Have motorcycle gear that's seen some miles but is ready for a new rider? Selling your used equipment is a smart way to recoup costs if you've upgraded, changed riding styles, or just want to clear out space. This guide will show you the best avenues for selling your used motorcycle gear, from online marketplaces to local shops. You'll learn how to prepare your gear, price it right, and sell it effectively, ensuring you get good value while promoting safety.
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Common Challenges When Selling Used Gear
Before diving into how and where to sell your motorcycle gear, let's acknowledge common issues. Many sellers face time-wasters and low offers, especially on general platforms. Pricing your items can feel like guesswork. Safety during in-person meetings is a concern, as is the cost and effort of shipping. Buyers will also closely examine the condition of pre-owned gear. Knowing these challenges helps you plan for a smoother selling experience.
Top Places and Ways to Sell Your Used Motorcycle Gear
Choosing the right place to sell your motorcycle equipment depends on your goals. Do you want top dollar, quick convenience, or a specific buyer? Here’s a look at effective options for selling your gear.
Online Sales: Reaching More Buyers
The internet offers a huge audience for your motorcycle items.
1. Large Marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist):
- eBay: Reaches buyers worldwide. Good for finding someone for your motorcycle gear, but watch out for fees and shipping tasks. Your listings need great photos and clear details.
- Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: Best for local sales of motorcycle gear, often with no fees. However, you might deal with more hagglers. Always prioritize safety for meetups.
2. Rider-Focused Communities (Forums & Reddit):
- Websites like ADVrider or Reddit groups (e.g., r/GearTrade, r/BikeGearMarket) connect you with riders who know gear. This can mean smoother sales for specific or niche motorcycle equipment.
- The audience is smaller than eBay, so sales might take longer, but buyers are often more serious.
Local Sales: Convenience and Community
If you prefer selling in person or want to avoid shipping, local options for your motorcycle gear are good.
1. Motorcycle Consignment Shops:
- Shops like Moto Guild (San Francisco) or 2nd Gear USA (Arizona) sell used motorcycle gear for you. They handle pricing, photos, and marketing.
- You get a part of the sale price, usually around 50-60% (sometimes more as store credit). Beach Moto (Los Angeles) focuses on buying premium used gear for store credit. CalMoto (California) offers a 75% return to the consignor.
- What they accept: Clean, high-quality, working motorcycle gear. Most take jackets (with armor), pants, suits, boots, and gloves. Many, like Moto Guild and CalMoto, do not accept used helmets due to safety and liability. Always check a shop's specific policy.
Consignment Shop Payout Examples:
| Shop | Typical Payout to Seller | Common Items Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moto Guild (SF) | 60% of sale price | Armored street gear (jackets, pants, etc.). No helmets. | Physical shop |
| 2nd Gear USA (AZ) | 50% cash OR 60% store credit | Most gear types, including newer helmets (under 5 yrs, good condition). Clean & working. | Physical & Online |
| Beach Moto (LA) | Store credit (buyout model) | Premium brand apparel (under 3 yrs, like-new). | Physical shop |
| CalMoto (CA) | 75% of sale price | Apparel (no helmets), accessories, parts. Clean & working. | Physical shops |
| Power Alley Motorsports (CT) | Approx. 70% of sale price | Motorcycle/dirt bike gear, parts, accessories. Clean & working. | Physical shop |
2. Local Motorcycle Shops:
- Some local dealers or repair shops might buy used gear or offer consignment. Ask your local shop about their options for selling pre-owned motorcycle equipment.
3. Local Swaps, Meetups & Riding Schools:
- General motorcycle swap meets (like Walneck's or those at large rallies) often have lots of used gear for sale. Buyers are actively looking.
- Riding schools might have bulletin boards or know students seeking affordable used gear. This is great for new-rider-friendly items.
4. Thrift Stores:
- Better for older or vintage motorcycle gear. Prices will likely be much lower than specialized places.
Preparing Your Motorcycle Gear for a Quick and Profitable Sale
A little prep work can greatly increase buyer interest and the final sale price. Think of it as detailing your bike, but for your apparel! This effort helps attract buyers and get a better return when selling motorcycle gear.
1. Clean and Freshen Your Gear
First impressions matter. Clean gear looks well-kept. Always empty pockets first!
