What Motorcycles We Accept
Motorcycle donations cover a broad spectrum. Cruisers, touring bikes, sport bikes, standards, adventure and dual-sport bikes, dirt bikes, choppers and custom builds, vintage motorcycles, trikes, and larger scooters are all accepted. Condition is rarely a disqualifier — non-running bikes, project bikes, and long-parked bikes are workable donations, and the pickup logistics are simpler than for larger vehicles. This guide walks through the main categories and what to expect within each.
Cruisers
Cruisers are the largest category of motorcycle donations. Low-slung frames, feet-forward riding position, and mid-to-large displacement engines. Well-represented brands include Harley-Davidson (Sportster, Softail, Dyna, and touring-model cruisers), Indian (Scout, Chief, Chieftain, and Bobber variants), Honda (Shadow, Fury, Rebel), Yamaha (V-Star, Bolt, Raider), Kawasaki (Vulcan), and Suzuki (Boulevard).
Touring Motorcycles and Baggers
Full touring bikes and baggers — motorcycles built for long-distance riding with fairings, hard bags, and often trunk cases — are common donations from riders who have aged out of long-distance touring or moved on to other vehicles. Common models include Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Road Glide, Road King, and Street Glide; Indian Chieftain and Roadmaster; Honda Gold Wing; BMW K-series and R-series touring; and Yamaha Star Venture.
Sport Bikes
Sport bikes — high-performance motorcycles with aggressive ergonomics, powerful engines, and track-focused chassis — are accepted across the full range. Common models include Honda CBR (CBR600RR, CBR1000RR), Yamaha YZF-R series (R1, R6, R3), Kawasaki Ninja series (ZX-6R, ZX-10R, Ninja 400), Suzuki GSX-R, Ducati Panigale, BMW S1000RR, Triumph Daytona, and Aprilia RSV4.
Standards and Naked Bikes
Standards and naked bikes — upright riding position, minimal fairing, versatile for street and commuting — form a large category. Yamaha MT series (MT-07, MT-09, MT-10), Kawasaki Z series (Z650, Z900, Z1000), Honda CB series and NC750, Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple and Street Triple, Suzuki SV650, and BMW R series naked bikes are all commonly donated.
Adventure and Dual-Sport
Adventure motorcycles and dual-sport bikes — built for on- and off-road travel — have grown substantially as a category. BMW GS series (F800GS, F850GS, R1250GS), KTM Adventure series (390, 890, 1290), Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, Yamaha Ténéré, Suzuki V-Strom, and Kawasaki KLR and Versys are all accepted. Older BMW airhead R80/R100 GS models come through the donation stream as well.
Dirt Bikes and Off-Road
Motocross and off-road motorcycles are accepted. Honda CRF series, Yamaha YZ and WR series, Kawasaki KX, Suzuki RM-Z, KTM SX and EXC, Husqvarna FX and FE, and Beta trials and enduro bikes are all in scope. Older two-stroke motocross bikes have collector interest and are commonly donated.
Choppers and Custom Builds
Custom-built choppers, bobbers, cafe racers, and one-off custom motorcycles are accepted. These bikes vary widely in construction quality, documentation, and titling — mention the build history when reaching out. Custom Harleys, Indian bobber conversions, cafe-racer builds on Honda CB and Kawasaki KZ platforms, and hardtail chopper builds all come through the donation stream.
Vintage and Classic Motorcycles
Vintage motorcycles have a strong and stable collector market. Types accepted include:
- Vintage Harley-Davidson — Panhead, Shovelhead, Ironhead Sportster, early Big Twin models
- British classics — Triumph Bonneville, BSA, Norton Commando, Royal Enfield
- Vintage Japanese — Honda CB750, Kawasaki Z1 and KZ series, Suzuki GT750, Yamaha XS650
- Pre-Polaris Indian and other prewar American brands
- BMW airheads — R60, R75, R80, R90, R100
- Italian classics — Ducati bevel drives, Moto Guzzi V-twins, MV Agusta
Condition matters less than most donors expect. Even project-condition vintage bikes find buyers among restorers.
Trikes and Reverse Trikes
Three-wheeled motorcycles are accepted. This includes factory trikes (Harley-Davidson Tri Glide, Freewheeler), factory reverse trikes (Can-Am Spyder, Polaris Slingshot), and aftermarket trike conversions from Champion, Motor Trike, Lehman, CSC, and others built on Honda Gold Wing, Harley touring, and other donor platforms.
Scooters and Larger Mopeds
Larger-displacement scooters are accepted. Honda PCX, Forza, and Silver Wing; Yamaha XMax and Majesty; Vespa GTS series; Suzuki Burgman; and BMW C400 and C650 scooters are common. Smaller mopeds and 50cc scooters vary in secondary-market demand and may be evaluated case by case.
Non-Running and Project Bikes
Non-running and project bikes are workable donations. Common situations include:
- Bikes that have sat in storage for years and won't start
- Bikes with known mechanical issues (electrical, carburetor, engine)
- Stalled restoration projects
- Bikes with cosmetic damage
- Bikes missing components
Even bikes with substantial deferred maintenance find buyers among riders and shops that specialize in getting older motorcycles back on the road.
Parts Bikes
Motorcycles that are unlikely to run again but retain value in components — a frame with a title but a seized engine, a rolling chassis with useful running gear, a bike stripped for parts over the years — can be workable donations depending on the specifics. Parts bikes are evaluated case by case. When reaching out, describe what's present, what's missing, and what condition the remaining components are in.
Pickup Logistics
Motorcycle pickups are simpler than for larger vehicles. A pickup with a motorcycle trailer, or a cargo van, can typically load a bike directly from a garage, driveway, or storage unit. Bikes do not have to run or roll — a bike with flat tires, seized brakes, or a dead battery can still be loaded with the right equipment.
Access matters. A bike in a basement, a storage unit at the back of a facility, or a location that requires stairs or narrow passages needs a bit more planning. Mention any access constraints early so the right equipment can be lined up.
What Requires Extra Evaluation
A few situations fall outside the standard program:
- Motorcycles with debt or liens exceeding the bike's value
- Bikes with unresolved title or ownership disputes
- Frames with major structural damage (bent, cracked, or straightened after a wreck)
- Bikes that have been declared totaled by an insurance carrier without title clearing
Describe your situation when reaching out. Many donations that look questionable on the surface are workable once the specifics are understood.
Ready to Donate
Learn more about the process and start a motorcycle donation at /donate-motorcycle.html. A coordinator will confirm what's accepted and walk through the specific steps for your bike.