Still paying off your motorbike but thinking about selling it? You’re not alone. Thousands of UK bikers sell bikes that are still under finance every year, legally and safely.
Whether you’ve outgrown your ride, want to switch styles, or just need the cash, having outstanding finance doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It just means there’s an extra step or two in the process. And when you understand how it works, it’s surprisingly straightforward.
In this complete guide, we’ll explain exactly what you need to do to sell a motorbike with outstanding finance. We’ll also walk through your options if your bike’s value is less than what you owe.
Can You Sell a Bike with Finance Still Owed?
In short: yes, you can – but you’ll need to settle the finance before ownership can legally transfer.
If the bike is on Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), it technically still belongs to the finance company until it’s fully paid off. You can’t sell something you don’t fully own, not without their permission.
But don’t panic. This is all routine in the world of vehicle sales. There’s a clear process you can follow to sell the bike, pay off the remaining balance, and pocket any profit (if there is any).
How to Sell a Bike on Finance (Step-by-Step)
Let’s break it down:
- Check your finance agreement – Is it HP, PCP, or a personal loan? HP and PCP mean the finance company owns the bike, you’ll need their permission to sell. With a personal loan, you already own it and can sell freely.
- Contact your finance company – Ask for a settlement figure, this is the total amount required to clear the finance in full today. It’s usually valid for 10 to 30 days and must be in writing.
- Get a valuation for your bike – Use an online tool or, better yet, get a proper quote from a professional buyer like SellYourBikeToday.com. The more accurate the valuation, the better your next move.
- Compare valuation vs. settlement – Is the bike worth more than the settlement figure? You’ll be left with the surplus. If it’s worth less, you’ll need to cover the shortfall yourself.
- Run the numbers and make a plan – Work out whether you can cover the shortfall or want to cash in the surplus. Some buyers allow you to settle the difference during the sale, worth asking upfront.
- Arrange the sale and settle the finance – Once a deal is agreed, the buyer pays your finance company directly. Any extra cash comes to you. Reputable buyers handle all the paperwork for a clean, hassle-free handover.
Professional buyers like us handle the whole process for you, including paying the finance company directly.
What If My Bike’s Value Is Less Than the Finance Owed?
This is what’s known as “negative equity.” It means your motorbike’s current value isn’t enough to clear the outstanding balance.
Let’s say:
- Your finance settlement figure is £5,500
- Your bike’s resale value is £4,700
That leaves you with an £800 shortfall to pay from your own funds to complete the deal.
At SellYourBikeToday.com, we can still buy the bike – you’d just need to cover the shortfall separately. We’ll handle the finance paperwork, and make sure the settlement goes through correctly. No stress, no drama.
Common Types of Bike Finance Explained
| Finance Type | Can You Sell Early? | Does the Finance Company Own the Bike? | Anything to Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase (HP) | Yes, with permission | Yes, until fully paid | Needs a settlement letter |
| Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) | Yes, with permission | Yes | Be aware of balloon payments |
| Personal Loan | Yes | No, you own it outright | Settle the loan in your own time |
Tips to Maximise Sale Value (Even with Finance)
Want to squeeze every pound out of your sale? Even with finance attached, you can boost your bike’s appeal:
- 📸 Clean it thoroughly and take bright, detailed photos
- 🧾 Show service history, MOTs, and receipts
- 🔧 Fix minor issues – bulbs, scratches, mismatched panels
- 🗝️ Include spare keys, manuals, and toolkits
Presentation matters. A clean, well-documented bike always sells faster – and for more.
Avoid These Mistakes When Selling a Bike on Finance
Here’s what not to do:
- ❌ Don’t try to sell privately without telling the buyer about outstanding finance
- ❌ Don’t advertise the bike until you’ve got an up-to-date settlement figure
- ❌ Don’t stop payments while trying to sell, you’re still liable
- ❌ Don’t remove or swap parts if it reduces value or causes legal issues
Honesty and clarity are key. Most buyers (especially professionals) are used to dealing with financed bikes. Just let them know upfront.
Fastest & Safest Way to Sell a Financed Bike
If you want a quick, smooth, and legal way to sell – even with finance owed – the best bet is to sell directly to a professional buyer like us.
- ✅ Settle your finance directly with your lender
- ✅ Pay any surplus to you fast (often same-day)
- ✅ Handle all paperwork, so you don’t have to
- ✅ Collect the bike from your home or work
Thousands of riders across the UK have used us to sell their bike with finance still attached. We make the process painless.
Required Documents for Selling a Bike on Finance
To keep the process smooth, make sure you’ve got these ready:
- ✔️ V5C logbook (or confirmation you’ve applied for a replacement)
- ✔️ A copy of your finance agreement (if available)
- ✔️ Written settlement figure from your lender
- ✔️ Photo ID and proof of address
We’ll verify everything on our end to ensure a secure transfer.
Selling a motorbike that’s still under finance isn’t nearly as complicated as it sounds. With the right steps – and the right buyer – you can turn your current ride into a clean exit or even an upgrade.
Just remember:
- 🔑 Always get your settlement figure before listing
- 📉 If you’re in negative equity, make a plan to cover the gap
- 🔁 Consider using a trusted buyer like SellYourBikeToday.com to handle it all for you
We’re here to help. Whether your bike’s still got payments left or not, we’ll give you a fair, fast offer – and handle the finance so you don’t have to.
Check what your bike’s worth now, even with outstanding finance: