Curious about what my bike's worth?

**Imti** · 11th November 2008, 16:47

Not sure if this is the appropriate forum for this, so mods please move the thread as required.

I have an '88 Honda VTZ 250 purchased from Red Baron last year August. It has been serviced by them and has a relatively new rear tyre. Motor is pretty mint and starts every time. Done 43 000kms. Body is a bit rough but hasn't had any major bins.

I'm curious as to how much it will sell for in the current market. Don't want to put a firm ad up just yet because then I'm obliged to sell. Just want to get an idea of how much I can expect to get for it. Any ideas?

Thanks!

**R6_kid:Me** · 11th November 2008, 18:23

I reckon $3k would be fair in todays market. Realistically it's worth about as much as a 1988 Honda Civic - about $1500. Or as the saying goes 'what someone is willing to pay for it'.

Don't be surprised if you lose a fair bit of money on it, Red Baron has a habit of charging exorbitantly for 250's. Oh well, lesson learned.

**Imti** · 11th November 2008, 21:46

Thanks. I expect to lose a bit. Wanted my first bike to come from a dealer so knew that I was paying a bit more for it at the time.

Think I might just bite the bullet and put an ad up

**Ragingrob** · 11th November 2008, 21:48

Remember, you're not "obliged" to sell. Chuck it up with an asking price of $3,500ono or something, and you can accept or reject any offer you'd like.

**hayd3n** · 11th November 2008, 21:51

how bout pricing mine then 47000 ks

**Ragingrob** · 11th November 2008, 21:57

Best way to price your own bike is to search for similar ones on trademe and go from there. Can't go wrong with pricing too high anyway, can always drop, pretty hard to increase your price though!

**klyong82** · 12th November 2008, 08:03

$2.5k plus minus for the VTZ since its a 250cc depending on the condition/appearance of the bike. But like Ragingrob has suggested chuck it on trademe with a price and that you are open to any reasonable offers. Start high and if it does not sell in 2 or 3 weeks or there's no interest then lower the price till it starts to gain interest.

**Imti** · 12th November 2008, 09:11

Originally Posted by klyong82

$2.5k plus minus for the VTZ since its a 250cc depending on the condition/appearance of the bike. But like Ragingrob has suggested chuck it on trademe with a price and that you are open to any reasonable offers. Start high and if it does not sell in 2 or 3 weeks or there's no interest then lower the price till it starts to gain interest.

Chur...on TM now

**bastardsquad** · 12th November 2008, 19:43

No way! not for a 20 year old bike?I brought an 8 month old GPZ250, mint never dropped only 5000km for $5k about 5 months ago. I know certain models(eg CBR-RR and some high end 2 strokes) hold value but thats well overpriced in my opinion!

**zalforce1** · 13th November 2008, 21:55

i rekon the best way to check out how much the bike is worth is to put the bike on trademe with a high reserve but start the bidding at $1. see how much you end up with after 2 weeks or whatever and then once the auction ends and your happy with the top price send an offer to everyone who has it on their watchlist and see if anyone grabs it.

**Imti** · 14th November 2008, 07:25

Originally Posted by zalforce1

i rekon the best way to check out how much the bike is worth is to put the bike on trademe with a high reserve but start the bidding at $1. see how much you end up with after 2 weeks or whatever and then once the auction ends and your happy with the top price send an offer to everyone who has it on their watchlist and see if anyone grabs it.

Not a bad idea. I've already listed it as a classified so will see what response I get from that. Next step will be the auction.

Not in a big rush to sell it so will just take it as it comes

**Ducky848** · 17th November 2008, 12:49

Originally Posted by Ragingrob

Remember, you're not "obliged" to sell. Chuck it up with an asking price of $3,500ono or something, and you can accept or reject any offer you'd like.

While this is technically true it is fucking annoying to strike as a buyer.

Quite often ppl take time to research the item, go to the bank for the money and visit the sellers address to view and ONO indicates you will consider LOWER offers. If you are asking 3500ono and get an offer of $3500you are IMO obliged to sell.

**Ducky848** · 17th November 2008, 13:00

Originally Posted by zalforce1

i rekon the best way to check out how much the bike is worth is to put the bike on trademe with a high reserve but start the bidding at $1. see how much you end up with after 2 weeks or whatever and then once the auction ends and your happy with the top price send an offer to everyone who has it on their watchlist and see if anyone grabs it.

Another exceptionally annoying way to offer the sale of a bike. If you do this the bids will get up....to a point where its obvious the reserve is high and the bids will generally stop well short....not likely indicative of what its worth.

If you really want to sell the bike and do it with the least amount of hassle and avoid putting off geniune buyers try this approach:

RESEARCH the make and model of your bike and compare it to others for sale that are similar,Trademe is good for this.

BE REALISTIC and REASONABLE with your asking price. If your bike has lower km's, later construction date or is in better condition than others available then its maybe worth a little bit more....and vice versa.

THE FIRST OFFER IS OFTEN THE BEST, while not strictly true its scary how often this is the case. If you get a reasonable offer close to your asking price...take it.

Auctions are a different matter, but if you list a starting price close (20%) to the realistic reserve you are more likely to get geniune bids and perhaps a wee bidding war towards the close.

BTW, the thread subject bike as advertised on trademe looks goods and seems to be priced about right to me. 250's hold their value better than bigger bikes due to bigger demand. This one looks ideal for someone after easy, reliable commuting transport while capable of the odd fang around as well.