Depreciation Deep Dive: Which Motorbikes Hold Their Value Best in the UK?
If you’ve ever bought a brand-new motorbike, you’ll know the feeling. That rush of ownership—followed by the gut punch of watching its value plummet the second you ride it out of the showroom.
Motorbike depreciation is no joke.
But not all bikes lose value at the same rate. In fact, some hold their value surprisingly well. Whether you’re buying smart or planning to sell, knowing which bikes perform best on the used market is a game-changer.
In this deep dive, we’ll break down:
- How depreciation actually works for bikes
- Which types of motorcycles retain value best
- The standout brands and models to watch
- Tips to protect your bike’s resale value
What Is Depreciation, Really?
Put simply: depreciation is the difference between what you paid and what you can sell for later.
In the UK, most new motorcycles lose 15–30% of their value in the first year, and up to 50% by year three. Ouch.
But some bikes buck the trend. Whether it’s scarcity, cult status, or bulletproof build quality, a select few hold firm.
Depreciation Curve: A Visual Breakdown
Let’s visualise it:
| Year Owned | Average Depreciation % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | -15% to -30% | Biggest drop happens here |
| Year 2 | -10% more | Value settles slightly |
| Year 3 | -5% to -15% | Most depreciation complete |
| Year 4–5+ | Slows significantly | Classic potential starts |
Top Motorbike Types That Hold Value Well
Some categories of bikes just hold up better than others. Here’s where the smart money goes:
1. Adventure Bikes
Think: BMW GS, Honda Africa Twin
These bikes are built to last—and riders use them for serious miles. The market knows this.
- Depreciation after 3 years: ~30–35%
- Why they hold value: Long lifespan, touring pedigree, strong resale demand
2. Naked & Retro-Styled Bikes
Think: Yamaha XSR900, Triumph Street Twin
Classic styling never really goes out of fashion.
- Depreciation after 3 years: ~25–30%
- Why they hold value: Timeless looks, commuter appeal, broad rider base
3. Small Capacity Bikes (125cc–300cc)
Think: Yamaha MT-125, Honda CB125R
Beginner bikes are always in demand.
- Depreciation after 3 years: ~20–25%
- Why they hold value: Learner legal, high turnover, lower purchase cost
4. Premium & Limited Edition Models
Think: Ducati Panigale SP2, Triumph Thruxton Final Edition
If it’s rare, numbered, or beautiful—it’ll hold its worth.
- Depreciation after 3 years: ~10–20%
- Why they hold value: Scarcity, brand prestige, collector demand
Bikes That Depreciate Fast
Not every bike ages gracefully. Some drop value like a stone:
- Electric bikes with outdated battery tech
- Supersports with high mileage or heavy wear
- Unbranded Chinese imports with poor parts support
- Over-modified bikes that scare off average buyers
📉 Reality check: A flashy fairing won’t save a bike from crashing in value if no one wants to ride it daily.
Best Motorbikes for UK Resale Value in 2024–2026
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of models known for holding value well:
| Model | Category | 3-Year Value Retention | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1250 GS | Adventure | 70–75% | Touring kingpin, huge fanbase |
| Yamaha MT-07 | Naked | 65–70% | Beginner-friendly, reliable resale |
| Honda CB500X | Adventure/Tourer | 70% | Low running costs, versatile |
| Triumph Bonneville T100 | Retro | 65–68% | Timeless style, loyal market |
| KTM Duke 125 | Small Capacity | 75–80% | Perfect for learners, in demand |
Tips to Protect Your Bike’s Value
Want to keep your resale value as high as possible? Follow these golden rules:
✅ Keep It Clean
- Regular washing, polishing, and rust prevention
- Touch up small scratches or chips promptly
✅ Service History is Everything
- Full main dealer or specialist service history
- Keep all receipts and logbook entries
✅ Avoid Wild Mods
- Stick to tasteful tweaks
- Save original parts if you upgrade anything
✅ Store It Right
- Use a cover, ideally keep indoors
- Battery trickle charger = happy engine starts
✅ Sell at the Right Time
- March to June = peak bike-buying season
- Avoid selling in winter slump unless urgent
Why Do Some Bikes Drop So Fast in Value?
It’s not just about quality. Depreciation is driven by:
- Oversupply (especially with fleet bikes or overproduced models)
- Weak demand (not enough people want it used)
- High insurance or running costs
- Aging design or tech (buyers want modern)
Knowing where your bike fits on that list helps you time your sale or choose better next time around.
How to Sell Without Losing Your Shirt
If you’re planning to sell a bike, here’s the process to keep your losses minimal:
Depreciation-Smart Sale Checklist
✅ Get an accurate valuation (not just book price)
✅ Compare against what’s available locally
✅ Gather all service and ownership records
✅ Clean and prep your bike for photos
✅ Sell through a trusted buyer (like SYBT) or list online carefully
✅ Avoid part-ex offers unless you’re desperate
Final Word: Buy Smart, Sell Smarter
If you’re in the market for a bike—or thinking about selling—the smartest move is understanding depreciation.
- Buy bikes that hold their value
- Keep them in great shape
- Sell at the right time with the right documents
Some depreciation is inevitable. But with a little foresight, you can ride happy and sell for a strong price later.
Want a No-Obligation Valuation?
At SellYourBikeToday.com, we give accurate, fast, and fair quotes—including bikes on finance.
We buy:
- Adventure bikes
- Commuters
- Premium, retro and classics
- Electric motorbikes
- And everything in between
📲 Get a free valuation now—no pressure, no hassle.
Got a motorbike bike you’re not sure how to sell? Try us first. We’ll give you a fair offer, fast.
Avoid the depreciation and sell quickly, without fuss by letting us handle it. At SYBT, we’ll give you a no-obligation quote and collect your bike completely free of charge.