Hey guys those of you who either sold your own bike to a private buyer or bought from a private seller, how was 'a test ride' handled? Do you tell the potential buyer you can't ride it, or do you check to see he is licensed and 'trust' him with your motorcycle? Thanks.

 

When I bought my current ride it was from a guy I knew over 20 years who knew I've ridden for over 40 years. He was selling the bike for a friend. I asked for a test ride and he said after the money is in my hand you can ride it. If your happy we will do the paper work, if not and you didn't damage the bike I will hand your money back. Worked for me.

 

Cash deposit, you determine how much needs to be put down..

I also put in my C-list add No Joy Rides !!

 

When I sold my '75, the guy asked if he could ride it. I said no because if he crashed, I'd be out a bike. But I told him I'd take him anywhere he wanted to go. I did and he bought the bike.

If they can't understand the logic about letting just anyone ride your bike, I'd tell them to move on because it ain't gonna happen.

 

I'm all about the deposit. When I was buying, I brought $500 with me, but the guy let me ride it on a handshake. I guess I seemed honest enough.

When I was selling, I wan't going to let it happen without something down, but the kid didn't even test ride it. Gave me the money, we did the paper work and his buddy rode it away (because he still had his learners!)

 

Just sold one of my bikes. I told the potential buyer that no test rides would take place. However, I would sell him the bike - purchase price paid in full in cash - and if within 15 minutes, if he returned it to me in the same condition it left, I would refund his money. He accepted that, gave me the cash, and test rode the bike. He liked it and loaded it onto his truck.

I do it this way for a few reasons. One - if the bike crashes, disappears, etc., I've already been paid for it, it's his when he crashed. Second, I carry a lot of UM coverage. If I still own the bike when he test rides it, and he gets in an accident - his fault or not - MY UM coverage would have to pay, and my rate would go up.

Never had a problem with this method.

 

Something like this. Full cash deposit of the asking price. If someone is serious about purchasing, this shouldn't be an issue. If it is, I let them walk.

 

I sold one of my bikes across the country without a test ride and when I sold my other bike, the buyer just wanted me to start it up to confirm it was in running order. No issues with never test riding.

 

For me it is simple, wanna test ride my bike, give me the money first. The only exception to that rule is if I know the person and have ridden with him/her before.

 

Sold my ricer about 2 weeks ago. Buyer drove 60 miles to get to my house, so I knew he was serious. We agreed on a price that was contingent on a satisfactory test drive. He came with cash, gave me enough to cover our agreed price, and he took a short drive.
Came back, said "I'll take it", and we did the deal. Drove the bike home from there.

He was a very easy person to deal with- He came prepared to buy, made a very reasonable offer and didn't nitpick over every little thing. Very rare on a Craig's List sale, from my experience.