Licensed used motorcycle dealership

Local riders buying a first or next bike, plus buyers who want a dealer warranty, financing options or trade-in.

Margin on each bike sold, plus fees for paperwork and optional extras such as gear, accessories, extended service plans or arranged financing where allowed.

• Valuing and sourcing used bikes
• Mechanical knowledge or a trusted mechanic
• Sales and customer service
• Handling vehicle paperwork and records

• Most states require a dealer license, often with a surety bond, an approved location and sometimes an inspection, so check your state's rules
• Garage liability or dealer insurance and floor plan or inventory coverage, check what your insurer requires
• Zoning and local business license for a vehicle sales location, check with your city or county
• Sales tax collection and registration with your state, plus federal rules on odometer and title disclosures
• Inventory is expensive to hold and demand is seasonal in many areas
• Check rules for any financing, warranties or 'as is' sale notices you offer

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, inventory, insurance and licensing requirements. These are estimates, and inventory is expensive to hold, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on how many bikes you sell and at what prices. These are estimates, and demand is seasonal in many areas.

Most states require a dealer license, often with a surety bond, an approved location and sometimes an inspection, so check your state's rules. Also check zoning and local business licensing, sales tax registration, and federal odometer and title disclosures.