I wouldn't get mad at them, I understand how they feel, but I would simply walk away. I've not seen any used motorcycles for sale that are such a great deal that I'd buy one without test riding it, assuming it's being sold as being able to ride or something I'm buying to ride right after buying it. Obviously if you're buying a project or some collector bike and you know up front you're going to have to do or have work done to it first, that's different.

 

I did walk away after we had an argument about the test ride I didn't get. I think he wants top dollar and I would have given him that. Maybe why it's been for sale for 2 years. I had $8500 in cash with me and a trailer, Oh well the best part about finding one is the hunt. I'll hunt on down the road.
Thanks, guys for your options I see it's about 50/50 on those test rides. I have bought 11 used bikes well 3 from dealers so 8 from private owner and I rode all of them first. Maybe that why there are so many for sale no one is letting anyone test ride them.

 

Cars, trucks, bikes and women all get a test ride before committing. If I can't test ride, I don't buy.

Whatever I'm selling, I let people test ride if they have the proper licenses. I hold the license or make a copy. I make a judgment call based on my gut and conversation, whether they are a buyer or a tire kicker. I will allow test rides not joy rides. It hasn't failed me yet.

Maybe that's why I'm not one of the people that have vehicles for sale for several months or longer.

 

Good move. NO ride NO buy. Simple. Never have I had a problem with test ride or drive, and have walked away after ride/drive from problems that showed up.

 

I would not buy it without a test ride. Prime example, I drove 3 hours with a trailer to pickup a 2012 deluxe with low mileage. We agreed he could hold the cash and if I decided against it and didn't drop it I would get my money back. Well right off I could tell something was wrong since the bars weren't lined up straight with the direction of travel and when I took my hands off the bars it would go into a wobble. No thanks, got my cash back and drove home.

 

From a quick google search:

In cases where you are looking at a motorcycle that is being sold “private party” or independently (not through a dealership), you will need to ask about insurance. For example, if you are purchasing a motorcycle off of Craigslist or a popular auction site, but want to test it out before buying it, you will need insurance. You cannot assume that the seller has insurance unless you request to see proof of coverage and they show you. Also make sure that it is legitimate and not a fake insurance card.

During a private party test ride, you may or may not be covered for liability in the event of an accident. This completely depends on state laws and what is legally required. If you are still concerned, you could pick up either a temporary or “non-owner” insurance policy for protection driving a motorcycle that you do not own. These types of policies typically provide liability protection, but no physical damage to the motorcycle being driven.

Clearly there are risks, particularly if the owner's insurance specifically denies coverage on test rides.

 

That's a typical mindset of sellers here. Some guys are way too emotional about their bikes.

F with him - tell him you'll get on the back and make him ride you around if that's the way he wants to sell it.

 

I can see both sides. Obviously if you're putting out the cash you want to be sure the bike works. I can also see the sellers point. There are too many new and/or terrible riders out there that have no business being on big heavy bikes until they get more riding experience. How is a seller supposed to distinguish between that an experienced rider just by appearance? Anyone can look the part. I've handed the keys over to my bikes to people without cash in hand and I've also sold bikes without someone test riding them. I guess where I get lost with the thread starter is if you were there ready to buy with cash in hand then whats harm in handing over the cash for the test ride with the stipulation you get it back if you change your mind? It takes a leap of faith on both sides. I think it's less likely the seller is going to run off with the cash then someone run off with their bike. And no I'm not suggesting the thread starter is a thief I'm just saying sometimes you need to somewhere in the middle for the cash for test ride.

 

F*ck with me like that and you'll find yourself standing alone in front of a closed garage....I don't need to sell anything bad enough to deal with a punk with an attitude.

 

So that guy called me back last night and said if I give him the cash in hand I can test ride it. I asked if I ride my bike over can we just trade bikes and go for a 5 mile or so test ride. For some reason, he just doesn't want me to ride that bike unless he has the money in his hand. I asked him to put in writing that nothing is wrong with the bike he won't do that either. He is a hard one to deal with, I'll look for another Softail Custom to buy. Like I said it's been for sale for 2 years for a reason. I can't be the only guy that loves these bikes. Thanks, everyone for the help and advice it all helped me to walk away from this one.