Private motorcycle sales · 50 states

Sell your motorcycle privately — skip the dealer trade-in lowball

Dealers offer 20–40% below private-party value. MotoHub gives you free step-by-step guides for all 50 states so you can handle the title transfer, bill of sale, and sale yourself — and keep the difference.

Find your state guide How it works

20–40%

Below private party — typical dealer trade-in offer

State-by-state motorcycle title transfer guides

$1,200–$3,500

Average private-party premium over dealer trade-in

2–4 weeks

Typical time from listing to completed private sale

How a private motorcycle sale works

Price it

Use NADA Guides or Kelley Blue Book Moto to find your private-party value. Adjust for mileage, condition, and recent upgrades.

List it

Post on Cycle Trader and Craigslist with 10–15 photos and a complete description. Price within 5% of market to attract serious buyers.

Transfer title

Complete the bill of sale, sign the title over to the buyer, and follow your state's specific transfer steps. Most sales close in 2–4 weeks.

See all 9 steps →

All motorcycle types

Private-party pricing strategies vary significantly by type

Sport / Supersport

−18%

High-performance bikes designed for speed and aggressive riding posture. Inline-4 or V-twin engines, clip-on handlebars, and full fairings define this category. Ranges from beginner-friendly 300cc bikes up to 1000cc superbikes.

Yamaha · Honda · Kawasaki

Cruiser

−22%

Low-slung, relaxed-riding-position bikes inspired by American classic styling. V-twin engines with torquey, low-rev power delivery. Heavy emphasis on customization culture, chrome, and long-haul comfort. From entry-level 500cc Hondas to 1900cc Harley-Davidson touring beasts.

Harley-Davidson · Indian · Honda

Touring

−20%

Long-distance comfort bikes built for two-up riding, featuring large fairings, integrated hard luggage, infotainment, and heated accessories. These bikes are designed for miles — 50K-mile examples are common and widely accepted. Think Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha FJR, BMW K1600.

Honda · Yamaha · BMW

Adventure / Dual-Sport

−15%

Versatile bikes that handle both paved roads and light off-road use. Tall suspension, wide bars, and large fuel tanks are typical. Ranges from 250cc beginner dual-sports to 1300cc premium adventure tourers like the BMW GS and KTM 1290.

BMW · KTM · Honda

Naked / Standard

−16%

Unfaired street bikes with an upright, natural riding position. Suitable for commuters and beginners through experienced riders. The most beginner-friendly category. Ranges from 300–400cc learner bikes (Yamaha MT-03, KTM Duke 390) to powerful 1000cc nakeds (Yamaha MT-10, Ducati Streetfighter).

Yamaha · Honda · Kawasaki

Dirt Bike / Off-Road

−25%

Lightweight, purpose-built bikes for off-road trails, motocross, enduro, and desert racing. Two-stroke or four-stroke engines in 50–500cc configurations. Usually not street-legal without modification. Very use-intensive — maintenance history is critical.

Honda · Yamaha · KTM

Scooter / Moped

−20%

Automatic twist-and-go bikes ideal for urban commuting, typically 50–300cc. Step-through frame, underseat storage, and CVT transmission define the category. Includes everything from 50cc mopeds to 400cc maxi-scooters like the Honda Forza and Vespa Primavera.

Honda · Yamaha · Vespa

Electric Motorcycle

−12%

Battery-powered motorcycles offering instant torque, near-zero running costs, and zero tailpipe emissions. The fastest-growing motorcycle segment. Ranges from Zero S/DS commuters to the Harley-Davidson LiveWire and high-performance Energica models.

Zero · Harley-Davidson (LiveWire) · Energica

Discount shown is typical dealer trade-in vs. private party