Determining the accurate value of a motorcycle is crucial, whether you’re looking to buy your dream bike or sell your current ride. Knowing a motorcycle’s worth is the foundational first step in any transaction, ensuring you get a fair deal. One of the most trusted resources for this purpose is the National Automobile Dealers Association’s pricing tool, widely known as NADAguides. Originally designed for dealers, NADAguides has become an invaluable tool for consumers seeking reliable motorcycle values.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through using NADAguides to effectively determine the value of a motorcycle, empowering you with the knowledge needed for confident buying or selling decisions.
Decoding Key Motorcycle Valuation Terms
Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s essential to understand the key terms used in motorcycle valuation. Familiarizing yourself with these definitions will make navigating NADAguides and interpreting its results much easier.
Suggested List Price (MSRP)
The Suggested List Price, often referred to as the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), represents the highest price a motorcycle was initially suggested to be sold for by the manufacturer when it was brand new in the United States.
It’s important to remember that this price is a suggestion for dealerships and not the typical price you’d expect in a private sale. Furthermore, the MSRP generally excludes additional costs such as destination charges, dealer preparation fees, state and local taxes, registration fees, and insurance, unless specifically stated otherwise.
Average Retail Value
The Average Retail Value represents the estimated worth of a used motorcycle when sold at a dealership. This value assumes the motorcycle is in “clean” condition, meaning it is free from obvious and significant defects.
A motorcycle in average retail condition should have all essential components in working order, such as lights and switches. The paint should be original or of comparable quality and in good condition. Mileage for a motorcycle in this category can range from average to slightly above average for its age. Crucially, it should also be capable of passing a standard emissions inspection if applicable in your region.
NADA emphasizes that a motorcycle in truly “excellent” condition can command a significantly higher price than the average retail value. However, it’s important to note that NADA doesn’t provide a separate “maximum” retail value for used motorcycles in excellent condition. Instead, they offer low and average retail values for used bikes and a maximum value (MSRP) for brand-new ones.
Therefore, when pricing a used motorcycle in exceptional condition using NADAguides, sellers should consider the average retail value as a baseline and increase the price judiciously, based on the motorcycle’s superior condition and features, while keeping in mind the original suggested list price as a general upper limit.
Low Retail Value
The Low Retail Value represents the estimated value of a motorcycle, when sold at a dealership, that exhibits considerable wear and tear. This signifies that the motorcycle likely has noticeable cosmetic damage, mechanical issues, or a combination of both.
Motorcycles falling into the low retail value category may require repairs to become fully functional and roadworthy. It’s crucial to understand that low retail value is not the same as trade-in value, which is typically lower. NADA also points out that motorcycles in this condition are not commonly found on dealership lots, as dealerships are generally expected to sell vehicles that meet basic safety and operational standards to avoid potential legal liabilities.
Private Sale Value
NADAguides does not directly provide a suggested Private Sale Value for motorcycles. However, the information they do provide can be readily used to calculate a realistic private sale price. This is a straightforward process that we will outline in the following section.
The Private Sale Value is essentially the price a buyer would reasonably expect to pay when purchasing a used motorcycle directly from a private individual, rather than a dealership. It typically falls between the low retail and average retail values, often closer to the average retail value but adjusted downwards to reflect the absence of dealership overhead and potential warranty.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using NADAguides for Motorcycle Valuation
Please note that these instructions are based on the functionality of the NADAguides website as of late 2023 and early 2024. While the core steps should remain consistent, the website interface and specific features might be updated over time.
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Navigate to NADAguides Motorcycle Pricing: Begin by opening your web browser and going to the official NADAguides website and locate the motorcycle section. You can typically find this through the navigation menu or by searching directly for “NADAguides motorcycles.”
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Select the Make: On the motorcycle pricing page, you will find a dropdown menu or a similar interactive element to select the make (manufacturer) of the motorcycle you want to value. Choose the correct make from the provided list.
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Choose the Year: After selecting the make, another dropdown menu or selection option will appear, prompting you to select the year of manufacture for the motorcycle. Choose the appropriate year from the available options.
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Specify the Model: Next, you will be presented with options to select the model of the motorcycle. This may be presented as a dropdown menu, a list of models categorized by type, or a combination of both.
You can either use the dropdown menu to filter by model type if you know it (e.g., Sportbike, Cruiser, Touring) or browse the complete list of models displayed below the dropdown menus. Select the specific model that corresponds to the motorcycle you are valuing.
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Add Options and Equipment (Optional): Many motorcycles come with optional upgrades and accessories that can impact their value. NADAguides allows you to add these to refine your valuation. Look for a section labeled “Options,” “Equipment,” or similar.
Here, you can typically select categories like “Accessories,” “Performance Upgrades,” or “Appearance Packages.” Within each category, you can check boxes next to specific options that are equipped on the motorcycle. If you’re unsure or want a base value, you can skip this step and proceed to the next. You can always return to this step later to add options.
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View Base Values: Once you’ve selected the make, year, and model (and optionally added equipment), NADAguides will display the core valuation figures. You will typically see the Suggested List Price (MSRP), Low Retail Value, and Average Retail Value.
Look for an “Options” or “Customize” button or link, usually located near these values. Clicking this will allow you to go back and add or modify the options and equipment selections from the previous step, further refining the valuation based on specific features.
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Calculate Private Sale Value: As NADAguides doesn’t directly provide a private sale value, a common industry guideline is to deduct approximately $1,000 to $2,000 from the Average Retail Value to estimate a reasonable private sale asking price.
