[JDVMAX]

I have a blue '98, in as excellent of condition as is possible, with only about 1500 miles on it and plan to buy an '04. I am debating whether to trade it in, which the dealers seem to want to "give" up to only $4400 for it on a trade. My question is whether the '98's are sellable still on Ebay, or wherever, or should I trade it in. I have looked on Ebay some and although there are not many '98's there have been a few and they have sold for up to $6000. I definitely do not want to end up with an '04 AND my '98 though, so trading it in is certainly easier. Any of you have opinions or experience on this situation?

 

[Daekwan]

I'm in the same boat now.. taking offers on my 02 with 14K miles..

But to answer your question.. the 98 R1 had a 'cult' following because it was the first, the original and in the opinion of most.. had the best graphics/paint scheme of any R1.

If your bike truly has 1500 miles and is in excellent condition.. I'd definitely go the private route (cycletrader, Ebay, local newspaper) to see what type of deals you can lure there first. There is probably a collector, or 'appreciater' of the first year R1's who's looking for one like yours in the best shape possible.

I wouldnt expect more than $6000 for that bike though, regardless of the condition. $5500 is alot more realistic, with the prices for any 6 year old bike, but hey.. you never know.. until you try!

 

[JDVMAX]

Selling My '98

Daekwan, Thanks for the reply. That puts my mind at ease some. I probably will go the private route and thanks for the couple other sites to advertise it.

P.S. I like the title of your Profile. :thumbup

 

[sawboy]

Guys I posted my 99 on ebay last fall with a reserve of 6500 canadian and didn't get a single bid. The bike had loads of aftermarket goodies too. I'm not saying that Ebay won't work for you but my experience was very poor. I ended up selling it privately for $8600.
Good Luck!!

 

[bpa00]

I figure you can get an extra $500-$1k for it selling it yourself. Even with 1500 miles, it is still a 6 year old sport bike which really hurts...

- BA

 

[R-1toN-V]

how do people do it ??? (iam not flaming you,just general question) but how do they have such wonderful bikes, and put on so little mileage on them? I mean a rough calculation off of my head is , you rode the bike around 250 miles a year to get that mileage. And its not only yours in particualar, Ive seen CBR's from 94-96 that have 3-4K on them :scared

 

[wraithr1]

Sell it privately.... a lot more $$$.

 

[JDVMAX]

R1 to NV, I hear you loud and clear. I certainly want to ride a LOT more, but commitments with kids and this area sucks for weather(all rain and lots of winter), and I never get it wet or ride on bad roads, so altogether that leads to limited riding time. I hope with the '04 which I did just order that I will get to ride much much more.

 

[PimpDaddyR1]

I'd say try to squeeze a little more out of the dealer. If you could get $5000, that would be pretty good. If trade-in's work the same in NY as they do in WA, then the $5K is deducted from the price of the sale before being taxed. So, that alone would be about a $450 savings. That makes it a little easier to swallow the trade-in. Plus, no hassles of the selling process. I bought my '99 last summer locally off of eBay. Sounds like yours is in awesome condition and the color I wanted. Good luck!

Eric

 

[uncle crusty]

One more option, check if any dealers you know will take it on consignment. I talked to one of my dealers - they said I set the price I want and they keep anything over that amount. Not a bad deal, considering they get the traffic and can normally get more than a private party sale.

 

[bpa00]

That is a good point... Is it really a good idea to spend all the $$ for an 04 if you only ride like 250 miles per year??

- BA

 

[JDVMAX]

BA, I understand your viewpoint, so I guess I should not want to trade up for newer technology and HP? You must keep all your vehicles until they die on the road?

 

[On2Wheels]

I say try Ebay and Cycletrader as well as putting it your local paper. Just make sure that you say on Ebay that it is for sale locally and you have the right to end the auction at any time. Right now is the best time to sell a bike with the season just around the corner. You will have no problem selling it. One thing to consider though is how much they will sell you the bike with a trade in and then how much for a cash deal. Remember that they will also make money off your trade in so that might give you the 04 for a cheaper OTD price. And like somebody else said you only pay the differance on the amount after trade. So say you get a deal like your bike plus $5000 you only pay taxes on the $5000 instead of paying taxes on the whole $11,000. That alone will save you $$$. Just some things to think about.:thumbup