I’ve been wheeling and dealing in the auto industry for over 20 years, and let me tell you, the best deals on motorcycles aren’t always found online. Sure, those marketplaces have their place, but if you want to snag a real bargain, you need to hit the auto auctions.
I’m talking about those massive in-person and online auctions that happen every week. They’re open to the public, and they’re packed with motorcycles just waiting for a new owner.
Now, I know the thought of bidding at an auction can be a bit intimidating, especially for first-timers. But honestly, it’s not as scary as it sounds.
Once you get the feel for it, you’ll realize it’s actually a pretty exciting way to buy a bike. Plus, the potential savings are huge. So, ditch the online browsing and head to your nearest auction – you might just be surprised at what you find.
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My Advice for Searching and Choosing a Used Motorcycle at an Auto Auction
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You want a motorcycle, and you want a good deal. I get it. But hold your horses before you start clicking through endless online listings or wandering aimlessly around dealerships.
As someone who’s been knee-deep in the auto world for longer than I care to admit, I’ll let you in on a little secret: the real deals are found at auto auctions.
Now, I’m not talking about those stuffy, members-only auctions. I’m talking about the ones that are open to the public, where you can rub elbows with everyone from seasoned collectors to wide-eyed newbies.
These auctions are a treasure trove of motorcycles, with everything from vintage classics to late-model speed demons. And the best part? The prices are usually a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
But here’s the thing: you gotta be smart about it. Don’t just show up and start throwing your money around. Do your homework. Study the auction catalogs, familiarize yourself with the makes and models, and get a sense of what each bike is actually worth.
That way, you can swoop in and snag a bargain before anyone else even knows what’s happening. Trust me, with a little bit of savvy and a whole lot of guts, you’ll be riding away on a bike that’ll turn heads and leave your wallet happy.
Use the Auction Run List (If Available)
Okay, so you’ve decided to take the plunge and hit up an auction. Smart move! But before you jump in headfirst, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. Think of it like this: a little recon goes a long way.
If you’re attending an online auction, you’ve got it easy. You can usually browse the entire inventory beforehand, giving you plenty of time to research and compare prices.
But if you’re heading to a live, in-person auction, you’ll want to get your hands on the auction catalog beforehand. This catalog is your bible. It lists all the items up for auction, along with important details and photos.
Now, here’s the crucial part: pay close attention to the auction’s terms and conditions. Every auction house is different. Some might require a hefty deposit upfront, while others might only ask for a small percentage.
Some might require you to register days in advance, while others might let you sign up on the spot. Whatever the case, knowing the rules of the game beforehand will save you a lot of headaches and ensure you’re ready to bid with confidence when the time comes.
Things to Look at Before Bidding
Alright, so you’re at the auction, catalog in hand, and ready to roll. But before you get caught up in the excitement, remember this: a thorough inspection can save you a world of trouble down the road.
Most auctions give you a chance to check out the bikes before the bidding starts. This is your time to shine. Don’t be shy – get up close and personal with each machine.
Look for any signs of major repairs, hidden damage, or shoddy workmanship. Trust me, a keen eye can save you a lot of heartache and money.
Next, dig into the bike’s history. How many previous owners has it had? Has it been well-maintained? A bike with a clean record is always a better bet. And if you can, ask to hear that engine roar. Listen for any strange noises or rattles, and keep an eye out for leaks.
I remember one time, I was at an auction, and this Harley caught my eye. It looked great in the photos, but when I got up close, I noticed the frame had been welded – not a good sign.
I walked away, and sure enough, that bike ended up being a real money pit for the poor guy who bought it. So, learn from my experience and always do your due diligence. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Remember: Don’t Rush into Signing Papers Yet
Motorcycles of excellent grade are frequently offered at auction. However, don’t be scared to walk away from a bike if the price rises above your budget.
In addition, don’t let your desire to get a specific bike make you blind to its state. When a seller refers to a bike’s state as “as-is,” it means they can’t make any promises about whether or not it’s actually in good shape.
Sellers frequently exaggerate a bike’s condition to increase the final price. Again, there’s a strong probability that a deal appears too good to be true, so don’t hesitate to walk away.
How a Motorcycle Auction Works as a Buyer
When bidding at an auto auction, it is essential to remember that the item is “sold as seen,” “buyer beware,” and that there is no guarantee on the vehicle; thus, returns are not permitted.
Once the hammer falls, you have committed to the deal, making the motorcycle yours with no way to back out. For this reason, you frequently need to present proof that you can afford the vehicle before being awarded a bidding number.
Public Auction Sites for Affordable Used Motorcycles
It should be no surprise that motorbike auction houses have sprouted up online with the development of everything Internet. Many of these auction companies offer motorcycles for sale at extremely low costs.
Unfortunately, while some bikes can be repaired or salvaged, not all can. But auction houses can be the best place to find a “once in a lifetime” deal if you know where to look, what questions to ask, and how to ship your motorcycle after you buy it.
• Search Wholesale Car Auctions for Motorcycles
This method of buying a motorcycle involves finding a public car auction near you or an online car auction that you could ship a bike from.
These auctions do not specialize in wrecked or salvaged vehicles. Instead, they are wholesale auctions with bank repos, trade-ins, seized vehicles, and other sources.
Most of these types of auctions will allow you to visit the auction lot and physically look over the auction cars for sale. It is important to always use this opportunity to look for any damage or to diagnose mechanical issues before you decide how much you should bid.
A Popular Option for Used Motorcycle Auctions: National Powersport Auction

Now, if you’re serious about getting a great deal on a motorcycle, you need to check out National Powersport Auctions. These guys are the real deal.
They’ve got locations all over the country – Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, you name it. They don’t just deal in motorcycles; they’ve got ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, the whole nine yards.
But here’s the kicker: they let the public bid online. That means you can snag a sweet ride from the comfort of your own couch.
They’ve got everything from late-model bikes to older classics, many of them bank repossessions or coming from title pawn shops. That translates to some serious bargains for savvy buyers like you.
So, fire up your laptop and head over to their website. You might just find your dream bike at a price that’ll make you do a wheelie.
Check Out CrashedToys Motorcycle Auctions

Okay, let’s talk about another auction powerhouse: CrashedToys. Now, these guys might not have as many locations as some of the bigger players – they’ve got facilities in Sacramento, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Dallas – but don’t let that fool you. They’ve usually got a solid selection of over 1,700 vehicles up for grabs, and here’s the best part: they attract fewer buyers.
That’s right, less competition means you’ve got a better shot at scoring a killer deal. Plus, they specialize in powersports, RVs, and boats, so you know they’re focused on the stuff we love.
Once you’ve found your dream ride, you’ve got two options: sneak in a lowball bid or jump into the live auction action. They run online auctions Monday through Friday, with Atlanta kicking things off at 10 a.m. Eastern Time and the other locations following suit at noon local time. If you miss out during the day, don’t worry – they hold evening auctions for any unsold vehicles.
Tip: Also Check Out CrankyApe.com Motorcycle Auctions

Another option I often use when looking to buy used motorcycles at auctions: CrankyApe.com motorcycle auctions. You may bid online and ship the motorcycle anywhere in the country. Their lot locations are in Washington, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, and Minnesota.
There are also Buy It Now auctions for motorcycles if you do not want to bid in the auction.
Click to Find an Auto Auction Near You
Last updated on December 18th, 2024 at 02:22 am