Let a potental buyer test ride?
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Let a potental buyer test ride?
I am trying to sell my Street Glide and have never sold such an expensive bike before.
If a possible buyer wanted to test ride a bike you had for sale, what would you do? I am thinking about asking for a cash deposit of $500 to $1,000.
Course I need a potential buyer first...
Jon
If a possible buyer wanted to test ride a bike you had for sale, what would you do? I am thinking about asking for a cash deposit of $500 to $1,000.
Course I need a potential buyer first...
Jon
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Heard of a guy that showed up with his truck and dog to take a test ride on this harley. Handed the guy the keys to his truck with the dog in the cab. Guy never came back with the bike... Turns out the truck and dog were stolen.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 71
From: Tennessee
I think you will have trouble getting someone to pony up a $500/1000 deposit just for a test ride. Around here things may be more relaxed but I have never had a seller refuse a request to take a bike out for a quick ride. That includes one case where he knew that I was inspecting the bike for a buyer out of state.
Spend some time talking to the potential buyer. You should be able to tell pretty quickly whether he is a motorcycle guy and capable of handing an 800 lb bike. If you have suspicions, politely refuse, and offer to let the buyer follow you on a ride. If he wants to ride the bike just because he has never ridden that model and wants to see if he likes it, tell him to check out a Harley demo day.
If something does happen on a test ride, that's what insurance is for, right?
Spend some time talking to the potential buyer. You should be able to tell pretty quickly whether he is a motorcycle guy and capable of handing an 800 lb bike. If you have suspicions, politely refuse, and offer to let the buyer follow you on a ride. If he wants to ride the bike just because he has never ridden that model and wants to see if he likes it, tell him to check out a Harley demo day.
If something does happen on a test ride, that's what insurance is for, right?
Eh, I would require proof of valid motorcycle license and a copy of their insurance card. I would imagine that their insurance would cover any incidental damage. Honestly, I wouldn't buy a used bike without riding it first, so I wouldn't think I could sell a Street Glide without offering a test ride.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
A deposit of the full asking price with the specific provision stating 'If you break it, you own it'.
Last edited by baka1969; Dec 5, 2012 at 03:03 PM.
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 10
From: San Angelo, Texas
I will buy and sell 5-6 bikes a year, and my policy is this...if you want to test ride it, fine, license, proof of insurance and proof of ability to purchase, and sign a release stating that if something should happen, they are now the proud owner of the bike. Never had anyone baulk at that other than a kid who just wanted a joy ride. If the buyer happens to be someone I know or a friend of a friend, I might ease up a bit. And the ride consist of BOTH of us riding, they lead, I follow.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Arkansas
That's a tough question. I never offered test rides on all of the bikes I sold but one and it was 5 years old which is understandable why a buyer would want to test it out. I did request DL with motorcycle endorsement, proof of current insurance, and them signing a form stating they are responsible for any damages that occur while they are riding it. If it's a newer Harley....I doubt I would offer it.