What Should I Do With My Old Motorcycle?

Every motorcycle eventually reaches the point where fixing issues/damage seems like harder work than just getting a new one. Or, you simply want to switch things up and treat yourself to a new bike. 

Either way, this leaves you with the question, ‘What should I do with my old motorcycle?’ If you’re thinking of changing up your bike, here’s our comprehensive guide to your options. 

Sell Your Motorbike

The best and most obvious thing to do with your old bike is to sell it. While selling privately is common, it’s not necessarily the best idea, as this leaves you open to scams, time-wasters, and stressful admin. 

If you want to sell your motorbike quickly and easily, a third-party ‘we buy any bike’ site will do the job. It’s easily done in just a few steps - you upload your reg and mileage for an instant valuation and schedule a collection as soon as 24 hours later. 

Selling your bike or opting for part exchange also ensures you’ve got cash to put towards your new one. It’s a win-win!

Part Exchange

If you’re planning to buy a new bike, part exchange can allow you to trade in your old one as part payment toward your new one, reducing the cost of a new bike while finding something to do with your old one.

The convenience of completing both transactions simultaneously is super convenient, and you’ll get a better deal on the new bike you’ve had your eye on. 

With a ‘we buy any bike’ third-party like Big Moto, you can simply use the online form to get a bike valuation, choose your next bike, and complete the exchange. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Restore It

If you’re looking to make money or exchange your bike for a newer model, selling or part exchange are definitely the best options. If you’re not quite ready to part with your beloved bike, though, consider restoring it. 

This is a good option for bikes with sentimental value or those that are increasingly rare, potentially offering a better sale price down the line. Restoring your bike can be a fun project, but if you’re inexperienced or think it will cost more money than you’ll ever get back, selling might be the more financially savvy choice.
 

Keep It as a Second Option

If you’ve got the cash to buy a new bike and don’t want to part with your old one, keep it as a second option that you can use as a backup if your new one needs servicing or is out of action. The backup bike can also be used for shorter journeys or commuting, while you save your newer model for weekend trips. 

Ownership does come with ongoing costs and storage, though, so if you don’t have the space for two bikes, selling can prove to be the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of an old motorbike?

The most straightforward way to get rid of an old bike is to sell your motorbike to a trusted buyer like BigMoto. Opt for a buyer with a ‘we buy any bike’ policy. That way, it doesn’t matter the condition, make, or model. 

Part exchange is another option if you plan on buying a newer bike. An authorised scrap or recycling service can also be used for bikes that are beyond repair, but this is a less financially savvy option.

Do motorcycles have scrap value?

Many motorbikes do have scrap value, but this depends on the weight of recyclable materials, the condition of the reusable parts, and the current market demand for the parts in question. 

It can be more profitable to sell individual parts rather than scrapping the entire bike. To see how much your bike is worth to sell as a whole, use the free bike valuation tool from Big Moto. 

What old bikes are worth money?

The old bikes that tend to be worth money are either rare, well-maintained, or part of a popular/famous model range. If the bike isn’t widely available on the market anymore, this can also increase its price, as the demand is higher than the supply. 

Old bikes worth money typically include classic motorcycles from famous manufacturers, limited edition models, bikes with low mileage, and vintage models. Condition plays a significant part in value, with well-maintained bikes often selling for more. A bike valuation tool can provide an accurate price estimate, helping you make an informed decision.

How to sell an old motorbike?

The easiest way to sell an old motorbike is to use BigMoto to sell any bike. They’ll buy any bike, no matter the make, model, or condition. Simply put in your registration and mileage, get a quick and free bike valuation, and proceed with the sale. Your bike can be picked up in as few as 24 hours.