeah, that's my favourite.  "However, we have made no attempt to start it".  Roughly translates to " Been trying for an 'effing week but no cigar".

Paul

[Don R]

 I'm still holding the bike for the guy, said he will be leaving Phoenix today or tomorrow to drive here. Still no word.
 Any bets whether I get stiffed on the deal?    I did mention it's in Illinois. 

[carnivorous chicken]

c'mon, straight shot up Route 66!

[ChromeDreams]

how about descriptions detailing how wonderfully it runs and how great the condition is but photos clearly show head gasket leak or a puddle of oil under the bike...