Selling your motorbike in Barcelona: to a private buyer or a dealer?
Both options have advantages. Here is, plainly, what each one means in time, risk and paperwork so you can decide with all the information.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- To a private buyer
- You can ask a bit more, but you handle the ads, viewings, test rides, payment and paperwork.
- To a dealer
- Faster and risk-free: valuation, payment and change of ownership, all handled by them.
- The essential step
- The change of ownership at the DGT: until it is done, the bike's fines and liabilities are still yours.
- At Spartan
- Free valuation, free home pickup and instant payment by bank transfer.
The two options, side by side
| Private buyer | Dealer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | You can ask a bit more | Valuation based on condition, mileage and market |
| Time | Days or weeks: depends on when a buyer turns up | Fast: valuation and closing within a few days |
| Viewings and test rides | You arrange them, with strangers | None |
| Payment | You must make sure the payment is genuine | The dealer pays by bank transfer |
| Change of ownership | Depends on the buyer doing it in time | Handled by the dealer |
Selling privately? Protect yourself
Sign a sale contract
In writing, with both parties' details, the bike's details and the date, signed on every page. Make two copies.
Get paid before handing over
Do not hand over the bike, keys or papers until you see the money in your account.
Notify the DGT of the sale
Filing the notice of sale protects you: it records that the bike is no longer yours.
Watch the 30-day deadline
The buyer has 30 days from signing to transfer the bike. Until they do, the DGT still has it in your name.
How selling your bike to Spartan Motors works
- 1 You fill in the form with the bike's details and some photos.
- 2 Our team reviews it and sends you the valuation as soon as possible: we contact you within 24 hours.
- 3 If you accept, we prepare all the paperwork and handle the change of ownership.
- 4 We pick up the bike at your home, free of charge, and pay you on the spot: you can check the transfer in your account before handing it over.
Documents you need to sell
- Valid DNI or NIE.
- The bike's registration certificate and original technical sheet.
- Your bank account number (IBAN) to receive the payment.
- A contact email.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
For the DGT the bike is still yours: fines and liabilities may reach you. That is why you should file the notice of sale with the DGT and make sure the buyer changes the ownership within 30 days.
We contact you with the valuation within 24 hours of sending the form. If you accept, we pick up the bike and pay you on the spot.
We do. We take care of all the paperwork, and the process is completed at pickup.
Yes, we pick it up at your home for free at the time and place we agree, in Barcelona and the surrounding area.
By bank transfer, when the sale contract is signed. You can check the payment in your account before handing over the bike.
Want to know what your bike is worth?
Get a free valuation: we reply within 24 hours, pick up the bike at your home and pay you on the spot.
Sources and last update
The transfer procedures were checked with the DGT e-office and the Catalan Tax Agency (July 2026). They may change; always check the official sources.
This article is for information only and is not legal or tax advice.