5 Motorcycles Riders Regret Buying — And Sell Within a Year 😬

If you ride, you know the thrill of a new bike — fresh chrome, rumbling V-twin, the open road ahead. But some bikes that look great on the lot lose their luster fast once you get them home. Here are five bikes that have become frequent quick resales — often dumped within 12 months — and what drives that regret.

1. Harley‑Davidson XL 883 Iron / 883 (2018–2022)

This smaller-displacement cruiser from the iconic brand draws many in thanks to its affordability and “Harley badge.” But its popularity works against it: because so many were sold, the used-bike market has become saturated. As a result, resale value has plunged. 

Why riders regret it: It’s easy to buy — but after a year or two, you may lose significant value. Buyers expecting long-term value often find the 883 becomes a quick “get-out” when the resale hits hard.

2. Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R (first- and second-gen superbike)

For riders chasing raw speed, the Hayabusa has legendary status. But many of these go to homes where the owner never fully appreciates the aggressive performance — or where maintenance and insurance costs, rider fatigue, and practicality issues lead to regrets. 

Why riders regret it: High-strung sport bikes like the Busa can be more hassle than thrill in daily riding. And because they attract riders who buy on hype, there’s often a flooding of used units — pushing resale values down.

3. Ducati Panigale 1299 (and similarly extreme Italian superbikes)

High performance, exotic style, and aggressive pricing make the 1299 (and similar high-end superbikes) an attractive “dream bike.” But the reality for many: reliability issues, high maintenance costs, costly insurance, and niche buyer demand for used ones. 

Why riders regret it: When the maintenance bills, upkeep demands, and limited buyer pool collide — what once felt like a dream becomes a money pit with poor resale prospects.

4. Honda VFR800 / Other mid-size sport touring bikes

Sport-tourers and mid-size bikes often appeal to riders wanting a balance of performance and practicality. However, many depreciate quickly because the market is flooded with similar models, and demand remains limited compared to standard or cruiser bikes. 

Why riders regret it: Even with good maintenance, some mid-size bikes don’t hold resale value — especially if they don’t offer standout features. If you want a “quick flip,” they often don’t deliver.

5. Over-priced Touring & Luxury Bikes with Weak Demand

Big, expensive touring or luxury motorcycles may look impressive — but if they’re from a niche segment or brand, their steep price tags and maintenance costs can make resale difficult. As a general rule, bikes that cost $25,000+ often lose a significant portion of their value quickly.

Why riders regret it: Heavy upkeep, limited resale market, and depreciation — even if the bike is reliable — make them tough to sell if finances or lifestyle change.

🔧 What Riders Should Learn Before Buying

• Check resale trends: Lots of buyers means a flooded used-bike market — which hits resale value hard.

• Avoid hype purchases: If the bike’s appeal is only looks or performance, expect heavy depreciation.

• Think long-term riding: High maintenance, insurance, and upkeep costs can kill enjoyment fast.

• Be realistic about resale: Luxury or rare bikes may seem cool — but flipping them quickly often leads to losses.

• Riding vs. investment: If you plan to sell within a year, consider models with proven demand and stable value.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycles are often emotional purchases — and fast sales can turn that excitement into regret. If you buy a bike assuming you can “flip it later,” you may end up eating most of the depreciation.

Before pulling the trigger, weigh price, demand, practicality, and upkeep. For many riders, better-resale, trusted models — rather than flashy, “hype” machines — prove wiser.