What Affects a Blue Book Value for a Motorcycle?

There are many different blue book value publishers to choose from, but the Kelly Blue Book value book is the most well-known. When looking for the blue book value of a motorcycle, you should know what factors affect the blue book value of the motorcycle.

First, Kelly Blue Book gathers reports from dealers surveys and sales reports. In addition to looking at these reports and surveys, the blue book value of the motorcycle is also determined by auction results. So essentially, Kelly Blue Book value is determining the blue book value of the motorcycle based on auctions and dealers reports and surveys.

Sometimes the blue book value of a motorcycle will increase with time. This is when you would want to sell your motorcycle. The reason the blue book value of a motorcycle will increase is simply that it is either in higher demand, or it has become a collector’s item.


If you think the blue book value for the motorcycle seems a little low for your motorcycle, keep in mind that if you have added any extra equipment, the blue book value of the motorcycle does not take that into account. There are so many variations in extra equipment that it would be hard to price everything. In this instance, it would be best to ask a dealer or an appraiser for their opinion on the value of the motorcycle.

Also keep in mind that the Kelly Blue Book value of the motorcycle does not take into account a condition other then good and clean. If it is very good, it might be worth a little more then stated in the blue book. If it is in very poor condition, then you probably shouldn’t expect the blue book value of your motorcycle to be what is listed.

Unlike cars, the blue book value of a motorcycle is not affected by the mileage. Simply put, the better condition the motorcycle is in, the more it will be worth, regardless of mileage. A bike that has been driven in the smoothest conditions possible won’t have as much wear as someone who is constantly in mountainous terrain, even if the two have the same mileage.


When approaching a dealer about the blue book value of a motorcycle remember that there are two versions of the Kelly Blue Book and one of them contains dealer’s retail value. This has a recommended asking price for the dealer to use. It would be wise to find out what a dealer will get for your motorcycle before agreeing to sell to that price.

Also, remember that Kelly Blue Book is not the only book with a blue book value for motorcycles. NADA, National Automobile Dealers Association, also has a blue book value. Some feel that the blue book value of a motorcycle in the NADA is more accurate because it is one of the largest appraiser guide publishers.

The blue book value of a motorcycle is based on many factors, including information from dealers, auctions, and condition of the motorcycle. The most important factor is condition and cleanliness.