By Brendan Baker
Editor-in-chief
As new-unit powersports sales plateau in 2025, one sector of the industry is accelerating: pre-owned. And nowhere is that momentum clearer than through the auction lanes of National Powersport Auctions (NPA), long a bellwether for used powersport values, trends, and dealer behavior.
At the halfway point of the year, the story of the pre-owned market is one of resilience, value, and opportunity, driven by economic headwinds, smarter dealers, and the evolving preferences of riders nationwide.
New-unit slowdown
The U.S. powersports industry has faced a series of headwinds this year. New-unit sales across key segments — street bikes, ATVs, scooters, and side-by-sides — have declined due to tightening consumer credit, inflation-driven caution, and lingering inventory imbalances. According to Statistical Surveys (SSI) data, new-unit retail fell nearly 8% in April 2025 alone.
But while new sales slow, used powersports vehicles are gaining ground. April 2025 saw used sales rise 2.04% year-over-year, led by categories like UTVs, dual-sport motorcycles, and touring bikes. That uptick isn’t isolated — it’s part of a larger shift in consumer behavior and dealership strategy.
The pre-owned engine
Much of the story can be seen in real time through NPA, which serves a majority of the franchised powersports dealers in the U.S. In its March and April updates, NPA reported average wholesale prices (AWP) increasing across several categories, especially domestic cruisers, UTVs, and marine units. Their NPA Value Guide tool — a data-driven valuation platform built on over 20 years of historical auction data — has helped dealers dial in smarter bidding, better margins, and faster turnarounds.
Segment hotspots
Based on NPA’s internal auction tracking and SSI retail trends, here’s where pre-owned is performing best:
These aren’t just data points, they’re revenue streams for dealerships watching margins shrink on the new side.
Why pre-owned is working
Five clear trends are driving the shift toward used so far in 2025:
Dealer behavior
Dealers that traditionally focused on OEM new-unit programs are now turning to pre-owned to backfill their showrooms with specific price point inventory that turns quickly. Thanks to NPA’s live and weekly auctions, franchise and independent dealers alike are accessing units that align with their local riding communities, even if they’re outside their core OEM relationships. And it’s not just motorcycles and ATVs. UTVs, golf carts, PWCs, and small RVs are showing steady traction and end-user demand, especially in regions driven by outdoor recreation.
Auction lanes
Weekly auction reports from NPA reveal a dynamic pricing environment:
One Midwest dealer said after the Atlanta auction in June, “I’m getting cleaner used inventory through NPA than I can trade for locally — and the margins are holding up even after transport.”
Challenges to watch
Not everything is on cruise control. Dealers still face issues such as overpaying at auction during competitive runs, especially if units aren’t reconditioned quickly. Floorplan fatigue can set in if they overstock categories with long turn cycles. Negative equity issues on customer trade-ins due to long-term pandemic loans are a problem. Seasonal softening is expected in late summer, when values historically dip by 5%–7%.
The key, experts say, is real-time pricing and a tight reconditioning-to-frontline process to keep cash flowing.
New riders, new opportunity
While the pre-owned market has traditionally been male-dominated, NPA and industry analysts note increasing interest from first-time female riders, particularly in the small-bike and UTV categories. Meanwhile, early electric models such as those from Zero, LiveWire, and Surron are slowly entering the secondary market, giving dealers a preview of future resale dynamics. By late 2025 and into 2026, pre-owned EV units could represent a new frontier for profit and community engagement — if dealers are ready.
The segment that’s moving
In a year when new-unit sales have been challenged, the pre-owned powersports market — buoyed by NPA’s auction intelligence and smarter dealer tactics — is proving to be the most dynamic and resilient part of the business.
With used-unit volume rising, values holding, and inventory access better than ever, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment for dealers who embrace the flexibility, speed, and value of the pre-owned lane.
And with NPA at the center of it all, the message is clear: if you’re not bidding, you’re falling behind.
A long-vacant property in Livonia, Michigan, is getting a high-end new life, as BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan prepares to transform the former Doc’s Sports Retreat into what is set to become the largest exclusive BMW motorcycle dealership in the country.
Dealership owner and Livonia native Charlie Knoll is spearheading the $6 million redevelopment of the 4-acre site near Seven Mile Road and I-275. The ambitious plan includes renovating and expanding the existing 15,000-square-foot building, which has been vacant since 2018, into a nearly 20,000-square-foot flagship facility for BMW Motorrad.
Knoll, who purchased the dealership in 2021 and the property in 2023, sees the project as both a business investment and a homecoming. “This property has been an eyesore for years, but it’s got so much potential,” Knoll says. “We’re going to turn it into a high-end dealership that embraces both the BMW brand and the natural setting of the site.”
The location’s scenic pond views and distinctive glass atrium will remain key design features, complemented by new construction and a full interior and exterior renovation. The surrounding area, which is frequented by ducks, swans, and deer, lends the space a more serene, nature-infused atmosphere than a traditional motorcycle showroom.
Livonia’s Planning Commission and City Council unanimously approved the redevelopment, with local officials praising both the brand and the long-awaited revitalization of a high-visibility site.
“This is a great project for that location. It’s a great site, great location right on the pond, and a great brand name,” says Mark Taormina, Livonia’s planning and economic development director.
The property was best known as Doc’s Sports Retreat from 2005 until its closure in 2018. After a failed hotel proposal, it remained unused until Knoll’s acquisition.
Construction is currently underway with demolition, utility restoration, and site prep in progress. If all goes as planned, the new dealership is expected to open in spring 2026. Knoll’s current location in Plymouth Township will continue to operate in the meantime.
