This is the first bike I have listed to sell myself. 06 Sportster I am wondering how you deal with people wanting a test ride. I want to sell it but I don't want anyone hurt nor do I want the bike damaged. I also don't want tire kickers coming around just to ride a bike. Do require money up front or just hope everything works out. I would trade it in on the next one but the only offered $1500 in trade and I think I can do better. Thanks.

 

Money in hand before ride.

 

It's at my discretion. Guy shows up on a bike and u turns seamlessly into a parking spot, he gets to ride. A guy shows up in a beat up minivan he needs to have cash with him. I have the luxury of being able to ride along with anyone wishing to try my bike, so theft isn't a concern.

 

Show me the money first,last bike I sold to a friend so it wasn't an issue.Sold my '93 Low Rider to a guy who never even took a test ride.

 

When I was selling my hardtail, this kid came over to look at it. He said he had a Honda 350 and had ridden before. I warned him it wasn't a Honda and would handle differently. The engine was built to the 9's, raked frame (steered like a go cart), and Barnett racing clutch. One of the reasons I was selling it was because it was such a handful.
He put the cash in my hand with the understanding it would be returned if he brought the bike back unharmed and didn't like it.
He got about 150 yards to the stop sign and then dropped it. Nothing was hurt, and he loved the bike, so it sold.
After building it from the ground up, it was kinda hard to watch though.

 

 

Might depend on how bad you want to sell, and how much interest you get in the bike. If your only prospect wants a test ride or he/shewill walk, what would you do? Risk a test ride for a possible sale, or roll the dice? When I sold my last bike I let the guy test ride. He had my asking price in cash, and bought the bike. The only other interested party was an idiot who didn't show up to look at the bike when we arranged the time, and he kept trying to jack around on my asking price. No way would I have let him test ride.

 

He or she can watch me ride it, or maybe I'll take him or her for a ride.

 

This is like a double edged sword.

Put yourself in the other position. You are buying a used bike from an individual.
How many would insist on a test ride before making the purchase? I would think most would.

On the other hand, you are selling your bike.
How many would refuse test rides? I would think most would say "no test rides".

Quite the dilemma!

 

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I have purchased at least 50 bikes and tested very very few. I wouldn't dream of asking a harley seller to allow a test drive. But i would ride if a test was offered.
You decide. But I feel strongly that NOBODY is obligated to allow a test ride of their motorcycle. If someone damages your bike in a test ride you hold all of the responsibility.