I think with a big money bike like an HD I am not going to let someone test ride the bike without money in hand. I'm also reluctant about that much cash.
I think my tactic would be to have them come and look at it, if they are sure they want it we can go to my bank and ask them to give me cash to hold. At least at the bank they can inspect the cash and be sure its legit. If they ride the bike and find something wrong I'll give them their money back. If they crash it then they bought a bike.
Its a real consideration. I had a person nearly drop a bike on a test ride and fortunately I had the cash in hand.
Might also be wise to check with your insurance and see where you stand letting someone test ride your bike.

 

I would hate to think of the Legal outcome if they were to hurt someone with "your" bike...

 

When I bought my bike, I asked the seller if he could ride the bike around the block while I watched. Was enough for me to know the bike ran and shifted into gear.

You can always offer that up.

 

How I do:

I offer and advertise a 24 hour 100 mile approval period with full asking price. I offer service records and "tech support" if they have questions down the road.
My pricing is determined from KBB and comps....be prepared that finding the "right buyer" may take awhile- weeks or months even.
the "right buyer" is the one who is looking for exactly what you have for sale- the more personalized for you, the more buyers are excluded.
( When selling a '53 FL, I took 9 months for a Guy 1/2 way across the country to hear about my bike...)


I wrote up a detailed description and have ready answers to likely questions from the caller
I remove accs I may want for the next ride.
Buyer covers all costs to title, Notarize etc. if bike is returned.

So we write up this contract and have him initial photos of the bike in condition when sold.

That way if he drops it, he is on his own. Sorry.


Craigslist ad- include a google voice number which forwards to your phone
You can also list on the forums classifieds.

many dead end phone calls from Guys who have no idea what they want or what i am selling.

you quickly learn to filter those out- and can block them on google voice.


once someone expresses real interest, you meet them at a location with cameras- such as your bank.

they can look, smell, touch etc.

I can take a video of them with the bike to document condition- I can also catch their friend and car plate too.

If they want it, we go inside the bank and I have the title transfer notarized and they make financial arrangements, whether wire or cash ( NO CASHIERS CHECKS).

Then they ride off and I have not had a bike returned.
I am upfront about what I am selling.

I am not a dealer, but I have alot of stuff- I buy or sell 1 or 2 vehicles each year.


---seen/heard too many stories about bikes being stolen, houses being "cased" and accidents.
Just because a buyer shows up in a Benz...what happens if he takes off on the bike...and you find out you have a stolen Benz dumped on your curb.
You need to protect yourself.

Mike

 

As for me, I look at it as a bike I no longer want, so....

Meet in a parking lot, a large parking lot, he can test it in the large parking lot.
Money to hold is my deductible if he drops it. I take a picture with my cell phone of his DL and email it to myself. If I get jacked than it is a police report and insurance claim and I have his DL number.

Wants to buy it, I ride the bike to the bank nearby by the parking lot and make the transaction there so the buyer knows the money went straight into the bank and i don't have it. I get to tell the buyer where and when to meet me, not the other way around.

Also if your state needs it to be notarized than they can in the bank.
Cash only or a known bank check or put it on their credit card there in the bank.

Other observation, you have a 2012 Ultra, and you are talking 18k for it? May want to check what the current selling prices are going for. Several of us have bought them for below trade price. Don't expect to the the same price as a dealer will. KBB Trade on that bike is 15.4k depending on condition and miles.

 

YUP, same here! I do however visually check their license + make sure your insurance covers them on the test ride. My insurance cos said OK with endorsement but not covered if learner permit.

 

1. I usually let a responsible looking person ride the bike.

2. I don't take cash, check, paypal, or anything. I have his/her bank contact my bank and do an internal bank transfer or whatever they need to do. This is why we have banks. Easy.

When my bank clears the transaction... they get the bike.

 

My answers are in bold bud. That would be my suggestion for selling your bike privately. Also be ready for people to throw cash in your face and it may be a significantly lower price than your asking. For example, if you're asking $10k, someone may come and flash $8k cash in an attempt for you to bite. Everyone wants to get the best deal on anything they buy, but the seller also needs to feel comfortable with the price. Just be patient and agree on a number where you and the buyer feel good.

 

Exactly how I feel. Who the hell walks around with $20k just for bike shopping?

 

And just what will you do if something like this happens??