Knoll also plans to market roughly two acres of the site for future commercial use and hopes to attract a complementary business to further revitalize the area.
For Knoll, the investment is personal. “I hope this sends a message that people still believe in Livonia,” he adds. “I do.”
After several weeks of voting, in which thousands of ballots were cast, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame announced the six esteemed inductees to be honored at the 2025 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 23 in Pickerington, Ohio.
There was a total of 17 nominations for this year’s class and consisted of both competition and non-competition nominees, spanning eight different categories: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing, and Specialty Competition.
THE 2025 MOTORCYCLE HOF CLASS
“This distinguished group of motorcyclists exemplifies the spirit, diversity, and dedication of the motorcycling community,” says Rob Dingman, president and CEO of AMA. “Each has made a lasting impact on our sport and lifestyle — whether through competition, advocacy, innovation, or inspiration. Their contributions, from racetracks to legislative chambers to the open road, have shaped motorcycling as we know it, and we are proud to recognize them with this well-deserved honor.”
The induction ceremony will kick off AMA Hall of Fame Days, set to run Oct. 23-26, which will include an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night and an open house at the AMA Hall of Fame Museum on Oct. 25. The AMA Induction Ceremony will be held at the Violet Township Event Center on Oct. 23 and will be followed by a cocktail reception at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.
Texas became the second state this year to sign motorcycle-focused inherent risk legislation into law, when Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed HB 5624 on June 20.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), alongside Texas motocross track owners, motorcycle dealers, and riding enthusiasts, was closely engaged with efforts to pass the new legislation. The AMA says it commends the Texas state legislature for its passage, as HB 5624 aims to create a more consistent and predictable liability environment for property owners and off-road riding enthusiasts.
HB 5624 will be enacted statewide on Sept. 1.
“We are pleased to see HB 5624 pass in Texas and are encouraged to see inherent risk legislation continue to pick up momentum throughout the country,” says AMA Central States Representative Nick Sands. ““This bill will ensure a more transparent liability process for property owners and the riders who access off-road facilities throughout the Lone Star State.”
Inherent risk signifies the risk that is naturally associated with an activity. Inherent risk cannot be fully eliminated, and this law helps define those risks to create a safer framework for hosting and operating off-road motorcycles on private land.
The new law protects both property owners and event operators from civil liability for injuries or damages resulting from the inherent risks of riding a motorcycle. The bill does not protect property owners and event operators from injuries or damages resulting from gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Inherent risk legislation is prevalent in several other forms of outdoor recreation, most notably horseback riding and skiing. Texas HB 5624 joins Arkansas Act 312 as the only inherent risk laws dealing specifically with off-road motorcycle recreation.
This form of legislation has picked up steam across the country, and the AMA says it is focused on additional efforts, primarily in Iowa and Missouri, where similar inherent risk bills are taking shape for reintroduction in each state’s next legislative session.
Motorcycle enthusiasts across the globe should take note: the future of premier motorcycle racing is shifting gears. Soon after the European Commission granted unconditional approval, Liberty Media acquired Dorna Sports, the exclusive commercial rights holder of MotoGP, in a transaction that closed on July 3.
With this acquisition, Liberty Media — best known in motorsports for its ownership of Formula 1 — officially adds MotoGP to its expanding portfolio. The move brings new potential for global fan engagement, commercial growth, and crossover exposure between F1 and MotoGP audiences.
The deal values Dorna at $5 billion and gives Liberty Media an 84% ownership stake, with the Dorna management team — led by long-standing CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta — retains the remaining 16%. Ezpeleta continues to helm MotoGP operations from its headquarters in Madrid, ensuring continuity as the series enters this new era.
“MotoGP is one of the most thrilling sports on earth,” says Ezpeleta, emphasizing the series’ global fan appeal and commercial strength. He described the acquisition as a “milestone confirming the even brighter future that lies ahead.”
Liberty Media President and CEO Derek Chang echoed that optimism: “We are thrilled to officially commence Liberty’s partnership with Carmelo and his excellent management team. MotoGP is a highly attractive premium sports asset… We believe the sport and brand have significant growth potential.”
MotoGP has undergone significant evolution since its inaugural season in 1949. The 2025 calendar features 22 races across 18 countries, with global TV audiences in the hundreds of millions. Liberty Media is expected to leverage its expertise in content, sponsorship, and digital fan engagement — honed through its transformation of Formula 1 — to supercharge MotoGP’s international expansion. For motorcycle industry stakeholders — dealers, OEMs, racing teams, and aftermarket players — this deal could bring new commercial opportunities. With Liberty Media at the helm, MotoGP may receive greater exposure in key growth markets, such as the U.S., Southeast Asia, and Latin America — regions where powersports sales, product demand, and motorsports fandom are on the rise.
The financing for the deal includes $1 billion in committed term loan funding, as well as cash from the Formula One Group and Formula 1. Following the acquisition, MotoGP, Formula 1, and Quint (Liberty’s other sports media asset) will operate under the Formula One Group tracking stock (NASDAQ: FWONA, FWONK).
Importantly, several Formula 1 veterans will join Dorna’s board, including Chase Carey and Sean Bratches, bringing their expertise in growing a global racing brand. Their involvement could signal a similar strategic overhaul for MotoGP — from broadcast packaging to digital media, fan experiences, and race promotion.
MotoGP now stands on the brink of a bold transformation. For the motorcycle industry, Liberty Media’s stewardship could redefine how two-wheeled racing supports brand building, product development, and the next generation of fans
and riders.
Stay tuned — this shift in ownership might accelerate the entire industry.