Price or Word-smithing?

[smokier]

Greetings All,

Have not gotten ANY nibbles on the 2012 Vaquero's AD from ANYWHERE... :hmm:

So am asking is it a PRICE issue or a Word Smithing issue?

Here is the "ad" that has been posted, anyone interested in providing USEFUL suggestions/recommendations?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2012 Vulcan Vaquero Carbon Metallic Grey with black accent stripes. 1700CC (103.7ci), 6 speed, AM/FM/AUX, Cruise. Dual front disc brake, disc rear with belt drive. Fixed fairing with medium height Cee Bailey windscreen. 41,600 trouble-free miles.
1 owner, full synthetic oil and filter changes every 5k miles. New plugs, air filter, fluids changed at scheduled maintenance miles. Michelin Commander II tires front and back, very good tread remaining. Maintenance records available.
• Racin’ Ray’s throttle modification.
• Ivan’s Performance ECU tune, version III
• Cee Bailey Medium light smoke windshield
• Kuryakyn Transformer grips.
• Kuryakyn Longhorn dually highway pegs.
• ScootWerks Phat II Risers
• Chuckter’s Custom hitch.
• Luverne Lowering links (3/4” rear)
• Gel pad seat.
• Factory 12v power outlet.
• Debaffled stock exhaust

This is a great motorcycle. We have two of them and have enjoyed many short and long distance trips. Great for town to town runs, or all day in the saddle. Set the cruise, crank the tunes and enjoy the open road.
More pictures available upon request.
$6500 (no trades please, cash is king.)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Thanks in advance,
Ride safe,
Smokier

[mike58]

I had my motorcycle and trailer on here and another forum for about half a year with out any bites. When i put them on Craigslist the bike sold to someone out of state in a month or so but the trailer did not go. I put the trailer on eBay and received 2 people that absolutely wanted it within the first 24 hours.

The new owner of my bike didn't want the hitch and asked me to remove it. I first put it on here with only 2 bites but they weren't serious about it so it also went on eBay, it sold in 2 weeks.

[plumber63]

I didn't see it on cycle trader. Where do you have it listed? With as many bikes out there for sale, you need to use every option you can to sell it. FB, Craigslist, cycletrader, ect...

Plus the weather still isn't real great yet. My son has his Fury for sale and only hits are people trying to trade him junk:crazy:

The price and listing is good. Cheapest on on cycle traded is $7700

Now if you dropped the price to say $3500 I think you would sell it quicker.:lol:

[redjay]

First of all where are you putting the ads ?
My guess is very few bikes are sold via this forum.

Things that might put me off in the ad would be the mileage, (67,000 kilometres) and the trailer hitch.
We both know (having been 1700 owners) that 41,600 miles is not a lot of miles for these bikes but it might put some people off who are not familiar with the brand.

A trailer hitch on any vehicle be it a motorcycle or a car always has me asking more questions, what did you tow, the weight, and how often.

Some people might not like a bike that has performance mods or one that is lowered.
Debaffling the stock exhaust might put some people off.

I would remove the above items from the ad (ECU mods, debaffling, lowered, trailer hitch) and see if you get more enquiries.

If you get some enquiries via email try and get the people to call you for more information, then try and get them to come and see the bike.

Getting people there to see the bike is vital and the content of the ad and where you place the ad is the first and most important step.

If you get someone to come and see the bike at that point you can explain the mods in detail and "sell" the value of the mods to the prospective new owner.

[smokier]

Thanks for the responses guys.
It is here, the two Victory Forums, Craigslist, and the local credit union swap sheet.
No cycletrader or ebay yet...

Agreed, the miles might be an issue, but nothing I can do about that. Suppose it could not be mentioned and wait for them to ask...
Interesting thoughts on the "Performance" related mods, RedJay. When I "renew" on Craiglist and the swapsheet, will drop the perf mod references...

Same price and listing in all five locations. Figured here and on the Victory Forums those would be appreciated. But will try without to see if they are slowing interest.

Ride safe,
Smokier

[recumbentbob]

You need to say it's a Kawasaki Vaquero.
A lot of people don't know what a Vulcan is.

[Top Cat]

I agree with redjay. I would remove ECU mods, debaffling, lowered, trailer hitch from all ads.
Trailer hitch on a bike is like posting a truck with a plow around here.
Brings up a lot of questions.
Took me over a year to sell my Nomad and then I sold it $2000 below book to get it out of my garage.

I would not put anything worth a lot of money on ebay, they rape you on the selling fees.:ohno:

[redjay]

I don't think people go to a motorcycle forum looking to buy a bike. I know I don't.