- Deodorizing: Use an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal inside your gear. Air dry items well, away from direct heat or sun.
- Leather Care: Gently wipe leather with a soft cloth, mild soap (like glycerine-based), and cool water. Don't soak it. Use specialized leather cleaners and conditioners (e.g., Nikwax products or lanolin-based ones) to keep leather soft. Avoid harsh detergents.
- Textile Care: For items with waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex), check care labels. If machine washable, use a gentle cycle (max 30°C/86°F) with a cleaner for technical fabrics (e.g., Nikwax Tech Wash, Grangers Performance Wash). These protect water repellency (DWR). Close zippers and Velcro; remove armor and liners. Avoid regular detergents and softeners. If DWR needs refreshing, use a wash-in or spray-on proofer.
2. Inspect Gear Honestly
After cleaning, check your gear closely. Be honest about any scuffs, tears, or wear. This builds trust.
Key areas to check:
- Armor: Is all armor present (shoulders, elbows, back, hips, knees)? Note its CE rating (Level 1 or 2). Check for cracks or damage.
- Liners: Check thermal/waterproof liners for tears or damage.
- Fasteners: Test all zippers, Velcro, snaps, and buttons.
- Stitching: Look for pulled or broken threads, especially in high-stress areas.
- Reflective Parts: Check for peeling or cracking.
- Age Issues: Older waterproof membranes can break down. Storing gear damp can cause problems.
- Boots: Check sole wear and buckle integrity.
- Gloves: Inspect finger stitching and palm wear.
Being upfront when you prepare your motorcycle gear for sale saves trouble later.
3. Take Great Photos
Good photos are your best sales tool. Use even lighting and a neutral background.
Include these shots for apparel:
- Overall Views: Full front, back, and side views. Lay flat or use a hanger/mannequin.
- Detail Close-ups:
- Brand logos and model names.
- Size tag(s).
- Material tags (e.g., "100% Leather," Gore-Tex).
- Armor (and CE rating marks). Show armor pockets.
- Vents (open and closed) and perforated areas.
- Stretch panels.
- All zippers and closures.
- Interior lining and any removable liners (photograph separately).
- Any damage/wear: Clear, well-lit close-ups of every scuff or tear. Use a coin for scale if needed. This honesty is vital for selling used motorcycle gear.
- Suit-Specifics: For suits, show any aero hump and connection zippers.
4. Provide Clear Details
Good information helps buyers and reduces questions. Gather these details for your used motorcycle gear listing:
- Brand and Model: Specific name/number.
- Exact Size: Note if men's, women's, unisex, and fit (e.g., "slim fit").
- Original Purchase Date (if known).
- Materials: (e.g., cowhide, Cordura, Gore-Tex).
- Key Features: Armor CE rating, waterproofing type, ventilation, number of pockets.
This makes your listing professional and helps buyers decide quickly when you are selling motorcycle gear.
The Critical Question: Selling Used Motorcycle Helmets
Is it okay to sell used motorcycle gear? Generally, yes, for most items. It helps other riders get good gear at lower prices. However, from an ethical technology standpoint and based on safety research, I strongly advise against selling or buying used motorcycle helmets.
Why Used Helmets are a Major Risk:
- Hidden Damage: Helmets are for one major impact. A drop can crack the inner EPS liner (which absorbs crash energy) without visible outside damage. A damaged helmet won't protect properly.
- Material Breakdown: Helmet materials (EPS, resins, glues) break down over time from age, light, temperature, and sweat. This happens even if stored carefully.
- Lifespan Limit: Most makers and safety groups (like the Snell Memorial Foundation) say replace helmets every 5 years of use, or 7 years from their production date. An old, unused helmet still has a shorter effective life.
- Unknown History: You can't know a used helmet's full history. Was it dropped? In a crash? Stored badly?
My advice, rooted in ensuring rider safety, is that the risk with a used helmet nearly always outweighs cost savings. Investing in a new, well-fitting helmet is investing in your safety.
Selling Other Used Gear (Jackets, Pants, Boots, Gloves, Suits):
For other protective clothing, selling used is usually fine if items are in good, working condition and inspected carefully. Look for:
- Overall Condition: No major rips, tears, or abrasions. Leather should not be cracked or dry. Textiles should not have frayed seams or peeling liners.
