Does it devalue a motorcycle to paint it?

Question

If your manufacturer doesn't offer the color you want, does it devalue your new motorcycle to paint it?

I've always been told that it seriously devalues cars to do so. So, I'm wondering if bikes are the same.

I've also heard that most custom painted motorcycles are painted to cover up the bike from being dropped, so people might be leery of buying a used painted bike. How would you prove that it was painted for vanity with no damage?

Thanks!

Answer 1

if its done well, it wont devalue the bike. but it needs to be done well, and not look like you are trying to cover something up... a good quality custon paint job adds value to a bike, especially if it is original

Answer 2

There are a lot of different schools of thought on repainting bikes. If the next owner likes it, he'll obviously give more for it than if he thinks it looks ugly or just plain sucks. What you like may not appeal at all to the next guy.
At the same time, some of the paint scemes and graphics coming out of Japan are pretty lame compared to, say, Harley paint and graphics (just my opinion and I'm not a Harley guy, but damn, they're pretty bikes) so repainting one may actually be doing it a favor, if it's done by a pro at a good body shop. If you're planning a do-it-yourself job and you're not a pro, stop and go get your head examined...K ;o)

Answer 3

When you talk custom, you talk personal taste, whilch will vary wildy. Paint is used as a cover-up, but it's not too hard to tell that's what it is. When is something art? Or just paint?

I get mine to ride, and have painted most of them. For both reasons. On a motorcycle, bodywork must be exceptional for paint to hide it.

Answer 4

If the paint job is done right it does not devalue the bike. It can however add value to the bike. In which case you need to contact your insurance company and let them know so if anything happens to your bike such as theft or an accident you will be covered.

Answer 5

If you were buying a motorcycle and they told you it was re-painted(Regardless of the reason) what would be your first thought? That's prolly your answer to your question. It's all about first impressions and if whomever is buying your bike hears you re-painted it, it may put bad thoughts in their minds about the bike.

If your planning on keeping the bike for a good amount of miles and you want to paint it. By all means I would paint it. It kinda sucks if your one of those peeps that likes to be different and can't because your worried about the re-value.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

not always. sure there is some reasons like paint bubbles or chipping paint. but if the painter knew what he was doing and didnt make those mistakes, then it will up the price a tad on the bike.

Answer 7

You may want to look at your registration and check and see if it has a listing for the color. If it does you will need to re register the bike at it's new color, A friend of mine got hassled by a law dog because the color of the car didn't match the registration card. No big deal outside of BS time going to court. Although my bike's registration doesn't have color.

Answer 8

If your bike is a "classic" with factory paint and decals it could lower the value to some buyers.

Answer 9

No not if it is a good paint job.

Answer 10

a quality custom paint job can add value...
but only if it is done tastefully