[Sam Simons]

 Because I'm looking to purchase a couple of vintage (Japanese & Euro) bikes,I've
been consulting some of those types of publications. To my surprise, many of
the stated valuations look fairly accurate for once. I remember very well back
during the 'boom days' of '96-'99 how amusing the  figures were,when 'their'
values ranged from 25 to 35% of what the bikes were actually selling for......
One example was the 1975 Honda CB400F,booking at $540,and selling
for $1900-2400.......so much for 'having your pulse on the market'....
 It looks as though they've gotten their shit together...finally.....And it is much
more difficult to track sales on old,niche bikes to the degree required in formulating a
value guide versus the new machines.
However,I have to wonder why it took 'em so long ,and,although the figures look
more realistic(in some cases),where their information comes/came  from.....After all,there are just so many auctions such as Jerry Wood,MidAmerica ,Bonham's.....

[Bullet.wagon]

 For actual retail I use ebay then add 500-600 dollars for shipping.

[1Blackwolf1]

  I use the guidelines with a grain of salt.  The '76 Suzuki I just picked up had a trade value of about $200 with a retail value of just over $400.  I gave $300 for it.  Depends on what shape the bike is in and I go from there.

  Most often sellers have a pipe dream of what anything is worth..or have used E-bay as a guide.  I find both to be somewhat exaggerated.  But then again it all depends on what the buyer is willing to pay.  But lots of barn finds, and supposed collectables aren't near worth the asking price.  Just because of condition issues.

  Of course this is just my opinion on the use of the NADA/Kelley Blue Book.

   

[REpozer]

I learned a long time ago that Kelly Blue Book is for the seller to get a higher asking price. And for banks to give out more car loan money ,based on a high Kelly  book.
 It means almost nothing to a wholesale buyer.

[UncleErnie]

I don't think these guides take into account regional preferences, for one thing.
enerally, old bikes have a higher value all along the Wast Coast and get cheaper the farther WEast you go.  I've sold bikes that the new owners in the PNW thought was real good value and saved money -even with shipping.

Mainly though, what's it worth to you?

[Vince]

     You pretty much have to use the NADA book because the banks use it to determine financing amounts. I also consult the AMA Black Book. The real problem is that people tend to use these figures as absolutes. These are guides, not bibles. The price must be adjusted to accommodate the condition of the unit in front of you, the time of year, and prevailing market conditions.
     As a rule of thumb, a new bike loses 20% to 30% of the MSRP value when you roll it out the door, Then an additional 10% each year afterward. Pricing stabilizes around the 5th year, more or less. So if the 2010 MSRP is $10,000, the the 2010 used value is $7,000 to $8,000. Call it $7,500 average. The 2011 value would be 10% less, or $6,750. The 2012 value would be 10% less than this, or $6,075. The 2013 value would be $5,467.50. And so on. This is a reasonable ball park estimate.