So called upgrades, Why Bother?

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You wouldn't spring an extra $2k for 10k worth of parts? To me, finding a deal like that is a no-brainer. I can take some of the parts off myself and sell em to make the money back and then some.

And I don't think I have to go to South Carolina to find buyers who like Marchesini wheels and Ohlins forks. On the same token, even if the bike just has a full aftermarket exhaust like Akrapovic, I know right off the bat that its worth $2000 new so I wouldn't hesitate to pay a few hundred dollars premium for it myself. I'll want one after I buy the bike anyway, so why not save a few bucks and some of my own time?
 
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Some manufacturers have offered "upgraded" versions for a price.It's the same thing only much cheaper than doing it yourself.Ducati has offered Standard,"S" model and "R" versions for years.And it is well worth the extra cost usually.The upgraded suspension and wheels on my Hyper are worth every penny.
But it's mostly a matter of personal taste really.Because for most riders,upgrades are just bling.
 
Yamaha was offering the R1 LE at one time with Marchesini wheels, Ohlins suspension, carbon fiber bits etc etc. That bike was also well worth the asking price because it was less than the sum of its parts.

This topic is too broad anyway. Sure, parts like cheap windscreens and aftermarket signals or frame sliders don't make a damn difference... but when you have quality aftermarket parts on your bike and you find a buyer who sees the value in those parts, you can sell your bike for more than a stock one.

I know, I've sold many bikes and most of them with mods. On 2 occasions I had all the stock parts as well and both buyers opted to pay MORE for the bike with mods. Why? They recognized the value.
 
You rarely get dollar for dollar return for mods but, mods can be essential or detrimental. You can't paint it with a broad stroke and say, they ain't worth it. I wouldn't buy a bike and mod it to try and get a higher price to sell it. You mod a bike to make it your own, make is perform better or more comfortable, or just look better. I've seen a lot of crap but, there is other stuff that I think the factory should have done right from the start. Doesn't matter what kind of bike.

Would I prefer an unmolested example of an older bike? Sure, but just because it's x years old and never been moded, doesn't mean it's a museum piece that is collectable and will be worth more.

From a cruiser stand point, and specifically HD, it's almost 99% guaranteed the exhaust and intake have been upgraded for better performance. Some may have straight pipes or baffles removed, which anyone should know, does nothing for performance. As for more bling, seat and accessories, you get some back but, not what you put in. It's no different for an Adventure bike, touring or SS.

You can command a higher price if you can demonstrate the bike is well cared for. Regardless of the mods.
 
mmmnaked said:
You wouldn't spring an extra $2k for 10k worth of parts? To me, finding a deal like that is a no-brainer. I can take some of the parts off myself and sell em to make the money back and then some.

And I don't think I have to go to South Carolina to find buyers who like Marchesini wheels and Ohlins forks. On the same token, even if the bike just has a full aftermarket exhaust like Akrapovic, I know right off the bat that its worth $2000 new so I wouldn't hesitate to pay a few hundred dollars premium for it myself. I'll want one after I buy the bike anyway, so why not save a few bucks and some of my own time?
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Nope, pretty much meaningless to me. Exhaust isn't worth a cent, and might even reduce the amount I'd be willing to pay. How would I know that the bike was set up properly for it? The wheels might be nice, but wouldn't do a lot for me. They tend to be somewhat more fragile than stock and the street isn't kind. Even things like suspension upgrades are of limited worth, as I'd have to get them tuned to my weight and riding style anyway.
 
So you're not the target market for a modded bike. That's okay, there are plenty of us who lean the opposite way and recognize the value in quality aftermarket parts.

Every one of my bikes gets an exhaust upgrade for better sound. Marchesini wheels? I have em on my bike now and had them on my previous bike for many thousands of KMs... not a problem, stronger than stock. Not just that, but the RC51 I installed them on turned into a completely different animal afterwards. Talk about a noticeable improvement in performance! Am I gonna turn down Ohlins forks and a shock just because I might have to spend a few bucks getting them tuned for my weight and riding style? Hell no, that's 4 grand worth of parts... I'll take em please!
 
I disagree, based on the sales of just about every one of my bikes in the past.

