When are you stuck with your Monster?

MadDuck · January 01, 2009, 10:23:37 PM

Of course I realize that given the current economic situation the present might not be the ideal time to sell a Monster but at which point would a Monster be basically un-saleable? (SP? Is that a word to begin with?) -- I've got 16,500 miles on a '98 M900 that has been modded to the max. I mean it. Short of carbon wheels, practically name a mod and it's got it. FCR's, brakes, Ohlins rear, etc. Not that I really want to sell it with my heart of hearts but there are a couple other rides that it could morph into that could be just as much fun. I've had it listed at 5K then dropped it to 4.7 with barely a nibble. True, out here in the islands it is a very limited market and it would make no sense for anyone on the mainland to have it shipped back. I could take most of the mods off , sell them separately and sell the bike at a reduced price but what if it still doesn't sell? Then I'd end up doing double (or would that be quadruple) labor if I ended reinstalling everything I removed. Is there a vintage and mileage at which point you end up owning the thing until the bittersweet end?

Kopfjager · January 01, 2009, 10:44:22 PM

That's a tuff question. I see alot of Monsters for sale on this Forum, that never sell. I have spent so much money on my bike, I'm stuck (not a bad thing) with it.

psycledelic · January 02, 2009, 05:42:35 AM

I think that if you try hard enough, there is a buyer for anything. With that being said, at what point is it not worth the effort.
When I bought my monster, the salesman (monster owner also) advised me to hold onto everything I swap out to reinstall if I ever decided to sell or trade. I would have to guess that you would come out better $ to part out the aftermarket stuff and sell or trade the bike "stock". My situation with my bike in mind, the time and effort I have put into it is priceless. (and I haven't performed near the level of mods you were talking about) I would have to keep my monster and just park something else beside it. Just my opinion.

Norm · January 02, 2009, 06:29:09 AM

If you have a lot of expensive mods, parting it out would probably net you as much or more than a complete sale. It would also allow you to sell/ship to an international market.

Carstarphen · January 02, 2009, 06:58:07 AM

Some lessons I've learned about buying and selling motorcycles:

1. Most buyers of used motorcycles borrow money to make the purchase.

2. Lenders determine the amount they will loan on "book values."

3. "Book values" are based on basic un-modified un-accessorized bikes.

4. Lenders will not loan money for mods and accessories and may shy away from such bikes.

5. Market value is largely determined by the amount that lenders will loan and what they think the value is of any particular bike.

Therefore,

1. You may be able to get some of your money back (50%?) on accessories you can remove from the bike.

2. Any permanent accessory or mod generally does not add to the value of the bike and may even detract from its value. The money you spent for these things has mostly vanished.

3. An exception may exist if you can find a buyer that can pay cash and appreciates and values the mods and accessories on your bike, but then we are really not talking about the marketplace.

4. Think before you accessorize and modify. How long will you really want to keep this bike? Are you a passionate motorcyclist subject to sudden bouts of motorcycle lust that will compel you to do anything to sell your bike in order to get another?

Also, locale plays a significant role in selling motorcycles. HDs are the hot sellers in my region. Motorcycles do not sell well in retirement communities like Green Valley, AZ. If possible, advertise and sell in large population centers. Owning a motorcycle on American Samoa is probably going to be a long term experience.

So, you may need to adjust your thinking and just take your lumps. Your bike will surely sell in your market for some price, maybe half of what you think it is worth. Or, just keep it and add other bikes.

herm · January 02, 2009, 06:58:37 AM

its an unfortunate truth, but all the mods we do to our bikes are rarely worth what we think they are (on the bike anyway)

Bun-bun · January 02, 2009, 07:26:22 AM

By all means, sell the mods seperately.
Several years ago, I tried to sell my 1980 FIAT SCCA EP car. I offered it at $2k, and had no interest, so I tore it apart and ebayed the parts.
I netted over $4500.

corey · January 02, 2009, 07:52:55 AM

I have kept every single nut and but from all the OEM-spec stuff removed from my bike.
If i ever go to sell, everything down to the damn emissions can is going back on, and all my goodies are coming off for you guys!

Norm · January 02, 2009, 07:55:29 AM

Of course, there are worse things in life than being "stuck" with a really cool motorcycle.

Greg · January 02, 2009, 07:57:04 AM

After looking through many ads for bikes and watching others sell their bikes I have come to the following conclusions.

1) Mods left on the bike are worth roughly 25% of their original price.

2) Mods taken off and sold separately are worth roughly 50-70% of their original price.

I would take off all the mods that are worth a significant amount of money and sell those separately. Leave the smaller stuff on the bike such as LED blinkers etc.

the_Journeyman · January 02, 2009, 08:23:18 AM

Quote from: herm on January 02, 2009, 06:58:37 AM
its an unfortunate truth, but all the mods we do to our bikes are rarely worth what we think they are (on the bike anyway)

This is true. When I purchased my M750 used, it was $3000 and had carbon Termi's. At that time, a set of replacement pipes was going for $1200. That's almost half the price of the bike, so I'm guessing the PO didn't get the $1200 he spent back out of his pipes. Not to mention it also had a belly pan with a replacement cost of nearly $400, now the accessories are OVER half the price of the bike. It also had Two Brothers clip-ons as well. Those aren't cheap, but I don't know the replacement value of them at that time.

JM

MadDuck · January 02, 2009, 08:40:27 AM

Quote from: Norm on January 02, 2009, 07:55:29 AM
Of course, there are worse things in life than being "stuck" with a really cool motorcycle.

I know, I know.

red baron · January 02, 2009, 08:55:20 AM

Consider this, you've got a 10 year old bike that performs like a 20 year old jap bike.

To a non-ducatisti, what's it worth?

Labbedds · January 02, 2009, 09:02:50 AM

It's all about timing. Like others said get your bike back to stock. Sometimes you can find people who want your mods on the same bike you have, swap them for their stock parts and have them pay cash for the exchange. Then sell the bike as spring is ending and summer starts thats when everyone is looking for a summer ride. I've bought both of my monsters used and if I made money back off the first one and should have no problem at least breaking even if not making money off my current bike. If you buy new there is almost no way of recouping the value other than knowing you're the only owner.

mattyvas · January 02, 2009, 09:40:30 AM

It`s a difficult thing to guage, what it`s worth until the right person sees it.
I am selling at the moment also, mine is a 2005 M620 with a decent list of items on it.
They add up to more than half of what I paid for the bike in the first place.
I am asking just $2k more for the bike fully kitted.

You just have to find the right buyer as said, but parting it out certainly opens up the market for you.
I know I am not shy at buying from anywhere in the world as long as delivery is not over the top.

News:

When are you stuck with your Monster?