- Seams/Stitching: All seams, especially in impact areas, must be intact.
- Closures: Zippers, snaps, Velcro, and buckles must work perfectly.
- Armor (Very Important!):
- Confirm original armor is present and correctly placed.
- Inspect armor for cracks or damage; replace if needed.
- If armor is missing, the buyer must factor in replacement costs.
- Liners: Check removable liners for damage.
- Fit: Gear must fit well to protect. Snug, but not too tight.
- Smell: Strong bad odors can indicate mold and be hard to remove.
- Boots: Check sole wear, structure, and ankle support.
- Gloves: Check palm/finger wear and knuckle protection.
- Suits: The main zipper must be perfect. Check stretch panels. Ask about crash history.
Always clean used gear (except helmets, which you shouldn't buy used) before wearing. By being careful, sellers pass on good equipment, and buyers get needed protection affordably. This ensures gear can do its job.
Smart Pricing for Your Used Motorcycle Gear
Pricing your used gear well means balancing your return with buyer interest. New full gear sets can cost $500 to $1500+. Your used items offer a more affordable option. Setting the right price for your motorcycle equipment is key.
Factors That Affect Price
- Initial Drop: Gear usually loses 20-30% of its retail value immediately, even if barely used.
- Condition: Be brutally honest. Clean gear sells for more. All parts must work.
- Brand: Premium brands (Alpinestars, Dainese, Klim, etc.) hold value better.
- Age/Model: Newer models get better prices. Materials degrade with age.
- Completeness: Include all original parts (liners, armor, accessories).
- Helmets (Again): Depreciate very fast due to safety issues. Resale price is much lower.
Price Guidelines for Used Motorcycle Gear (% of Original Retail Price)
| Item Category | Like New (Minimal use) | Excellent (Light use) | Good (Moderate use, functional) | Fair (Heavy use, functional) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackets (Leather) | 60-75% | 50-65% | 40-55% | 20-40% | Premium brands do better. Check armor, liners, leather condition. |
| Jackets (Textile) | 55-70% | 45-60% | 35-50% | 15-35% | Check waterproofing, vents, armor, liners. |
| Pants (Leather) | 60-75% | 50-65% | 40-55% | 20-40% | Check knee pucks, armor, stretch panels. |
| Pants (Textile) | 55-70% | 45-60% | 35-50% | 15-35% | Similar to textile jackets; check features, wear areas. |
| Boots | 50-65% | 40-55% | 30-45% | 15-30% | Check soles, closures, waterproofing. |
| Gloves | 45-60% | 35-50% | 25-40% | 10-25% | High wear. Check seams, palms, knuckle protection. |
| 1-Piece Suits | 60-75% | 50-65% | 40-55% | 25-45% | Check condition, armor, any crash damage (even repaired). |
| Helmets | 30-50% (If very new) | 20-40% (Use caution) | 10-25% (Not advised) | <10% / Not Advised | Sell/Buy with Extreme Caution. Age is key. Full history needed. |
Disclaimer: These are general guides. Research current market prices for your specific item and condition (e.g., eBay 'sold' listings) to set the best price for your motorcycle equipment.
Research Your Market
- Check Sold Items: Use eBay's "sold listings" filter for real prices of similar gear.
- View Active Listings: See current prices on forums and marketplaces.
- Demand/Season: Popular sizes/styles sell better. Winter gear sells in cooler months, mesh in warmer times.
- Presentation: Good photos and honest descriptions help get your asking price.
Donating Your Used Motorcycle Gear
If selling isn't your goal, or some gear isn't top quality but still usable, donation is a great choice. Donated gear should be clean, working, and safe (again, no helmets for riding, unless for non-riding training if a group asks).
Who Accepts Gear Donations?
- National Groups: Motorcycle Missions (for veterans/first responders) may use gear. Two Wheels for Life often suggests selling gear and donating money due to shipping costs for their Africa programs. Always contact them first.
- Local Motorcycle Training Schools: Many MSF providers need loaner gear (jackets, gloves, boots) for students. Most won't take used helmets for riding but might for non-riding demos. Search
msf-usa.orgfor local schools. - Veteran Support Programs: Local vet motorcycle clubs might need gear. Contact them directly.