This is a general suggestion, and the ideal adjustment can vary based on factors like local market conditions, the motorcycle’s condition, and buyer demand. You know your motorcycle best, so use this adjustment as a starting point.
For example, if NADAguides lists the average retail value of a particular motorcycle at $15,000, a reasonable starting point for a private sale asking price might be between $13,000 and $14,000.
When determining your final private sale price, consider the Suggested List Price as the absolute maximum and the Low Retail Value as a lower boundary. If your motorcycle is in exceptionally well-maintained condition and includes desirable extras, you might price it closer to the higher end of your private sale range. Conversely, if it has some cosmetic wear or higher mileage, pricing closer to the lower end might be more appropriate.
Addressing Common Motorcycle Valuation Questions
Many individuals have similar questions when it comes to understanding motorcycle values. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle valuation and using NADAguides.
Why do NADAguides values often differ from Kelley Blue Book (KBB)?
While both NADAguides and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) are well-known sources for vehicle valuation, they often produce different values for the same motorcycle. It’s important to understand that they utilize distinct methodologies and data sources.
The most comparable values between the two are NADAguides’ Average Retail Value and KBB’s Typical Listing Price. However, even these can vary. In many instances, NADAguides’ average retail value tends to be higher than KBB’s typical listing price, although sometimes the reverse can be true.
The primary reason for these discrepancies lies in their proprietary algorithms and the data they incorporate.
NADAguides values are primarily based on data from:
- Wholesale transactions
- Retail sales data
- Information from Autotrader
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Supply and demand analysis
- MSRP data
- Dealer invoice information
- Equipment assumptions
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) values are derived from:
- Wholesale auction data
- Independent dealer sales data
- Franchised dealer sales data
- Rental and fleet vehicle sales
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Financial institution lessors
- Private party transaction data
Because they weigh these factors differently and utilize diverse data sets, their valuation outputs will naturally vary. It’s generally advisable to consult both NADAguides and KBB to get a broader perspective on a motorcycle’s potential value range.
I listed my motorcycle at the suggested private sale price, but I’m not getting offers. Why?
Listing your motorcycle at a price derived from a valuation guide is a good starting point, but it doesn’t guarantee immediate offers. Several market factors can influence buyer interest and perceived value.
Is your price truly competitive? Online motorcycle marketplaces are highly transparent. Potential buyers will likely be comparing your listing to numerous others of the same make and model.
Conduct thorough market research by searching online listings for motorcycles similar to yours – same make, model, year, and condition. Ideally, narrow your search to your local geographic area to account for regional price variations.
If you’re listing on a platform like ChopperExchange, utilize available tools like the Bike Price Report to get data on average, lowest, and highest prices for comparable bikes. This report can also reveal if similar motorcycles have recently sold and at what prices.
Compare your asking price to these competitive listings. If your motorcycle is priced higher than the majority, especially for bikes in similar or better condition, you should strongly consider lowering your price to attract buyer interest.
Consider cross-referencing valuation tools. As mentioned, different buyers may rely on different valuation guides. While you used NADAguides, a potential buyer might be checking KBB. Compare your NADA-derived price to the KBB value for your motorcycle. If there’s a significant discrepancy, especially if KBB is lower, adjusting your price closer to the lower valuation might broaden your appeal.
Time of year matters. The motorcycle market is seasonal. Are you selling during prime riding season (spring and summer)? Demand typically peaks during these months. In the off-season (fall and winter), buyers often expect lower prices, knowing that sales tend to slow down. If you’re selling in the fall or winter and not in a rush, consider slightly lowering your price to incentivize buyers or waiting until the riding season returns to potentially command a higher price.
Evaluate the impact of upgrades and extras. While upgrades and aftermarket accessories might add perceived value to you, they don’t always translate to a dollar-for-dollar increase in market value. Buyers often focus on the base value of the motorcycle itself. Overpricing your bike significantly due to added accessories can deter buyers who are simply looking for a good deal on the core motorcycle. Sometimes, including gear or accessories as a “sweetener” in the deal, rather than drastically inflating the price, can be more effective.
I can’t lower my price any further. What other strategies can help sell my motorcycle?
If you’ve already reduced your price and are hesitant to go lower, there are still effective strategies to boost your motorcycle’s appeal and generate offers.
Indicate price flexibility. Adding “OBO” (Or Best Offer) or “Negotiable” to your listing signals to potential buyers that you are open to reasonable offers and discussions. This can make them more comfortable reaching out and initiating contact.
Enhance your listing’s visibility. On online marketplaces, explore options to highlight or feature your ad. These premium listing options increase visibility, making your motorcycle stand out from standard listings and reach a wider audience.
Leverage social media. Share your listing link on your personal social media profiles. You might be surprised to find that a friend, family member, or acquaintance has been admiring your bike and is considering a purchase. Social networks can tap into a warm audience who already know and trust you.
In Conclusion: Empower Your Motorcycle Transactions with NADAguides
Accurately determining motorcycle value is no longer a mystery. By utilizing NADAguides and understanding the key valuation principles outlined in this guide, you are now equipped to confidently navigate the buying or selling process.
Ready to take the next step?
- For Buyers: Enhance your purchasing knowledge with our guide on how to buy a motorcycle online.
- For Sellers: Maximize your selling success with our Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Motorcycle.
- Ready to Sell Now? List your Harley-Davidson or other American motorcycle for sale on ChopperExchange and connect with serious buyers: List Your Motorcycle for Sale.
What make and model of motorcycle are you currently researching or planning to sell? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
