If you’ve ridden for any length of time and are like me you’ve probably got several pieces of gear that are just taking up space in your closet. For any number of reasons you’ve moved on to other gear and abandoned these items. So, what do you do with all that used gear? Here are a few ideas.

The most common way to get rid of your gear is to post it on Craigs List or eBay and wait for someone to find it and buy it. Both of these are viable options but they have their downsides. The first being that if your item doesn’t sell you have to re-post your listing. This isn’t the end of the world but it means that you have to remind yourself every few weeks to update the listing so it stays in the service. Then there’s collecting the money and shipping or coordinating a pickup and money exchange. It’s a lot of work, but a successful way to get some cash for your old gear.

Another option that I’ve come across are motorcycle shops. Some have started taking “gently used” items on consignment. For me this is a far more appealing option. I can drop off my gear and the store will display it, take payment, and then send me a check. This way my gear is seen by other motorcyclist and is more likely to sell. The downside here is that it’s up to the store to accept or reject your offering and they get to set the price. They also get a cut of the sale for all their trouble. Still, I’ll take their cut and call it a convenience fee for me not having to deal with the buyer, marketing, and shipment of the items. Most of these stores have a set time limit they will display your gear for before you have to come pick up. Usually around 90 days.

I’ve also found several shops that are taking used gear as trade-in toward new gear. What a great way to offload old gear and stock up on future used gear at the same time!

There are also donation centers where you can give your gear away and receive a receipt for a credit on your taxes. You do get some of the benefit in the way of a tax write off, but it’s not that immediate satisfaction of getting money in your had.

Lastly, have a gear swap with your riding buddies or riding group. This way you might at least be able to see your old gear once in a while and know that it’s gone to a good home.

Here are a few links to places in my area and other sites that offer trade in, consignment, or will take your gear as a donation:

http://www.ksumotorcyclegear.com/

http://www.wherethepoweris.com/used-motorcycle-gear.htm

http://www.mortonsbmw.com/parts.html

http://www.yellowdevilgear.com/