RAC Approved Dealers will soon be able to officially retail used motorcycles for the first time thanks to the introduction of a new, specialist preparation standard.
The 59-step process has been created by the RAC’s engineers and is designed to comprehensively check history, exterior, controls, wheels and tyres, engine, underbody and the inclusion of a handbook and two keys. A detailed road test is also completed.
Sean Kent, RAC director of sales at Assurant, which partners with the RAC in the aftersales sector, said: “This is something that has been created in response to demand. Motorcycle dealers who are already offering RAC-branded warranties on their used sales want to upgrade and offer their customers the full RAC Approved Dealer proposition.
“Dealers have been immediately recognising the advantages of being an RAC Approved Dealer and initial interest in joining the programme appears to be very high.
“As far as we are aware, there is no other initiative of this type being offered in the bike market, providing such a high level of reassurance for used motorcycle customers buying from independent retailers.”
In recent months, as well as motorcyles, both van and motorhome preparation standards have been created for RAC Approved Dealers, he added.
“The RAC Approved Dealer network has been very successful in the 12 years since it was launched for used cars, so it makes absolute sense to take the same customer-based approach into other sectors of the vehicle market.
“The van standard was launched at the end of 2019 and has gained momentum very quickly. The motorhome and motorcycle standards are much newer but the initial signs we are seeing are very positive indeed.
“Also, while it was not planned, the timing of the introduction of motorhome and motorcycle sales may prove to fit in very well with the post-lockdown used vehicle market. Both are areas where the new normal looks set to boost used sales.”
The RAC Approved Dealer proposition is based around preparation standards specifically designed for different vehicle types, a minimum three-month RAC warranty, 12 months of breakdown cover, a vehicle data check and enrolment to RAC Accident Care.
The warranties provided with motorcycles bought through RAC Approved Dealers mirror those for cars, with cover available at Silver, Gold and Platinum levels for periods up to a maximum of 36 months.