1. Decide how you want to sell
A private sale may give you direct access to individual buyers, but you will normally create the advert, answer enquiries, arrange viewings and manage payment yourself. Selling to a dealer can be simpler because the dealer handles the motorcycle as a trade purchase, although the price may reflect inspection, collection, preparation and resale costs.
With MotorGeeks, you tell us about your bike once. Approved dealers can make offers and you decide whether to accept. The dealer buys the bike directly from you.
2. Prepare the motorcycle honestly
Clean the bike so its actual condition is visible, but do not conceal faults. Check the current mileage, tyre condition, warning lights and obvious mechanical or cosmetic issues. List modifications and identify any original parts or accessories included with the sale.
You do not need to spend money on repairs just to submit your bike. Tell us about any work needed so dealers can take it into account.
3. Gather the documents and keys
Find your V5C registration document (logbook), service book or digital service records, maintenance invoices, MOT information, manuals and all available keys. Keep personal information that is not relevant to the sale out of uploaded photographs.
The V5C is not proof of ownership, but its keeper details are important to the change-of-keeper process. If you are selling for somebody else, explain that clearly and make sure you have authority to do so.
4. Check any money still owed on finance
If the motorcycle has finance outstanding, ask the lender for a current settlement figure (the amount needed to pay off the finance) and instructions. Tell the prospective dealer before accepting an offer. The dealer may agree a process for settling the lender and paying any remaining balance, but you should verify the arrangement with both parties.
Do not describe a financed motorcycle as finance-free. Settlement figures can expire, so obtain a current figure near the transaction date.
5. Take useful photographs
Photograph the complete motorcycle from the front, rear and both sides in good daylight. Add the dashboard and mileage, tyres, service history and any accessories. Include close-ups of scratches, dents, corrosion or other damage. A dealer should not have to guess what a carefully angled photograph is hiding.
MotorGeeks accepts supported JPEG, PNG and WebP images. If an iPhone saves a photograph only as HEIC or HEIF, export or share a compatible JPEG before uploading.
6. Compare and clarify an offer
Consider the amount and the practical terms. Ask when the dealer expects to inspect the motorcycle, how payment will be made and who will arrange collection. An offer based on your profile may still depend on the motorcycle matching the description.
You are not obliged to accept a MotorGeeks offer. If you accept, agree the next steps with the dealer and tell them about any changes to the bike's condition or mileage.
7. Complete payment and handover carefully
Agree a secure payment method with the dealer and confirm funds before releasing the motorcycle, documents and keys. Record the agreed condition, mileage and items supplied. If somebody collects on the dealer's behalf, confirm their identity and authority with the dealer.
Tell DVLA that you have sold the bike to a motor trader, following the current official process, and keep the confirmation. Tell your insurer after the handover. Check the current GOV.UK selling guidance before completing the sale.
Start with an accurate profile
Ready to see whether approved dealers are interested? Enter your registration and start a valuation. You can also learn what affects a motorbike valuation, browse model-specific brand guides, or review common seller questions.