Custom Motorcycle Appraisal

5.0from 80+ client reviews
Custom motorcycle appraisal services covering charitable donations (Form 8283), probate, total loss claims, and bonded titles, prepared in accordance with USPAP. AppraiseItNow appraises choppers, bobbers, cafe racers, custom baggers, and one-off builds.

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DEFENSIBLE, USPAP-COMPLIANT CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE APPRAISAL REPORTS — QUALIFIED FOR THE IRS, INSURANCE AGENCIES, LENDERS, AND MORE.

  • State Farm
  • Progressive Insurance
  • GEICO
  • Ally Financial
  • Hagerty
  • Allstate
  • Chase
  • Bank of America
  • IRS

The vehicle team behind every report we write

Between them, our vehicle appraisers hold CAGA designations, and every report is written to USPAP for the IRS, insurance agencies, lenders, and more.

Joe Kattan

Joe Kattan

Owner & CEO

Joe founded AppraiseItNow to make a certified, USPAP-compliant appraisal as simple to order as anything else online. A former Bain & Company strategy consultant, Joe leads the entire team and specializes in strategy, growth, and the firm's tech capabilities.

Jason Dolph

Jason Dolph

Machinery & Equipment Appraiser

Third-generation auctioneer and CAGA Certified Appraiser with more than 20 years valuing machinery, equipment, vehicles, business assets, and estates for banks, attorneys, and trustees across the Carolinas.

Marnie Erkelens

Marnie Erkelens

Vehicle Appraiser

CAGA Certified Appraiser since 2014, covering vehicles, boats, equipment, fine art, and collectibles. A classic-car restoration background informs her vehicle work, with reports prepared for insurance, divorce, and charitable contributions.

Aron Blue

Aron Blue

Client Success Manager

Manages each engagement from the first enquiry to the delivered report, and keeps you posted at every step along the way.

  • USPAPWritten to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
  • Certified Appraisers Guild of AmericaCertified Appraiser
  • The Appraisal FoundationAuthorized by Congress as the source of appraisal standards
Standard
USPAPEvery custom motorcycle report is prepared in accordance with USPAP and tailored to the purpose of the assignment.
Value definitions
FMV, Replacement, ACVThree definitions of value, matched to the purpose of the assignment.
Delivery
OnlineA streamlined online process, with the finished report delivered electronically.
Purposes
Estate through resaleEstate and trust matters, charitable donations, divorce, insurance claims, and resale planning.

Custom motorcycles are appraised independently by AppraiseItNow for estate, donation, divorce, insurance claims, and resale

AppraiseItNow provides independent appraisals of custom motorcycles for personal, legal, and compliance-driven purposes. Our credentialed appraisers prepare each report to the purpose of the assignment, whether that is an estate, a charitable donation, a divorce, an insurance claim, or a sale.

Purposes we serve

Estate, donation, divorce, insurance, and resale

Our custom motorcycle appraisals are most often used for:

  • Estate and trust matters
  • Charitable donations
  • Divorce and family law matters
  • Insurance claims: total loss and diminished value
  • Resale and ownership transition planning

Value definitions

Fair Market Value, Replacement Value, or Actual Cash Value

We prepare custom motorcycle valuations under three definitions, with Fair Market Value the most popular for tax purposes, divorce, and purchase or sale:

  • Fair Market Value
  • Replacement Value
  • Actual Cash Value (ACV)

How it works

Intake, research, and electronic delivery in three steps

You submit the basics about the motorcycle and the intended use, a credentialed appraiser researches the market and analyzes the build, and the finished report arrives electronically. For a total loss or diminished value claim, we can also negotiate with your insurance carrier once you introduce us:

  • Initial intake
  • Research and valuation
  • Report delivery

One-off builds, choppers, café racers, and show bikes are the custom motorcycles we appraise

We appraise custom motorcycles from scratch-built one-offs to entire private collections, and a build's frame, engine, drivetrain, suspension, paint, and bodywork all enter the valuation.

