Date:
23 May, 2026
tips
Posted by
NielsVHow to Set the Right Reserve Price for Your Motorcycle Auction
As a seller, one of the most important decisions you will make is setting the reserve price – the minimum amount you are willing to accept for your motorcycle.
Set it too high, and your bike may not sell. Set it too low, and you risk leaving money on the table (or selling for less than you wanted). Here is how to find the right balance.
What is a Reserve Price?
A reserve price is the confidential minimum amount you will accept for your motorcycle. Bids below the reserve do not trigger a sale. If the highest bid meets or exceeds your reserve, the motorcycle is sold to that bidder.
If you do not set a reserve (or set it to €0), the highest bidder always wins.
Why Use a Reserve Price?
AdvantageExplanationProtectionYou will not be forced to sell for an unreasonably low priceControlYou can test the market without committing to a low saleFlexibilityAfter the auction, you can still accept the highest bid (even if below reserve)
How to Determine Your Reserve Price
Follow these steps to set a realistic reserve:
Step 1: Research Market Values
Look at recent auction results for similar motorcycles:
Same brand, model, and year
Similar condition (original, restored, project)
Similar mileage and documentation
Use our platform's completed auction results as a benchmark.
Step 2: Get a Professional Appraisal
For high-value motorcycles (€10,000+), consider paying for a professional appraisal. An independent expert can give you an accurate market value range.
Step 3: Consider Your Costs
Calculate your minimum acceptable price:
What did you pay for the motorcycle?
How much have you spent on restoration, parts, or repairs?
What are the platform fees (8% commission + 21% VAT)?
What are your transportation or storage costs?
Formula:Minimum acceptable = (Cost basis + Fees + Desired profit)
Step 4: Set a Realistic Reserve
ConditionSuggested reserve rangeShowroom / Concours80-100% of market valueExcellent / Restored70-90% of market valueGood / Original60-80% of market valueFair / Needs work40-60% of market valueProject / Non-runner20-40% of market value
Common Mistakes
MistakeWhy it hurtsReserve too highBidders lose interest. You pay listing fees for no sale.No reserve on a rare bikeYou risk selling for far less than market value.Reserve too low on a project bikeYou may sell for less than parts value.Changing reserve during auctionNot allowed on our platform after bidding starts.
After the Auction
If your reserve is not met, you have options:
OptionHow to do itAccept the highest bidContact our support team within 7 daysRelist the motorcycleFree relisting within 30 daysLower your reserveYou can lower it before the next auctionKeep the motorcycleNo fees, no obligation
Example
Your 1970 Triumph Bonneville:
Market value: €8,000 – €10,000
Cost basis: €5,000 (purchase) + €1,500 (restoration) = €6,500
Desired profit: €1,500
Minimum acceptable: €8,000
Suggested reserve: €8,000 (80% of market value)
Ready to List Your Motorcycle?
Set your reserve price wisely, and you will attract serious bidders while protecting your investment.
👉 List your motorcycle today – free to list, only commission when sold.
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