How Well Do Motorcycles Hold their Value? (8 Helpful Examples)

Motorcycles hold their value according to the make, model, exclusivity, and unique attributes of the make and year model in question.

There are variables with the individual year models, like recalls and quality issues, as well as ownership variables like crash history, adequate maintenance habits, and service records which can affect the depreciation of any motorcycle.

This article examines how well motorcycles hold their value, offering helpful, real-life examples along the way.  

Depreciation Per Year for Indian Chieftain Limited/Dark Horse

The following estimations were calculated by dividing the Typical Listing Price of the Indian Chieftain Limited by its MSRP. The result is the percentage of the value, which we subtract from 100 to get the rates of weight lost. See the values below:

• One-Year-Old: 12% Value Lost
• Two Years Old: 15% Value Lost
• Three Years Old: 21% Value Lost
• Four Years Old: 28% Value Lost
• Five Years Old:  30% Value Lost
• Six Years Old:  44% Value Lost
• Seven Years Old:  48% Value Lost

Depreciation Per Year for Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

When compared to a heritage brand like Indian and a touring bike like the Chieftain Limited mentioned above, a more mass-produced bike like a Honda will depreciate faster, especially if its a street bike or a sportbike like the Fireblade, which is typically pushed to their limits, raced, or stunted.

As the technology on the motorcycle increased in each generation, so did the MSRP for that year’s model, which actually helps the older models retain more value than the newer ones.

Conversely, the Indian Chieftains made before 2018 aren’t sought after, driving their value retention down below the Honda Fireblade once they hit the 5-years-old mark.

We deduced the following percentages by dividing the average listing prices of used Fireblades from the MSRP of each year model:

• One-Year-Old: 45% Value Lost
• Two Years Old: 51% Value Lost
• Three Years Old: 36% Value Lost
• Four Years Old: 28% Value Lost
• Five Years Old:  29% Value Lost
• Six Years Old:  31% Value Lost
• Seven Years Old: 44% Value Lost
• Eight Years Old: 43% Value Lost
• Nine Years Old: 43% Value Lost
• Ten Years Old: 46% Value Lost

Depreciation Per Year for Harley-Davidson Road King

Here are the calculations for the average percentage of value lost for the Harley-Davidson Road King. As you can see, it’s neck and neck with the Indian Chieftain for the first five years, as both are considered American Heritage motorcycle brands–they both get points for the legacy factor.

That said, once the respective makes and models hit the 5-year mark, the Harley Davidson Road King’s value retention shoots above the Indian Chieftain, as Harley has been a trusted name for longer.

In contrast, Indian has only recently been resurrected by Polaris Industries. It took the new Polaris-designed Indian bikes a few years to earn trust, so their bikes depreciated more rapidly than HD up until recently.

• One-Year-Old: 14% Value Lost
• Two Years Old: 28% Value Lost
• Three Years Old: 36% Value Lost
• Four Years Old: 24% Value Lost
• Five Years Old:  19% Value Lost
• Six Years Old:  23% Value Lost
• Seven Years Old:  33% Value Lost
• Eight Years Old: 34% Value Lost
• Nine Years Old: 38% Value Lost
• Ten Years Old: 43% Value Lost

Depreciation Per Year for Triumph Bonneville T-100

Similarly, we divided the Typical Listing Price of the Triumph Bonneville T-100 from the MSRP. The result is the percentage of the Value, which we subtract from 100 to get the Percentage of Value Lost.

As you can see, Triumph’s heritage factor, reputation for craftsmanship, and reputation for reliability slow down its depreciation rate.  Check the values below:

• One-Year-Old: 13% Value Lost
• Two Years Old: 15% Value Lost
• Three Years Old: 20% Value Lost
• Four Years Old: 25% Value Lost
• Five Years Old:  33% Value Lost
• Six Years Old:  42% Value Lost
• Seven Years Old:  33% Value Lost
• Eight Years Old: 40% Value Lost
• Nine Years Old: 46% Value Lost
• Ten Years Old: 49% Value Lost

Depreciation Per Year for BMW R 1250 and 1200 GS Adventure

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and 1200 GS Adventure bikes are luxury touring motorcycles equipped for long-distance riding both on and off the road.

While mass-produced dual-sport bikes depreciate quickly due to the expectation of off-road wear, the exclusivity, innovative design, and luxurious nature of the R 1250/1200 GS Adventure bike makes it harder to score on the used market, giving it a sweet spot of value retention right around the 4-6 year mark.

Furthermore, the upgraded 1250 is more expensive than 1200. When the new models rise in price, it can drive up the resale value of the older model due to added exclusivity, slowing down its depreciation rate.

• One-Year-Old: 10% Value Lost
• Two Years Old: 14% Value Lost
• Three Years Old: 22% Value Lost
• Four Years Old: 15% Value Lost
• Five Years Old:  18% Value Lost
• Six Years Old:  31% Value Lost
• Seven Years Old:  41% Value Lost
• Eight Years Old: 40% Value Lost
• Nine Years Old: 34% Value Lost
• Ten Years Old: 41% Value Lost

3 Examples of Motorcycle Depreciation

Here are three examples of how motorcycles depreciate using popular models from different brands:

1. Harley-Davidson Street Glide

As far as the used market price is concerned, the Harley-Davidson Street Glide depreciates at an average of 3-5% after one year of ownership, as the standard used price is only a few hundred dollars less than the new price due to the model’s popularity.

