Motorcycle Appraisal: The Ultimate Classic Motorcycle Purchase Guide
Investing in classic motorcycles is a great idea for all the people who want to enjoy tax-free prices. One of the best advantages of investing in classic motorcycles is that it is profitable and filled with excitement and fun. Moreover, it is also 100% profitable because you own a rare bike that only a few or no other person has on earth. Motorcycle appraisal is the first thing you would consider while buying because it helps you determine the right quality.
This article will get through the top 3 classic motorcycles on earth along with motorcycle appraisal and buyer’s guide to ensure that you invest in the right vehicle.
Is investing in classic motorcycles similar to investing in classic cars?
Yes, investing in classic motorcycles is quite similar to investing in classic cars. A great stat for all the new classic motorcycle buyers is that the market is rapidly growing exponentially. Although the motorcycle market is under-rated and 15 years behind the classic car market, it is still attracting many new investors. It doesn’t matter if you are late in the industry because you are sailing on the right boat, which will lead you to considerable profits in the future.
Why is the classic motorcycle market growing rapidly?
As mentioned above, classic motorcycles are in demand, but you must be wondering a proper reason for the demand. There is no doubt that classic motorcycles are now an essential commodity worldwide. All motorcycle investors need to understand the market in detail to make profits and to conquer the best ROI (Returns On Investment) in the classic vehicle industry. Here are the top 3 classic motorcycles which must be stored in your garage to make considerable profits.
Top 3 classic motorcycles to invest for increased ROI:
1. 1996 SUZUKI GSF-1200 Bandit
If you ever remember the year 2009, most buyers didn’t love to invest in cheap Ducati 916s, which later became the greatest motorcycle in history. If you missed the chance at that time, then you can still make your money if you can invest in classic SUZUKI GSF-1200 Bandits. The current market price of the bike lies between 14000 USD-3600 USD depending on the vehicle’s condition.
The 1996 SUZUKI GSF-1200 used to be one of the dream bikes for all bike lovers. We are sure that even you wished to buy the 100 bhp bike. Although the GSF-1200 had an engine of the GSX R-1100, they also updated the handbrake and suspension in the new model. The 214 kg bike is very fast with the open throttle, and it is also one of the best bikes at that time. One of the best reasons to buy this beast is all the spares are readily available and are cheap. Once you have the bike in your backyard, you will surely witness its price in an upward trend.
2. 1985 Yamaha V-Max
There is no doubt that the 1980s was one of the peak periods in motorcycle industries where demand for all bikes got booming as everyone wanted a tourer or racer in their backyard. There is no doubt that a 145 bhp in the 1980s would be a first choice buy option for all the riders as speed was one of the most important factors.
If you remember, the popular American drag racer Jay ‘Pee-Wee’ used to ride the V-max in the Baylands raceway, where he also created a world record with 1985 Yamaha V-max by riding quarter-mile in 9 seconds.
There is no doubt that there was a heavy competition between GSX R-750, which used to be the biggest super-bike of the decade. Undoubtedly, handling a 1985 Yamaha V-Max is not an easy job if you love to drive fast. Moreover, existing models are also customized, which can sometimes be a concern. If you plan to buy this classic motorcycle, then always go for the Canadian and American imports as they are authentic and perfect for collection. The price of the 254 kg bike varies between 3500 USD – 7250 USD depending on the type of bike you buy.
3. 1993 Ducati M-900 Monster
Even before the SUZUKI bandit GSF-1200 launched, Ducati had their monster M-900 in the market. They made bikes that easily won WSB Championships, but they had to tackle one financial problem to land in another at that time. If you remember Kawasaki Zephyr, then the 1990 Ducati M-900 monster is the retro version of the bike.
One must also not confuse Ducati M-900 with a super-bike because it had sport parts. Moreover, the original Ducati M-900 also had several other versions, with Ducati trying new engines and experiments to make the bike more durable and affordable. With different versions of the classic monster being available in the market, finding the 80 bhp original version can be a daunting task. Well, you cannot blame Ducati for the model as they make bikes to win market shares and not make classics so that you can make most of them. Therefore, you must figure out the right model and save it in your backyard to make profits in the near future.
The original 184 kg Ducati M-900 monster owner can demand 6,450 USD, and other versions may start at 3500 USD.
Why is motorcycle appraisal paramount for classic bikes?
If you plan to invest in classic motorcycles, you will have to ensure that you take help from a professional motorcycle appraisal service. A motorcycle appraisal is a certified document that will help you negotiate the right price for the vehicle. In simple words, a motorcycle appraisal will act as an official document that will define the price of the vehicle in the future. Let us understand how professional appraisers appraise your motorcycle.
Motorcycle Appraisal – What to look for in a classic motorcycle?
Missing parts: Motorcycle parts are difficult to replace; therefore, a classic motorcycle can depreciate in value if it has missing or damaged parts. The price of a classic motorcycle is directly proportional to the parts of the vehicle.
Paperwork is significant: The professional appraisers also check for the original documents of the classic motorcycle. If you fix a deal without original documents, then your deal is illegal and can cost you a fine and imprisonment.
Maintenance records: Appraisers also check the maintenance schedule of the bike to ensure that you invest in the right vehicle.
Oil: Owners who take the right care of the bike would maintain the right oil level. The appraiser will check the oil level with the help of a dipstick.
Footpegs: Scratched footpegs also indicate that the bike has ridden roughly.
Mileage is the key:
If you are buying a classic motorcycle for personal use, then mileage becomes a serious consideration. Most of the old bikes don’t have high mileage, but you find one, you must invest in one bike.
What is high mileage in classic motorcycles?
Undoubtedly, all the bike experts would recommend you to invest in a used bike with high mileage and excellent maintenance records. Moreover, most of the classic motorcycles are sports bikes, and it is evident that all the owners of sports bikes won’t buy them to drive the hospital’s pace. One thing which all the classic motorcycle investors have to consider is they have to compromise with the mileage. The mileage of the classic motorcycle or a muscle car also affects the trade-in value of the vehicle.
Motorcycle Appraisal – How to select the right classic motorcycle?
The selection of the right classic motorcycle for investment can depend on various factors like engine, transmission, gaskets, tires, and brakes. You have to categorize your needs to ensure that you invest in the best-condition vehicle. It is always better to be on the safer side when you buy a classic motorcycle for investment.
One of the common mistakes most of the new classic motorcycle investors make is they invest in a poor quality bike as it seems to be cheaper when compared to other variants. What they feel is investing in cheaper classic motorcycles can bring them profits, but this is not the case. If you invest in a cheap classic motorcycle, then you are not selling it the next day. You will have to save the bike in good condition for years to reap the best profits. The bike price may shoot up, but still, you have to compromise with your investment if your bike is not stored in the right conditions. Therefore, you must seek help from your nearest motorcycle appraisal, who can help you in selecting the right bike with your vehicle.
Conclusion:
Investing in classic motorcycles is a great idea as current trends showcase that classic motorcycle prices will increase by 2025. If you are not an auto-wizard, you must seek help from Benchmark Auto Appraisers L.L.C. as they are the leading automobile appraisers across the United States. Benchmark Auto Appraisers L.L.C. founder Daniel Jendrowski believes that when you have professional appraisers to seek help, then you are only one step away from making profits. Book your free consultation right now at 1-877-888-6113.
Daniel “Dan” Jendrowski
Certified Public Auto Appraiser Diminish Value Experts B.C.A.A. & I.A.C.P.
