How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately — 8 Steps
- 1Find your VIN — on motorcycles, the VIN is stamped on the steering neck (headstock) or on the frame near the engine. Write it down — you'll need it for the bill of sale and title.
- 2Clear any liens — if you financed the bike, contact your lender for a payoff quote and lien release letter before listing. Buyers will not and should not complete the purchase without a clean title.
- 3Price it accurately — use Kelley Blue Book Motorcycles, Cycle Trader comps, and NADA guides. Mileage, condition, and mods all affect value. Price 8–10% above your floor to allow negotiating room.
- 4Gather documentation — clean title, maintenance records, original owner's manual if available, any mod receipts that add value.
- 5Advertise with good photos — shoot from both sides, show the gauge cluster (for mileage), and any notable features. State "as-is private sale, no returns."
- 6Screen buyers safely — meet in a public space; require a valid motorcycle endorsement license before a test ride; confirm they can actually operate the bike.
- 7Complete a bill of sale — record VIN (from the frame), year/make/model, odometer in miles, sale price, sale date, buyer and seller full legal names and addresses. Both parties sign. Keep a copy for 5 years.
- 8Sign over the title and notify DMV — seller signs back of title, buyer fills in their info; remove your plates (required in most states); file a release-of-liability with the DMV.
Motorcycle VIN & Title Notes
- VIN is 17 characters — verify it matches the title exactly before signing
- Mileage is in miles on US-market bikes, not km
- If selling a salvage-titled or rebuilt motorcycle, disclose this to the buyer in writing on the bill of sale — required by law in most states
- Some states require a motorcycle-specific inspection before title transfer — check your state DMV
🔍 Run a VIN Check Before the Test Ride
Before you let a buyer test-ride your motorcycle, know what your VIN report shows. A VIN history report reveals accident records, salvage history, odometer rollback, and open recalls — so you can answer buyer questions confidently and justify your asking price.
Check VIN + Get Bill of Sale ($19) →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special form to sell a motorcycle privately?▾
Most states use the same bill of sale form for motorcycles and cars. Some states (California, for example) have a dedicated DMV Notice of Transfer form that must be filed online within 5 days of the sale. The signed bill of sale and title assignment are required in all states to complete the private transfer.
Can I sell a motorcycle without the title?▾
Selling a motorcycle without a title is legal in some states but not recommended. The buyer has no proof of ownership and cannot register the bike in their name. If you lost the title, apply for a duplicate at your state DMV before listing. If the title is in someone else's name, you'll need a power of attorney or have the previous owner sign a title assignment.
Do I need to notarize a motorcycle bill of sale?▾
Notarization is required for motorcycle bill of sale transactions in Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Wyoming. In all other states, a signed bill of sale without notarization is sufficient. BillOfSaleNow's Complete plan ($29) includes notary guidance for required states.