- Youth Rider Programs: Local dirt bike clubs or youth training programs might take smaller gear.
- Community Rider Programs/Co-ops: These groups sometimes take gear for riders needing help.
When Donating Motorcycle Equipment:
- Safety First: Gear must be functional and safe for riding.
- Condition: Clean, good, usable condition. Zippers, snaps, armor intact.
- Helmets: Most groups do not take used helmets for riding. Only for non-riding training if specified.
- Welcome Items: Jackets, riding pants, motorcycle gloves, and boots are often needed.
- Always Call First: Confirm needs, what they take, condition standards, and drop-off details.
Your donation can help new riders, support those facing costs, or equip riders in community programs. It’s a sustainable choice that helps the riding community.
Selling Motorcycle Gear in San Francisco & Bay Area
For riders in the San Francisco Bay Area, some local options are very effective for selling motorcycle gear. There's high demand for used items here.
Local Consignment and Communities
- Moto Guild (Treasure Island): A well-known consignment shop in San Francisco. They sell your gear in their physical store. They take armored, street-specific gear in good shape. Check their current policies, especially for helmets (usually not accepted).
- Online (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist): Very popular for local sales of motorcycle gear in San Francisco. Use clear photos, detailed descriptions, and be clear about your location or meeting spots.
- Bay Area Riders Forum (BARF –
bayarearidersforum.com): A very active local forum with a classifieds section. Great for reaching serious local riders. - Facebook Groups: Search for "Bay Area motorcycle gear buy sell" to find local groups. These can lead to quicker sales.
- NorCal Cycle Swap: An in-person event to sell directly to many riders. Check event schedules.
Bay Area Selling Options:
| Platform | Type | Notes for Bay Area Sellers |
|---|---|---|
| Moto Guild | Specialized Consignment | Physical shop, handles sales. Good for quality items. |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local Online P2P | Wide local reach, visual listings, direct messaging. |
| Craigslist (SF Bay Area) | Local Online P2P | Established platform, motorcycle parts section, broad audience. |
| Bay Area Riders Forum (BARF) | Community Forum | Active, classifieds, reaches serious local riders. Good for specific gear. |
| Local Facebook Groups | Community Online P2P | Targeted local riders, potentially faster sales, community trust. |
| NorCal Cycle Swap | In-Person Swap Meet | Direct buyer interaction, immediate sales. (Check schedules) |
Training Schools & Rider Groups
Connect with new riders and communities. Local motorcycle training schools (MSF providers) have students needing their first gear set. They often look for affordable used items. Rider groups may have ways to advertise gear to members.
Conclusion: Sell Smart and Empower the Riding Community
Selling your used motorcycle gear doesn't need to be hard. Prepare your items well, choose your sales platforms wisely, and price your gear fairly. This way, you can recoup costs and help another rider gear up safely.
- Prepare Diligently: Clean everything. Make small repairs if you can. Be honest about condition.
- Price Strategically: Research current market values. Consider age, brand, and condition.
- Sell Ethically: Prioritize safety, especially with helmets. Be transparent in listings.
- List Effectively: Use detailed descriptions and high-quality photos. Communicate promptly with buyers.
By following these steps, you contribute to a more sustainable and accessible riding world. As I often say in my research, the goal is to Innovate. Iterate. Impact. Apply this to your gear selling – empower yourself and the community.
Share Your Tips: Selling Used Motorcycle Gear
This guide offers a roadmap, but collective wisdom makes it better. How do you successfully sell your used motorcycle equipment?
- Best Platforms? Where have you had the most luck? eBay, Facebook Marketplace, forums like ADVrider, Reddit (r/motoswap), or local consignment?
- Listing Secrets? Any tips for great photos or writing descriptions that sell your motorcycle items effectively? How do you show quality and be honest about flaws?
- Transaction Tips? How do you price your gear? Any advice for shipping or safe in-person sales (payment methods like PayPal/Zelle, meeting spots)?
Share your experiences in the comments. Your insights help us all decode better ways to circulate gear responsibly.
#UsedMotorcycleGear #SellMotorcycleGear #RiderSafety #TechForRiders #MotorcycleCommunity
