Any motorcycle enthusiast understands the excitement that goes along with the purchase of a brand new chopper.
Whether you're buying a bike new or used, you probably want to sell your old bike and using the cash to fund your new toy.
If you do have a motorcycle for sale, you want to make sure it's appealing and in good enough condition in order to fetch the highest possible price.
While it might be impossible to get an old cycle looking like new without the specialized tools of a professional mechanic, the ideal is to get it as close to showroom quality as you can.
If your ride is in solid working condition, you can generally get it ready to sell in a few easy steps.
1.
Fix any specific issues Any biker who rides frequently may have specifically noticeable issues.
If there's a problem with one of the component parts that drastically affects performance, the first step is to check the manufacturer's manual.
Oftentimes the manual will tell you all you need to know about required parts with great detail.
If the problem is too big or too complex for you to manage, bring it to a mechanic.
When you're putting up your motorcycle for sale, you don't want to risk selling a faulty product.
2.
Fine-tune essential parts Once you've got any major issues worked out, what you want to do is perform general maintenance.
Give it a fresh oil change and be sure to use the proper type of oil (check the owner's manual for specifics).
Clean or replace the air filter, depending on how old and/or dirty it is, and inflate the tires.
Thoroughly check the bearings, and grease if required.
If they're a bit worn or significantly old, you probably want to totally replace them.
Make sure the drivetrain is in good working order.
Finally, consider whether or not you need to replace the battery.
If you don't totally replace it, make sure to inform the buyer of its age as a courtesy.
3.
Clean the Motorcycle A clean motorcycle will not only look better, but also will run more efficiently and save the owner the time, money and the hassle of having to perform frequent maintenance.
Check your supplies: you'll want to have the proper detergents for the job, making sure that it's not too abrasive for the type of paint you have.
Avoid vinyl cleaners that will make the seat slippery.
When in doubt, ask a proper mechanic.
Ensure that you have different sponges, rags and brushes for different parts of the bike.
Once you're done cleaning, go for a gentle ride around a few blocks, squeezing the brakes to clear out excess water and then drive down a fast highway ride to fully dry your ride.
Proper drying is essential, as excess water can be corrosive.
In the end, the amount of work required depends on what you've used your motorcycle for.
Sale prices can change depending on many factors, so make sure you check the official blue book value before putting it on the market.