Built or rebuilt

One-offs, heavy modifications, restorations, and prototypes

Motorcycles defined by how far they depart from anything that left a factory:

  • One-off builds with scratch-built frames
  • Heavily modified production motorcycles
  • Custom restorations with modern components
  • Prototype and limited-run specialty builds

Style, show, and collections

Choppers, café racers, show bikes, and whole collections

Builds defined by a style, an exhibition record, or their place in a larger portfolio:

  • Choppers, bobbers, and rigid-frame customs
  • Café racers and street trackers
  • Show and display motorcycles
  • Custom motorcycle collections and estates

What custom motorcycle appraisal clients say we are known for

Custom Motorcycle Appraisal Reviews: “I will forever be in your debt” and “Answered all my questions with incredible patience”

  1. Answering fast, and staying reachable while the work runsMentioned in 9 reviews
  2. Showing the research and the comparables behind the number“it’s clear they did a significant amount of research” Kim R.Mentioned in 8 reviews
  3. Being the appraiser they come back to“I highly recommend their services” Kim R.Mentioned in 8 reviews
  4. Delivering the finished report ahead of the deadline“They did the appraisal quickly and VERY thoroughly” Scott B.Mentioned in 6 reviews
  5. Following the regulatory guidelines the IRS and the courts requireMentioned in 5 reviews

Across 22 published custom motorcycle appraisal reviews, every one from a client who paid AppraiseItNow for an appraisal, the three things they raise most often are how quickly we answer, how much research is visible in the report, and that they would hire us again.

  • My daughter had purchased a very collectible 2003 Mustang Cobra terminator just 3 months before her accident with 50,000 miles on it, for 30,000 dollars. We were experiencing some very heavy rains and she hydroplaned and smashed into a guard rail and totaled her car. The insurance company offered her $18,000, but we told them that was an insult to this car. We kept going round and round with them but they were not budging. Finally we googled an independent appraiser and found AppraiseItNow! Their appraised value was 26,462. They negotiated with the insurance for us and we ended up with 25,900. They were awesome and helped us get much closer to the appropriate value of the Cobra. Absolutely worth the price we paid. Highly recommended!
    Chriss P., Jasper, MO ·

    Car Appraisal for Insurance Claim

  • My wife and I purchased a property that included a double-wide mobile home, which we decided to donate to a local charitable organization that provides housing for low-income families. This type of donation required a formal appraisal to qualify for an IRS tax deduction, so we reached out to Appraise It Now. From the start, they were able to clearly answer all of our questions about both the appraisal process and the tax deduction requirements. We provided photos and additional details, and within 10 days we received a thorough, well-prepared report that included all the necessary IRS forms. I’m giving Appraise It Now a five-star review because communication was excellent throughout the entire process. Everyone I spoke with was helpful, friendly, and professional, and emails were always answered quickly. We were completely satisfied with the experience. Thank you!
    Manuel P. , Austin, TX ·

    Mobile Home Appraisal for Charitable Donation

  • I was very happy with the work put in on my totaled car appraisal. They did the appraisal quickly and VERY thoroughly. I felt like my insurance company gave a very low appraisal and Appraise It Now was very competitive, realistic and true to my expectations. The best part was they did a stellar job negotiating with my insurance company. I feel great about their work.
    Scott B. , Indianapolis, IN ·

    Auto Appraisal for Insurance Claim

  • These guys were phenomenal. Joe was very responsive and gave clear instructions on how to submit my information for the appraisal, which he completed in a very quick timeframe. The appraisal itself was extremely detailed and included a thorough explanation of how they arrived at the value. It came with extensive documentation, and it’s clear they did a significant amount of research. They were also very responsive through text and email and always available to answer any questions. I had them appraise my fifth-wheel RV for resale, and I highly recommend their services. I will definitely use them again.
    Kim R. , Emory, TX ·

    Recreational Vehicle Appraisal for Insurance Coverage

  • My mother passed away in August 2023 and unfortunately, in the state of Ohio, motorhomes are not transferable on death and was going to have to go through probate court. After speaking with an attorney, I was informed I needed an appraisal. Due to my hectic work schedule and family schedule, I was looking for someone who could do this online, without needing an appointment. After a quick Google search I came across Joe at AppraiseItNow Inc., and instantly felt relief. A quick inquiry led to a few emails back and forth, a very reasonable cost to have the motorhome appraised and all the information needed to submit to get this taken care of. Joe was patient, worked with me as it was going to take a few weeks before I was able to supply the needed images/documents and payment, and less than a week later of submitting it I received the appraisal. His communication is next to none! He responds very quickly, is kind and extremely helpful. If I need anything in the future, I will not hesitate to reach out again! Thank you again! I will forever be in your debt!
    Brandy F., Mentor, OH ·

    Recreational Vehicle Appraisal for Probate

  • 10 Stars!! Joe was a pleasure to work with. Answered all my questions with incredible patience. Payment was swift and they got started immediately and the turn around time was much sooner than I expected. (I was on a time crunch and they got it done for me incredibly fast!) And the best part was the appraisal was even more than what I was expecting. And everything I need was sent to my email. Fantastic experience, would recommend to anyone needing an appraisal!
    Rebecca A. , Los Angeles, CA ·

    Auto Appraisal for Charitable Donation

Custom Motorcycle Appraisals Anywhere in the US

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How our Valuation Process Works

1

Appraisal Request

Submit estimate or list of items for our review.