I do think that people overestimate the value of their mods though, there's no question about that. But there are certain mods that just about every rider would like... fender eliminators, maybe a more comfortable seat, slip-on exhaust, braided brake lines. These to me are quintessential mods, just about everyone has one or another on their sportbike. I'll do a mental count next time I'm at a poser-down location... I bet that 8/10 bikes has one or all of those mods.
 
Whatever you wanna tell yourself ;)

And a CBR125 for most people is a stepping stone bike. You buy it, you get used to riding, and you buy something bigger. So no, I wouldn't pay extra for a modded 125 either. Duh.
 
mmmnaked said:
Whatever you wanna tell yourself ;)

And a CBR125 for most people is a stepping stone bike. You buy it, you get used to riding, and you buy something bigger. So no, I wouldn't pay extra for a modded 125 either. Duh.
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:confused::lmao:Why? According to your posts modded bikes are worth more. Go here: http://www.hondacbr125r.com tell them their mods are pointless and you think they shouldn't get more for their mods but you deserve more for the mods or your bike.
 
mmmnaked said:
I disagree, based on the sales of just about every one of my bikes in the past.

I do think that people overestimate the value of their mods though, there's no question about that. But there are certain mods that just about every rider would like... fender eliminators, maybe a more comfortable seat, slip-on exhaust, braided brake lines. These to me are quintessential mods, just about everyone has one or another on their sportbike. I'll do a mental count next time I'm at a poser-down location... I bet that 8/10 bikes has one or all of those mods.
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Then you'd be looking at a rather small subset, of like-minded riders. Try the 400 McDonalds, The Icehouse, or anywhere away from poser locations.

I've done seats. Might on this bike, but haven't decided yet. Once the stock lines start to exhibit noticeable expansion, in maybe 3-5 years, I'd likely go stainless just 'cause. I don't want an exhaust or fender eliminator. They're cop magnets and aftermarket exhausts annoy the neighbours.
 
I think modding is just a way to personalize look, sound, and or speed! Stock is worth more if u keep the bike in mint condition and being a numbered bike would help a lot 2.Personally I like to mod my bike to make it mine. It's just a matter of preference, but I could understand cause of modding the bike value should increase but not always does.
 
ItIsWhatItIs said:
:confused::lmao:Why? According to your posts modded bikes are worth more. Go here: http://www.hondacbr125r.com tell them their mods are pointless and you think they shouldn't get more for their mods but you deserve more for the mods or your bike.
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You're right. I should go to a new riders forum for a scooter and ask their opinion of mods on sportbikes. That will clear everything up, surely.

There are plenty of buyers out there who value aftermarket modifications. I have sold a number of modified bikes and offered to replace them with OEM stuff for the buyers and not a single one opted for a stock exhaust or stock wheels to be put back on. They all paid the premium for those mods. You can keep yapping on and on until your fingers bleed, but the fact remains that there ARE buyers out there who want modified bikes. It all depends on the bike and the modification. I have direct experience to prove this. What do you have? Oh that's right, nothing...

And Rob, I've had exhausts and fender eliminators on all of my bikes and have never been so much as questioned about any of them. Riding aggressively and speeding is what attracts cops. If you're playing nice, they won't bother you. But you know that already.
 
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I do mods with no consideration whatsoever for what the bike is "worth".

I do them because I want the bike to be a certain way for ME.
 
mmmnaked said:
^ what a senseless post.

Plenty of people still do all the mods you just mentioned. But just because you don't spend $5k on the engine and another 5k on a turbo doesn't mean you're not "modding" your bike. That's a high horse you're sitting on there buddy :rolleyes:


Regarding the original topic: people like to tinker and personalize their bikes. I put exhausts on all my bikes, not for performance but for the look and sound. I always install fender eliminators, smaller signals, and an aftermarket mirror to change up the look. The rest of the mods are usually a comfy seat if necessary, maybe some adjustable levers for looks and function, and other stuff like that.

I've never felt the urge to do power upgrades to my 1000s because they have tons of power as it is. There are some mods you can always do to improve throttle response and beef up the midrange... those mods can be felt every time you ride your bike.
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edit: after reading this thread I have a headache . I take my post back, not worth it even for a **** disturber like me
 
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Rob MacLennan said:
Once the stock lines start to exhibit noticeable expansion, in maybe 3-5 years.
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I thought you were talking about yourself expanding with age. :laughing8:
 
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