Motorcycle Valuation Explained
If you've ever typed your bike's reg into three different valuation sites and got three wildly different numbers, this is why — and which one you should actually trust.
The three data sources UK dealers use
Glass's Guide
The longest-running trade pricing book. Glass's gives both a trade-in and a forecourt retail figure for nearly every UK-registered bike. Updated monthly. Used by most franchise dealers and finance lenders for write-off / valuation purposes. Tends to lag the market by 4–8 weeks.
CAP Black Book
Cap HPI's equivalent for motorcycles. Often gives slightly stronger trade figures than Glass's. Used by the larger dealer groups and finance houses.
Live retail comparables
What identical bikes (same year, same mileage, same spec) are actively listed for on Auto Trader, MCN, BikeTrader and dealer sites in the last 30 days. This is the only number that reflects what your bike will actually sell for today, not what it sold for last month.
Specialist dealers — Motorvibe included — weight live comparables heavily, then sanity-check against Glass's and CAP.
Why online tools usually under-quote
Most consumer valuation tools (the ones that ask for your reg and email) use only one of these data sources, take the conservative end of it, then knock 10–20% off as a "we'll inspect it" buffer. That's why the number changes when the bike arrives — the actual offer was baked in from the start.
What a real specialist valuation looks at
- Year of registration and exact model variant (not just "Panigale")
- Mileage and whether it's consistent with service history
- Service-history completeness — main-dealer, specialist, or none
- Modifications — some add value (Akrapovic, Öhlins), most subtract
- Cosmetic condition — fairings, wheels, frame, exhaust
- Tyres, chain, sprockets, brake pads (cost to bring to retail-ready)
- MOT status and outstanding advisories
- Number plate, V5 history, previous owners
- Any Cat S/N/D, import or insurance claim history
- Live retail demand for that specific bike, today
That's why a Motorvibe valuation typically lands within ±3% of the final figure — we're pricing the actual bike, not an average.
What to send for an accurate valuation
- Reg and mileage
- 6–10 photos: both sides, front, rear, dashboard, key, V5
- Service-history summary (one line)
- Any modifications
- Honest cosmetic notes (scratches, marks, drops)
That's enough for a firm offer inside 24 hours.