2

Quote Issued

We'll share a flat fee quote for your approval.

3

Kickoff & Intake

Submit details on all of your items for our review.

4

Research & Analysis

We'll conduct detailed research and prepare a written USPAP-compliant report.

5

Report Delivery

Delivery of your report and supporting documents (e.g., signed IRS Form 8283) by email.

How much does a Custom Motorcycle appraisal cost?

Standard Fee Range

$195 – $495

Standard range for our Custom Motorcycle appraisals based on past projects

  • Fixed fee quoted before any work starts
  • No hourly billing
  • USPAP-compliant report, accepted by insurers, courts and the IRS

Two report tiers. Your intended use sets which one you need.

Standard Custom Motorcycle Appraisals

from $195

USPAP-compliant report for standard purposes

  • Personal Use
  • Bonded Title

Advanced Custom Motorcycle Appraisals

IRS-qualified

from $295

USPAP-compliant and IRS-qualified report for advanced purposes

  • Charitable Donations
  • Estate Tax & Distributions
  • Insurance Claims
  • Divorce
  • Legal Purposes

Pricing By Volume

Please note that the fees listed below are for informational purposes and are subject to change. Our team will review your materials and issue your quote before we get started.

  1. 1 vehicle

    $195 – $495

    Single-vehicle appraisal

  2. 5 vehicles

    $795 – $1500

    Small fleet or collection pricing

  3. 10+ items

    $1800 – $4500+

    Large fleet—discounted aggregate pricing

What Drives Cost?

  • Intended use of the appraisal (insurance coverage, personal use, probate, estate tax, charitable donation, or other legal purposes)
  • Scope and complexity of vehicles (specialty, modified, vintage, or limited-production models)
  • Damage or condition analysis requested
  • Documentation quality – clear photos, VINs, service history, and provenance streamline the analysis
  • Volume and item mix – number of vehicles and any related assets (e.g., trailers) included
  • Timeline requirements and coordination needs

Our Custom Motorcycle appraisal fees are transparent, scope-based, and designed to be fully USPAP-compliant for your intended use. We don't bill by the hour and will propose a fixed fee before we start our work, so you'll know exactly what you are paying before engaging our team. Please note that the pricing outlined here is strictly for informational purposes; before issuing your quote, we will need to get a better understanding of your assets so we can properly scope the assignment.

AppraiseItNow prepares vehicle appraisal reports for donations, diminished value claims, divorce, and estate settlement

Given the USPAP-compliant nature of AppraiseItNow’s appraisal reports, we prepare our deliverables for major legal, tax, and financial reporting purposes for individual and commercial clients.

Popular uses of our appraisal reports include:‍

Transactions, Lending & Investment

  • Auto Loan Financing
  • Purchase price allocation & cost segregation
  • Mergers & Acquisitions (transactional due diligence)
  • Financial Reporting

Life Events & Special Circumstances

  • Divorce
  • Social Security reporting or Medicaid Application Filings
  • E-2 visa applications

Frequently Asked Questions on Custom Motorcycle Appraisals

How is a custom motorcycle valued when it isn’t in the book guides?

Kelley Blue Book and NADA figures for the base model serve only as a starting benchmark, or are set aside entirely for one-off builds. Our appraisers instead rely on documented build costs, comparable sales of similar custom motorcycles, and collector demand for the builder or style, reconciling sales comparison and cost evidence into a defensible conclusion.

Do custom modifications always add value?

No. Quality professional work by a recognized builder, rare components, and performance upgrades can raise value, but overly personalized paint, extreme ergonomic changes, or non-compliant exhaust and lighting shrink the buyer pool and are often discounted below a clean stock example. The appraisal weighs each modification’s market appeal, not its cost.

What documentation should I provide for a custom motorcycle appraisal?

Clear title, written build records, receipts for parts and labor, service and maintenance history, and thorough photographs of paint, frame, and components. Evidence of professional versus amateur work is often what separates a defensible agreed-value conclusion from a disputed one.

When do insurers ask for a custom motorcycle appraisal?

When you request agreed-value coverage or custom parts and equipment (CPE) limits that materially exceed standard book values for the base model. Standard actual-cash-value settlements based on book guides underestimate custom builds, so underwriters want a formal appraisal or substantial value evidence before scheduling the higher amount.

Why do local sales matter in a custom bike appraisal?

Because national book ranges miss regional supply, demand, and buyer interest. Professional practice adds analysis of several recent local listings and sales of similar bikes, which can move value 10% or more compared with book figures alone.