I have sold parts on the forum, but never a complete bike.
I use local ads for that. Kijiji in Ontario is my go to source when I am looking to buy or sell. I don't think you have that in the U.S ?

Craigslist is used only as a last resort if I am looking for something.
I never place an ad on there.

[redjay]

You need to say it's a Kawasaki Vaquero.
A lot of people don't know what a Vulcan is.


A lot of people don't know what a Vaquero, Voyager or Nomad is, even friends of mine with motorcycles :ohno:

[smokier]

Again, thanks for the input. OK, will remove those potential trouble areas in the AD.
Am working on the CycleTrader account...

Thanks again!
Smokier

[redjay]

I agree with redjay. I would remove ECU mods, debaffling, lowered, trailer hitch from all ads.
Trailer hitch on a bike is like posting a truck with a plow around here.
Brings up a lot of questions.
Took me over a year to sell my Nomad and then I sold it $2000 below book to get it out of my garage.

I would not put anything worth a lot of money on ebay, they rape you on the selling fees.:ohno:


I had 2 people come to see my Voyager when it was up for sale. It was up for sale all summer.

The 2nd person bought the bike.

[mbarr10]

Smokier,
Could Just be the FREEKIN WEATHER also. I been crying myself to sleep every night this last week.:cry::cry::cry:

[mrt]

I think 1 big problem is that most people haves no idea what a Vaquero is or Voyager. When trying to sell my '98 Voyager XII, was impossible to get any interest from Craigslist. Too many bikes! I would park the bike at the end of my driveway on a county road and got a lot of people to stop and take a look. Most all thought it was a Gold Wing. Had no idea Kawasaki made a bike like that. Try to find a secure spot by major highway and more people will show interest. Most will think it is a Harley and then realize what a great bike they are.

[ponch]

Time of year where you're located. I think the price is fine. Some people, myself included, prefer an unmodified bike. The more a bike is customized, the greater the chance it's not someone's cup of tea, no matter how much money sunk in. Not saying that's necessarily the case with yours, but it's a factor. I would say have a lot of good high res pictures from different angles. If it's clean and looks good in pictures, that's half the battle.

[mike07nad]

2012 Kawasaki Vaquero for sale - Many mods, 41,000 miles - $6,500 rides it home. Come check it out. Post a picture.

Now for me I went to Google and looked up a 2012 Vaquero and Carbon Metallic Gray was not one of the option - RED FLAG - move on.

Just my opinion - Way to wordy - Keep it Simple - Most used buyers are looking for that cool bike - All that techie stuff - Who cares.

[mbarr10]

A version for the educated Vaquero buyer. Thinking this would go well on a Vaquero dedicated ad location. One like our sister face book page VBA on FB or Custom Vaquero Nation, Ect. I could post it for you, since I think I remember you do not do FB ?

2012 Vulcan Vaquero Carbon Metallic Grey with black accent stripes.
$6500
41,600 trouble-free miles.
1 owner, full synthetic oil and filter changes every 5k miles. New plugs, air filter, fluids changed at scheduled maintenance miles.
Michelin Commander II tires front and back, very good tread remaining. Maintenance records available.
• Racin’ Ray’s throttle modification.
• Ivan’s Performance ECU tune, version III
• Cee Bailey Medium light smoke windshield
• Kuryakyn Transformer grips.
• Kuryakyn Longhorn dually highway pegs.
• ScootWerks Phat II Risers
• Chuckter’s Custom hitch.
• Luverne Lowering links (3/4” rear)
• Gel pad seat.
• Factory 12v power outlet.
• Debaffled stock exhaust

More pictures available upon request.
(no trades please, cash is king.)

[smokier]

Greetings MBarr,

Thanks for the offer. I *may* take you up on that. Not yet though, please.

All, thanks for the comments and will adjust the ads when the 'renew' cycles come around.Yes, it may be a bit early in the season...
:)

[BonVoyager]

Ad looks fine though it could be laid out to give you price and mileage first and just read a little better and the price seems reasonable.

I’ve had my 2003 Suzuki Volusia up for sale since this time last year. It is posted in like 20 different sale groups on Facebook, Craigslist, Cycle Trader, I had it on EBay, local posters, 8 Suzuki Volusia forums, a local VFW motorcycle sale page, here in the classifieds, my front lawn, LetGo, and and a few other places.

Not a SINGLE bite. I have it listed for what others have actually sold for that have more mileage than mine and are bone stock. I even dropped the price. I’m not even getting those assholes that offer you 1/4 of the price. I don’t understand.