That said, the trade-in value for a responsibly owned HD Street Glide is $18,750, $3,749 less than the brand-new Street Glide sticker price of $22,499.

After three years of ownership, a well-kept HD Street Glide sells for an average of $20,365 on the used market, $2,134 less than the model costs new. On the other hand, the dealership’s trade-in value drops to about $15,700, $8,299 less than what the original owner paid for the bike.

After five years, that trade-in value drops to $14,450, 56% less than the $22,499 new deal price. 

Still, the typical listing price on the used market after five years of good riding and suggested service maintenance is $18,935, for a loss of $3,564.

You should also read our article about whether Harleys depreciate or increase in value if you are interested in buying the motorcycle.

2. Honda Gold Wing

A brand new 2020 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Tour motorcycle costs $28,000. The typical used market listing price is $25,470, $2,530 less than the original owner paid for the bike when it was new. 

That said, the trade-in value drops to about $20,800, for a loss of $7,200 in the first year.

After three years, a well-maintained Honda GL1800 Gold Wing sells for around $20,530. That said, the dealership’s trade-in value is $16,150 (provided the odometer’s mileage is reasonable and the bike was serviced per the owner’s manuals guidelines) for a loss of $11,850.

After five years, a well-kept Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is typically listed at $19,795, $8,205 less than it costs brand new. 

Still, the average trade-in value is around $15,450, meaning the seller makes $12,550 less than what they paid for the Gold Wing if they bought it new.

3. Indian Scout

On the official Indian Motorcycle website, the American brand lists the base model of their exemplary medium-sized cruiser, the historic Indian Scout, at $13,249.

A well-serviced and responsibly ridden one-year-old Indian Scout is typically listed at $12,535 used, just $714 less than the new sticker price.

Still, the Scout’s trade-in value falls to roughly $9,060. That means anyone attempting to trade their one-year-old Indian Scout at a dealership will lose an average of $4,189.

After three years of use, the base model sells for around $11,555 as long as it is kept in suitable condition and has a reasonable mileage reading on its odometer at the sale. Still, that’s $1,694 less than the cost of a brand-new Scout.

Indian Scout owners endeavoring to trade their cruiser back to the dealership after three years of ownership will obtain an average of $8,260 in value for a cost casualty of approximately $4,989.

After five years of responsible use, Indian Scout owners can charge an average of $9,600 for their medium cruiser on the used market. That’s $3,649 less than a new Scout costs.

Still, the trade-in value for a five-year-old Indian Scout drops to $6,730, for a devaluation of $6,519.

For more information about other models from this brand, read our article about how well Indian Motorcycles hold their value.

Do Motorcycles Depreciate Faster Than Cars?

Commuter, sports, racing, and stunt motorcycles depreciate faster than cars due to the used market assumption that these types of bikes are pushed to their limits, incurring wear or even collision damage.

That said, luxury bikes and recreational cruisers depreciate slower than cars. 

Which Models Depreciate the LEAST? 

The motorcycle models that depreciate the least are:

• Harley-Davidson Street Glide
• Indian Ducati 1098 Tricolour
• Honda VTX1800C-5
• Suzuki GSXR-R750 K7
• FZI Fazer
• VN1600 D6F
• Triumph America
• BMW R1200GS Adventure.

Which Models Depreciate the MOST?

The motorcycle models that depreciate the least are:

• The Ducati 749 Dark
• Honda VTR1000F-4
• Suzuki DR-Z400 K7
• Yamaha XT660R
• Kawasaki XX1200-B6F
• Triumph Daytona 955i
• BMW K1200RS ABS

What Motorcycle Brands Depreciate the Least?

The luxury motorcycle brands like Ducati and BMW hold their value due to exclusivity, as do heritage names like Harley-Davidson, Triumph, and Indian Motorcycle.

Make sure to also read our article about how long motorcycles typically last, as this is important for depreciation rates.

What Types of Motorcycles Depreciates the Least?

Recreational motorcycles and cruisers depreciate the least, as they incur less mileage and wear and tear than sportbikes and daily commuters. The used market assumes recreational bikes are ridden responsibly and maintained per the manual’s guidelines.

That said, recreational motorcycles that sit for long periods without proper storage treatment or periodical use still depreciate as the sitting fluids cause internal corrosion if they’re not run through the bike at least once a week.

7 Ways to Increase the Value Of Your Motorcycle

Here are seven proven ways to increase the value of your Indian bikes.

1. Maintain your motorcycle’s condition by storing and riding it correctly.
2. Refrain from adding 3,000-4,000 miles per year to your bike’s odometer.
3. Perform routine service maintenance outlined in your moto model’s owner’s manual.
4. Refrain from adding aftermarket and custom fabrication modifications. (Conversely, original manufacturer upgrades can boost the value of your motorcycle if installed at the dealership).
5. Sell your used bikes during the start of riding season while the market is most active.
6. Buy your motorcycle new; the fewer previous owners a bike has, the less it depreciates.
7.  Ride safe and avoid collisions. Repairs and accident reports depreciate motorcycles more quickly than anything else.
8. Save all maintenance records, from dealership inspections, upgrades, and recall repairs to routine oil, air filter, and brake services.

Sources

Best and worst depreciating bikes revealed | MCN (motorcyclenews.com)

Motorcycle Values & Pricing | Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)