Author Topic: offer test rides when selling? (Read 5159 times)

land_shark · « **on:** April 17, 2005, 03:31:22 PM »

My wife is selling her bike (upgrading to an SV650), and I was wondering how any of you handle test rides for potential buyers. I've read several horror stories ranging from wrecks to theft, and don't want the same to happen to us. Would a signed sheet of paper help out, or should I just say "too bad...buy it first"?

Maniac · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2005, 06:24:40 PM »

I personally wouldn't, unless maybe it was around an empty parking lot at low speed and even then I'd be iffy on it. If they insist, then I'd insist on them signing an agreement to not hold you liable for any damages, and to purchase the bike at the full price if they damage it. In fact, I might insist that they write out the check before you hand them the keys! If they decide they don't like the bike and haven't damaged it, it's always easy to tear up a check.

I've heard to many times of some idiot hopping on for a test ride, only to wreck the bike and say 'Nah, don't think I want it now'.

Also, make sure they have a valid motorcycle license!

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2005, 06:37:21 PM »

I'd even be wary of a check, could be a NSF. Put the cash in my hand, take it for a ride, if you like it, come back and I'll give you the title, if you don't, then you can have your cash back.

oremike · « **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2005, 09:16:40 PM »

I go with my gut feeling , I sold a 900 ninja to a guy I let test ride it twice. I told him right up front to follow me ( I was on my B12) and if he did anything stupid I'd punt him in to the ditch. I had a couple of kids that wanted a test ride, but didn't have any gear and got pissed when I told them no test rides. I felt the first guy was a buyer and the second were joy riders. It was interesting that the first guy when he came back asked if he/we could go for a brisker ride so he could get a better feeling of the ninjas handling and motor. I did ask if he had cash and he said yes so we rode the same route as befor and I led again only this time I gave him room to ride.
Mike M.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 17, 2005, 09:51:32 PM »

The super-cool gouges on my right engine case are the result of a test ride by a prospective buyer before I bought my B4.

snofrog · « **Reply #5 on:** April 17, 2005, 09:55:45 PM »

cash up front then ride .if he doesn`t have the cash, well then he doesnt have a bike

smooth operator · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2005, 10:02:15 PM »

You could offer to take them for a ride on it. Make sure they're wearing a helmet,give them passenger instructions. That way they can see that the bike runs,and your driving untill the $ is in your hand.

dsartwell1 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2005, 10:06:25 PM »

I think you'll be able to tell who should get a test ride and who shouldn't. If someone is serious about buying they'll probably have cash in hand and offer it as a deposit. Also, you can tell alot about a person by how they carry themselves and what their vehicle looks like. If they don't take care of their own stuff they sure won't take care of yours!

aussiebandit · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2005, 04:16:44 AM »

The only way I would let an unknown person ride my bike on a test run, whether I'm selling or if they just want to ride it, is under the following conditions

1. You break it, you bought it
2. I go with you either on a faster bike, or with you as pillion
3. You show me the colour of your money
4. You leave something behind of equal or greater value, the girlfriend/wife and kids should suffice
5. Only if I trust you.

This ofcourse goes out the window if you're a close trustworthy friend or a family member.

smooth operator · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2005, 08:06:41 AM »

When I was trying to sell my Bultaco Astro(many many moons ago) I would tell them right off not to even come waste my time if they were not experieced,and were plaing on racing it. I had several pepole who talked a good story, but when they would stall it trying to take off(1/2 mile gearing at the time) they were done. One guy made it 1/4 mile down the road befor he fouled the plug. He told me it ran great! He never got into the power band! The dude that wreck my Bandit also talked a good story,befor he asked to ride it. So do'nt believe anything they say,get the $ in your hand. just my 2 cents, Dan

Slider · « **Reply #10 on:** April 18, 2005, 07:22:59 PM »

I agree with getting the cash up front. "If you drop it, you bought it". With a cheque it could be bogus or stop paymented at his bank. A cerified cheque could be OK. Howe, even this can be reversed if he can make out some plausible fraud case out of it all, to his banker.

The weather sure is gorgeous here.

land_shark · « **Reply #11 on:** April 18, 2005, 08:06:20 PM »

Great advice, very much appreciated!

PeteSC · « **Reply #12 on:** April 18, 2005, 09:44:00 PM »

I'd be tempted to do some sort of compilation of all the above, if possible.
MAybe some sort of sale contract that gives the guy one hour to bring the bike back, with less than X additional miles, and without any damage, and they get the whole purchase price back. (or 95%)

You're gonna have all sorts of loonies show up and want to ride it.
A parking lot ride doesn't tell anyone much.
Maybe offer to take the bike to a mechanic they trust, and pay for, to check the bike over?

What's a shop gonna charge...$50 or so?

mike · « **Reply #13 on:** April 19, 2005, 03:59:56 AM »

Offer to take it for a ride (preplanned little route different speeds) and let them follow you in their car to see the bike is road worthy. They'll get a better idea of what it looks like on the road and sounds like at speed, as wel as see you're not trying to sell a scam. Otherwise give me cash or a cashiers check...take the title and quit wasting my time...