Traditionally, trading in your old bike on your new bike has been the easiest way of disposing of it. However, with an array of internet sites taking online advertisements for bikes, it is now one of the most effective and cost effective ways to sell your bike.

As a private bike seller, it’s important to maximize the value of your old bike before getting rid of it by ensuring everything works properly and the bike looks good. Although this might be difficult if you have a shiny new one sitting in the driveway, hundreds or even thousands of shillings could be at stake.

Before you think about listing your bike for sale, have it detailed or do it yourself. A professional detail may cost quite a bit, but it can add so much more to the value of the bike, particularly if it has lived outside. If you chose to do the cleaning yourself make sure you clean in all the hard to get places, such as the engine bay.

Never leave anything lying around forexample loose wires as they look untidy to a potential buyer, additionally loose items can rattle and bang around creating a poor impression on a test drive. Wash and polish the exterior including the wheels and all chrome or stainless trim.

Make sure the residue of polish is cleaned off afterwards as you don’t want to give the impression that you’ve just cleaned it up to sell it. It is also worth having the engine oil changed a week or two before selling your bike as it will look clean if the buyer pulls the dip stick, and doing it a week or two before will mean it won't look too fresh on the day.

Make sure radiators are topped up as well, as it will look like you have cared about your bike. You need to collate all documentation you have about your bike, especially the bike's LOG BOOK and service record to show the potential buyer that you have had the bike serviced regularly. If the bike has any mechanical problems, have them fixed before the sale unless you are prepared to negotiate with a potential buyer. Also selling your bike with a few months of third party is worth considering otherwise you’ll need to be prepared to negotiate on this as well.