Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I have my 85 Rebel for sale. The Blue book lists them at $1180, NADA lists an 86 at $695. Why is there such a huge discrepency between these 2 values?
I have recently seen bikes that look nicer than mine go for 16-1800 dollars on our local craigs list. I have mine listed for 1300.00 because it has minor cosmetic issues. But I keep getting these e-mail from people who are refrencing the NADA price like it has some great weight, does it?

Doesn't the market and demand drive the price of used motorcycles?

What can I use in my defense?

Or... am I out of my mind and the bike is overpriced?

I think there are two types of people buying a bike. Those who have the cash (or credit) to spare and those looking for a bargain. You will find more who are looking for a bargain. I guess there is a third, the guy looking for a certain bike, but he really has to be in catagory one to get it.

That said, there are two types of sellers. Those who want to get rid of a bike and those who want sell for a price fixed in their head. Everyone who is in the looking for a bargain catagory is watching for the guy who wants to get rid of his bike, and hope the price is more adjustable. You will get a lot of bites from bargain hunters.

You might just have to hang in there and wait for the guy who really loves your bike. Problem being the Rebel has been around forever, so there are many examples of your bike at many prices. As you've seen by looking around yourself.

How much do you want to get rid of your bike? If you really want it gone, drop the price. If you can stand to sit on it for a while, hold your ground and wait for a good offer. Also, if someone says you are asking too much, ask what they are willing to offer. Maybe as time goes on you'll be willing to lower your hopes.

I'm still curious why there is such a huge discrepency between Blue Book and NADA values of used motorcycles.

Does anyone know why?
Who's values do you give the most weight to? Blue book or NADA?

moto_hanki wrote:I'm still curious why there is such a huge discrepency between Blue Book and NADA values of used motorcycles.

Does anyone know why?
Who's values do you give the most weight to? Blue book or NADA?

When I'm buying I would use the cheapest price I found to validate my opinion. When I'm selling, I'd go more towards the middle. You'd have to research from the respective websites how they determine their values. In my opinion (and it is only mine) the whole thing is subjective. I know I'm not helping you with the answer you want, but I don't think the answer you want exists. Again, Blue Book and NADA have websites that will explain how the determine the values they post.

I follow-up on this, because I thought maybe my answer sounded a little dismissive, but the answer to your quesitons was easily found.

Kelley Blue Book -

Kelley Blue Book strives to accurately represent the market for used motorcycles. Information is gathered directly from dealer sales reports and dealer surveys across the United States. Their replies and experience helps us to determine values along with auction results nationwide. We often receive consumer sales information that we also incorporate into Kelley Blue Book's Motorcycle Site.

From this site -

http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/ke.kb.sp?k ... _mc#usedmc

And about NADA -

Our values are based on the assumption that each vehicle, in order to be properly evaluated, must be independently considered on its own merit. N.A.D.A. editors routinely attend trade shows, manufacturer previews, auctions, and other industry events. Information is gathered from new and used dealers, auto shows, trade periodicals, vehicle classifieds, magazines, newspapers, advisory boards, associations, and car clubs - ultimately nearly half a million sales transactions are reviewed monthly. Our values are derived from the sales records collected for each vehicle; the vehicles are classified into one of three value categories based upon the vehicle's condition - low, average, and high. Once the sales data has been processed, N.A.D.A. editors are able to analyze current market conditions pertaining to each vehicle - determining accurate fair market values.

From here -

http://www.nadaguides.com/SiteInfo/Abou ... =&wPg=1047