I've been curious about reports of generally declining values in the classic motorbike market, so I thought I'd compare two years of Gen 3 VFR sales on Bring-a-Trailer. For 2024 I found the three pictured below, with an average sales price at just under $5000 and average miles at 11,600. For comparison, looking at the two Gen 3 sales from 2023 we see an average sale price of $6900 with miles at 20,500.
I realize that averages are only a snapshot, but there's still an interesting comparison to be seen here. The 2024 sales were arguably nicer examples with half the miles compared to the 2023 bikes, yet this year's sales show 27% lower average dollar amounts. That seems statistically significant.
I also noticed that three RC30s have sold on BaT in the past two years with an average sales price of $37,350. Five or more years ago you could hardly find an RC30 for under $45,000, at least in my memory.
Markets are cyclical, buyers have ephemeral tastes, and newer generations of riders are certainly leaning away from traditional cruisers and sport bikes in favor of smaller, lighter models, often with a retro vibe. Yesterday I was passed by a trio of presumably hip, young riders, all mounted on little Honda Navis, of all things. And they looked to be having a blast at 40 mph.
History is prone to repeating itself when it comes to human nature, and today's market is reminding me of when I first swung a leg over a motorcycle — when 350cc 2-strokes were giant-killers and the giants were themselves only 650cc. Will small bikes rule once again?
I realize that averages are only a snapshot, but there's still an interesting comparison to be seen here. The 2024 sales were arguably nicer examples with half the miles compared to the 2023 bikes, yet this year's sales show 27% lower average dollar amounts. That seems statistically significant.
I also noticed that three RC30s have sold on BaT in the past two years with an average sales price of $37,350. Five or more years ago you could hardly find an RC30 for under $45,000, at least in my memory.
Markets are cyclical, buyers have ephemeral tastes, and newer generations of riders are certainly leaning away from traditional cruisers and sport bikes in favor of smaller, lighter models, often with a retro vibe. Yesterday I was passed by a trio of presumably hip, young riders, all mounted on little Honda Navis, of all things. And they looked to be having a blast at 40 mph.
History is prone to repeating itself when it comes to human nature, and today's market is reminding me of when I first swung a leg over a motorcycle — when 350cc 2-strokes were giant-killers and the giants were themselves only 650cc. Will small bikes rule once again?
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