If you’re in the market for a pre-owned motorcycle, you might be thinking that, no matter what you buy, it’s only going to be worth less (or maybe even much less) of you decide to sell it sometime in the future. Take heart! These models have stood the test of time, and thanks to a loyal fan base, have retained great resale value.
Yamaha V-Max—Built in Japan to be an American hotrod, Mr. Max (as it’s been affectionately dubbed by its fans) holds its value probably better than any other Japanese bike, with some early models selling now for what the bike cost new way back in 1985 when it was first released.
BMW Boxers—Whether because of the book, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” or simply because they’re bulletproof bikes known for going hundreds of thousands of miles, BMW boxers (the horizontally opposed twin-cylinder “R” models) consistently demand high prices. The rare R1200C cruiser (made famous in the James Bond film, “Tomorrow Never Dies”) is a particularly great find.
Honda GL Goldwing—Comfort, reliability, and the ability to go long distances: what’s not to love about a bike that Honda first introduced way back in 1975 as a naked standard? Even old GL1000 models outfitted with Vetter-brand fairing and luggage still bring respectable sale prices.
Yamaha YZF-R1—When it comes to supersport bikes, Yamaha hit a home run with the R1. It’s been a favorite of streeters since 1998, and older models are highly sought after by racers and street enthusiasts alike.
Harley Davidson CVO—Whether new or used, anything from The Motor Company’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) division demands big bucks. And because production numbers are limited on any CVO machine, they hold their value like practically no other machine.
Anything Turbo—If you’re into retro, you can’t go wrong with a turbocharged bike from the 1980s (if you can find one). Sure, they’re quirky and a mechanical head-scratcher, but nothing moved as fast or carried as much clout back in the day as a Yamaha Seca Turbo, the Honda CX500 Turbo, Suzuki’s XN85, or the Kawasaki GPz 750 Turbo.
So if you’re looking for a used ride that will be worth as much tomorrow as it is today, CycleSoup.com is help. Search our listings, and find the used bike that will make you the envy of anyone who appreciates a fine machine with a proud heritage.