Why is it so hard to sell a bike?

**ducatilover** · 21st July 2009, 09:48

Originally Posted by Scouse

Or you could try to wake up and smell the coffee there is a recession on at the moment do ya think this might possibly have some bearing on why it is hard to sell things?

Yes that has been pointed out and I am fully aware of that. Coffee would be nice thanks

**rocketman1** · 21st July 2009, 19:01

During these tough times...cheap is the trick, I feel sorry for people that are having to sell their bikes in these troubled times, most of the real cheap bikes sell easily, the better bikes just are not selling.
Look at the number for sale on trade me, about 8300 bikes for sale, last year it never got over 6500, tells a story aye.
I have a good KDX for sale but Im not going to give it away, I may as well just keep it for a rainy day, to ride again some day.

**ducatilover** · 21st July 2009, 19:47

How are these for better pics? We are on tank water so I'm not allowed to wash the bike

**Taz** · 21st July 2009, 19:52

It's because you're asking a silly price for a 20 year old bike.

**ducatilover** · 21st July 2009, 20:00

Originally Posted by Anthrax

It's because you're asking a silly price for a 20 year old bike.

Silly?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-229460506.htm

That is silly, only has 20 thou left in it and not as learner friendly as mine

**sil3nt** · 21st July 2009, 20:07

Those new photos look terrible! Far to dark can't see shit! If you want the bike to sell take the damn front fairing off. You may think it looks cool but others do not. Your target is the learners market. They see this advertised and google vtr 250 only to find something that looks completely different.

**grusomhat** · 21st July 2009, 20:10

Umm.... Winter + Recession = not very good market.

In a month or so you should be able to sell it.

**ducatilover** · 21st July 2009, 20:11

Originally Posted by sil3ntwar

Those new photos look terrible! Far to dark can't see shit! If you want the bike to sell take the damn front fairing off. You may think it looks cool but others do not. Your target is the learners market. They see this advertised and google vtr 250 only to find something that looks completely different.

I have written why the fairing is on there, as stated it is on there for a practical reason, not too look cool. The twin lights also work a lot better than a standard fucked candle headlight. Is there something wrong with a practical solution? If it does not sell I will re list with the fairing off.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/browse/cate...rder=price_asc Find one in here that is better value for money?

**Taz** · 21st July 2009, 21:02

Originally Posted by ducatilover

Silly?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-229460506.htm

That is silly, only has 20 thou left in it and not as learner friendly as mine

Yeah but that hasn't sold either.....

This is what you're up against, This one sold......
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-222144565.htm

And this
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-227214887.htm

These examples actually sold.

On that basis I'd value yours at 1500 to 1800 max.

Plus first impressions count. Clean the thing, take some good pics in good light, adjust price. I'm not trying to be an a$$hole here just answering your question about why it isn't selling. Good luck.

**ducatilover** · 21st July 2009, 21:11

Originally Posted by Anthrax

Yeah but that hasn't sold either.....

This is what you're up against, This one sold......
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-222144565.htm

On that basis I'd value yours at 1500 to 1800 max.

I honestly think mine is worth atleast 2500. Perhaps it would be better to see it in the flesh and talk to me about the service history. I have stated I am willing to deliver. That vtr was a very exceptional deal though, no argument from me there. But for a leaner my bike may be better, having more torque might help them along. The vtr usually fetches 3700 and upwards from what I have seen, many with more km than my bike. Mine is in brilliant mechanical condition, the frame is getting touched up this friday to get rid of the stone chips and I am giving it a full clean and service later this week also. What's wrong with a well kept 20 year old bike?

**ducatilover** · 21st July 2009, 21:16

That second vtr did not sell. Would a young chap be seeking a small amount of performance for his money? I know I did, hence why I purchased a gpz400r as my first bike and a bros650 as a third bike. For the money I had they were brilliant. Find something for the same price that offers similar or better characteristics

**AllanB** · 21st July 2009, 21:20

I don't see the fairing as an issue - in fact for the target market - young guys wanting to get into bikes, it would be a draw-card - sporty you see

Price - don't know, have not looked at the 250 market for 28 years, you'll know more here. You could always start with a no reserve $2200 price....

It's the photos that put me off. The bike needs a good clean - I see road grime all over the lower half and they look like they were taken at dusk.

If you live on a unsealed road - wait until the weekend, water blast the bike down & clean it until it shines - then take photos while it is still clean.

Push the pros - excellent learner bike, reliable, just tuned (sounds better than dialed in).

**ducatilover** · 21st July 2009, 21:26

Originally Posted by AllanB

I don't see the fairing as an issue - in fact for the target market - young guys wanting to get into bikes, it would be a draw-card - sporty you see

Price - don't know, have not looked at the 250 market for 28 years, you'll know more here. You could always start with a no reserve $2200 price....

It's the photos that put me off. The bike needs a good clean - I see road grime all over the lower half and they look like they were taken at dusk.

If you live on a unsealed road - wait until the weekend, water blast the bike down & clean it until it shines - then take photos while it is still clean.

Push the pros - excellent learner bike, reliable, just tuned (sounds better than dialed in).

Yeah I am in a rural area. Will clean the baby when I have touched up the stone chips. I am wanting 2500 at the least...
I do agree she needs a very good clean, but I had only just got home and was about to put her in the garage there. Will get new pics, yet again and make it an auction at lower price.