Follow These Tips For Videoing Your “For Sale” Motorcycle

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what’s a video worth? When it’s time to sell a motorcycle, videos can make it easier to find the perfect buyer and get more for the bike. A common concern, though, is how much it’s going to cost to take a video. Any expenses can take away from the profit made when selling the motorcycle, so it’s a good idea to keep costs low. The good news is, anyone can take a high-quality video when they know what to do.

Do You Need A Big Budget?

No. It’s as simple as that. A big budget is great if you’re creating a mini movie, but it’s not needed to sell a motorcycle. Most people already have a smartphone they can use as well as access to a computer for editing. From there, anything else that’s needed can be inexpensively obtained to make an amazing video without spending a ton of money.

What Buyers Want to See

Think about what buyers want to see. If you were ready to buy a motorcycle and saw a video, what would you want included? Common answers include views from different angles, a clip of the bike starting and idling, and close-ups of different parts of the bike so you can get a good idea of whether it’s worth the money. That’s what should be in your video – what the buyer will want to see.

Clean it Up

Don’t skimp on cleaning the bike. Buyers aren’t going to pay as much for a bike that looks like it just went on the trails and through the mud. Go through and carefully detail the bike, cleaning everything up as much as possible, so it looks like new again. This is also a good time to repair worn or damaged parts, as doing so can make it easier to sell the bike.

Pick Out the Right Location One of the most important parts of creating videos for used motorcycles for sale is choosing the location. This can make a big difference, and it’s not hard to choose a good location. Opt for something that’s open and has minimal distractions in the background, as well as a place that may be quieter, so it’s easier to hear the bike on the video. Choose the right time of day, too, so the bike is easier to see.

Smartphone Versus Camera

What is the easiest way to record a video of your motorcycle? Using equipment you already have. Most people have smartphones that are able to record stunning videos, though they may not have played around with them a lot and may not know their full capabilities.

Both iPhone and Android phones have amazing video capabilities today. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a 12MP front camera with a 48MP main camera for taking amazingly clear videos. It can also record in 4k. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra also offers a 12MP front camera, but has a 200MP main camera. It also offers recording in 4K as well as slow and super-slow filming.

Buying a video camera can mean higher-quality videos, but it’s often not necessary. A professional video camera can be incredibly expensive, and the increase in video quality may not be worth the high cost. Unless you’re buying a video camera you plan to use a lot after selling the motorcycle, it’s better to just stick with your smartphone. Take time to learn how to use the different video options to see how they work and how they can improve your video.

Stabilizing the Video

Holding a camera or phone steady can be challenging. Small movements, especially when the video zooms in, can translate to bigger movements on screen. Stabilization is crucial for high-quality videos, and it’s typically easy to do.

Use a tripod for stabilizing videos where the phone doesn’t need to move. If the phone does need to move, a gimbal can be an excellent tool, but they can be expensive. Instead, work on holding the phone as carefully as possible to minimize movements, or look into stabilizing the video using an editing app.

Professional Lighting

Lighting helps illuminate the motorcycle so prospective buyers can really see the details. The most inexpensive way to get great lighting is to shoot the video outside during the day. After all, the sun is free. Use reflectors made from white foam board to help reflect the light where it needs to go. There are also inexpensive LED lights that can be purchased if it’s not possible to shoot the video during the day or light is needed in smaller areas to show off the bike’s features.

Using Free Editing Apps

Get more footage than you think you’ll need. A lot more. When reviewing the footage, you might notice background noises you didn’t hear while filming or might realize the video is a little shaky and hard to see. If you have a lot of footage, it’s then possible to pick out the best parts and put them together to create the perfect video.

Editing videos can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s no reason to go out and buy expensive video editing software just to create a video of the bike. Instead, look for free video editing apps. They’ll help with making sure the bike looks stunning throughout the video and that all of the clips are put together seamlessly. Want to try something that does more? Opt for a free trial of the more expensive editing apps, just don’t forget to cancel it when the video is done.

If you’re ready to sell your motorcycle, a video can be a great way to make the listing stand out and attract more potential buyers. However, you don’t need expensive gear to make an effective video. It’s possible to work with what you have, using the tips here, to create a stunning video that helps you sell the motorcycle. Give it a try today to see how easy it can be to make a fantastic video on a budget.