Used off-road bike and quad dealer
Buy, tidy up and resell used motocross bikes, quads and pit bikes through online listings and local riding communities.
- £3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
3,631 UK companies in this field, 28% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 45400 “Sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related parts and accessories”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small dealing business buying used off-road bikes, quads and similar machines, giving them a service and clean, then selling them on through online marketplaces, social media and word of mouth. Stock is kept in a garage, lock-up or rented storage.
Your first three steps
- Research local prices for the models you want to deal in and set a stock budget for your first three to five machines
- Get motor trade insurance and set up a safe, secure place to keep and work on stock
- Buy your first machine, prepare it properly, and list it with clear photos and an honest description
Who pays
Hobby riders, parents buying a first bike for a child, farmers and landowners wanting a quad, and trail or track-day riders.
How it makes money
You earn the margin between what you pay for a machine and what you sell it for, plus small extras such as selling gear, spare parts and accessories alongside.
Skills that help
- Mechanical knowledge to spot faults
- Negotiating when buying and selling
- Taking good photos and writing honest listings
Watch out for
- Selling to consumers as a trader means consumer law applies, so check what Trading Standards expects on quality and descriptions
- Check every machine for outstanding finance or stolen status before buying, and keep records of who you bought from
- Many off-road bikes and quads are not road legal; make this clear to buyers and check the rules for any road-registered machines
- Check whether you need motor trade insurance, and whether your home insurance, landlord or mortgage lender allows storage and work on vehicles
- Offering finance to customers usually needs authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority, so check before doing so
- Check rules on disposing of used oil, fluids and tyres
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: used off-road bike and quad dealer
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start dealing in used off-road bikes?
Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you store and prepare machines. Check whether you need motor trade insurance and whether your home insurance, landlord or lender allows storage.
How much can you earn selling used quads and bikes?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on the machines you buy and sell and how quickly they move. Plan for at least 10 hours a week.
What should I check before selling used quads and bikes?
Check every machine for outstanding finance or stolen status before buying, and keep records of who you bought from. Consumer law applies when selling as a trader, and many off-road machines are not road legal, so make this clear.
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