[SD Cruiser]

I know I don't post a lot here, but I do read the articles all time and yours struck a chord with me. Here's my little story about trying to sell mine...

I went and looked at a 2014 Ultra Limited last summer, the dealership only offered me 5k for my 2014 Vaquero with only 9k miles on it. Of course they didn't tell me what my trade was worth until I was sitting in the finance guys office (they just kept saying we'll give you top dollar for your trade). Everything was approved all I had to do was sign and it was a done deal. I told him there's no way I'm taking only 5k for my bike and he said that the best he could do. I told him to shred the paperwork. The look on his face was priceless. I got up and walked out. He didn't even try and come talk to me again. The salesman did try and call me a week or so later and I told him that if you can't give me quite a bit more for my bike to not bother calling me again and he never called back.

What I'm trying to say is that I'm not 100% sure what these bikes are worth but it seems they don't hold their value the best. I just thought I would give you my experience in trying to trade in the bike. I know they were really low balling me at the HD dealership. I would hate to see what they would have said if I had 41k miles on it like your bike. I was hoping for between 7k and 7.5k and I would have pulled the trigger.

I love my Vaquero and plan on keeping it for quite a long time since I seem to be the only one who thinks the bike is worth anything. Good luck on trying to sell it! Let me know how you make out.

[ballbreaker]

Hey Smokier: Just my two cents but here goes. Had a 2013 Nomad before the Vaquero. Bought the Vaquero out of a Harley dealership as it was traded in on a roadglide. I bought it as it was priced right and they wanted it off their showroom floor. Now to sell the Nomad. Put it on Kijiji for 1 month and not a phone call or email. Went into my Kawasaki dealership which also sells Victory at that time and Indian and put it on consignment. It sold in 4 days as the number of people coming thru the dealership was incredible. Even after consignment fees they got more for it than I had it listed for privately so it was a win, win for me.It is getting exposure to the market. Don't know if you remember my posting on the Vaquero prior to me purchasing. I had mentioned at the time that having the stripe on half the fairing and only one saddlebag I thought it had been in an accident until the members on the forum told me that those were the colours for that year and they sent pics of their bikes to prove it. They never had this colour for 2012 so if people are doing their due diligence and realize this colour was not available for 2012 people are funny about what they think. Just saying. Good luck with your sale.

[smokier]

Greetings Guys,

I really appreciate the feedback and input. SD, agreed motorcycle resale values are not the best for Kaw's. HD/Indian/Victories seem to hold better. BB: Yes, I do remember your post on the black accent stripping. :)

I took the '12 to the dealership where it was purchased new in '14. They are good, honest guys. I have skied with the owner on more than one occasion.
They offered me $4500 and said the miles was the biggest dinger. They would put it on the floor for $6100 and expect to sell it for $5900. They said they like to make $1500 on used bikes. They give used bikes a once over and cleaning before putting them on the floor. I felt it was an honest discussion. Told them 'no thanks' of course.

To add insult to this injury, the right fork started leaking. I had washed the bike and had her sitting out front when I noticed a puddle under the right fork. Traced it up and yeap, blown seal. So had to drop $300 in seals, bushings etc. and had both forks rebuilt. I pulled the forks, they did the work. The good news is, do have a guy interested in her. Am not going to drop below the current $6500 with the fresh $300 maint bill. Feel that fixing her was the right thing to do, I would not sell her knowing she had a significant issue. So, not only is (was) she not worth what KBB/NADA suggested for AVG/LOW RETAIL, but had to put a little cash into her to get her there.

If the sale doesn't go through today, will repost it with the recommended changes. Thanks again everyone!

Ride safe,
Smokier

[mbarr10]

I took the '12 to the dealership where it was purchased new in '14. They are good, honest guys. I have skied with the owner on more than one occasion.
They offered me $4500 and said the miles was the biggest dinger. They would put it on the floor for $6100 and expect to sell it for $5900. They said they like to make $1500 on used bikes. They give used bikes a once over and cleaning before putting them on the floor. I felt it was an honest discussion. Told them 'no thanks' of course.

I am talking up your bike here in Minneapolis. If I get a real serious person I will let you know, And you can contact them.

[smokier]

Thanks MBarr, appreciate the assist.

The '12 found a new home yesterday. He seems real happy with her and got some good miles in, by the read of his texts. So word-smithing problem has been solved.

Thank you everyone for your insights and observations. They will be heeded when there is a next time.

Ride safe,
Smokier

[recumbentbob]

Great news.

[mbarr10]

she is sold - problem solved.

fantastic

[ballbreaker]

Super news Smokier. Load off the mind