
The market worth of a motorbike built in a specific year by a specific manufacturer is known as its “blue book value.” One of the most well-known price guides for individuals looking to purchase a used motorcycle is the Kelley Blue Book (KBB), which is where the term “Kelley blue book” originated.
The NADA Guides published by J.D. Power are the other important sources for motorcycle pricing information. The National Automobile Dealers Association, also known as “NADA,” offered thorough used automobile buying advice. After purchasing the business in 2017, J.D. Power increased its product offerings to include motorcycles, recreational vehicles, vintage cars, yachts, and manufactured homes. NADA Guides publishes print publications on motorcycle appraisal for both modern and antique vehicles (including snowmobiles, ATVs, and personal watercraft) collectibles, and retro motorcycles.
How KBB Calculates Motorcycle Values
According to KBB, it bases its estimates of motorcycle values on information from “auctions, dealer sales records, dealer surveys, as well as dealer and customer listings and sales transactions across the nation.” The business claims that it also considers the state of the economy and the market.
Trade-in vs. Listing Price
After entering the year, make, and model of the motorcycle you are looking for in your search, you are given the option to choose between Trade-In Value and Typical Listing Price. When trading in a secondhand motorcycle in good condition with all of its original standard equipment, you might anticipate receiving the former figure. If you were looking to purchase a secondhand motorcycle in decent or superior condition, a dealer would probably ask you to pay the latter amount.
Additional Equipment
You may view information about the cost of optional equipment for some motorcycles in your search results by clicking on Optional Equipment. For instance, depending on the motorcycle’s make, model, and year, cruise control and an engine protector may each increase the bike’s value by $35 or more. KBB assumes that these extra options are in good shape as well.
Mileage
The mileage displayed on the odometer is not taken into account by KBB. According to KBB, factors other than mileage that affect a bike’s worth include the state of the roads and the previous owner’s riding habits.
How NADA Guides Calculate Motorcycle Values
On the NADA Guides website, you can begin your search for motorcycle values by choosing a manufacturer or a type of bike, such as Cruisers or Motocross. You will ultimately select a year, model, and manufacturer, just like on the KBB website. Your ZIP code and any specific choices will also be required.
Even three different motorcycles can be compared side by side.
The website provides four motorcycle prices:
- The MSRP, or the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, contains just basic equipment and does not include taxes, transportation costs, or destination fees, which are incurred to deliver the car to the dealer.
- The proposed list price is the highest suggested list price offered by the manufacturer or distributor in the United States at the time the motorcycle was first introduced. Typically, it does not include destination charges or taxes.
- The affordable retail price for a car may have “severe wear and tear” and “blemishes and dents” on the body but is still safe to drive. Dealers typically do not sell motorcycles of this poor caliber.
- The typical retail cost is for a car that is in good condition and “free from visible flaws.” The bike should be able to pass an emissions inspection, and the mileage should be approximately average.
Values are determined by NADA Guides using information from more than 1.5 million automobile transactions each month. These exchanges consist of retail, wholesale, and auction sales. The NADA Guides also take into account the asking prices listed on Autotrader and classified listing websites. According to its valuation team, it “uses the most recent technologies, has an in-depth understanding of each segment’s market, statistics, analytics, and econometrics to derive our values.” It does not use a depreciation schedule, because there is a lot of variation in the rates of depreciation among different used motorcycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I check the KBB value of my motorcycle?
To determine the value of your motorcycle, go directly to the Kelly Blue Book website. Entering the year, make, and model is required.
Can I use the Kelly Blue Book value to haggle on a motorcycle?
Although it is frequently a good place to start when negotiating a price for a motorcycle, there are other things to consider as well. The state of the motorcycle and the market where you live are both significant factors. You might be able to utilize the motorcycle’s blue book worth as part of your price discussions, depending on its state.
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