Opinons on Test Rides ?
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: SE WI
NO ride, no sale.As mentioned, worse case test ride policy is potential buyer hands over the $$, takes a test ride, if no deal, buyer gets money back. However, there probably are dickbags that wouldn't return teh money, causing bigger issues.
FWIW, I've only bought 2 bikes from private parties, and test rode both no problem, no money down. When I sold bikes, I'd make sure to see a DL, and felt easier about giving test rides when teh buyer showed up on a bike themselves. The seller should have a general feel about teh buyer, so that should sway your decision.
FWIW, I've only bought 2 bikes from private parties, and test rode both no problem, no money down. When I sold bikes, I'd make sure to see a DL, and felt easier about giving test rides when teh buyer showed up on a bike themselves. The seller should have a general feel about teh buyer, so that should sway your decision.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: newnan georgia
You hold the entire amount your asking in cash and they can ride all they want. Set it up on the 1st phone call like that and you have no risk, they drop it, wreck it, or blow it up, they bought it. Say all this up front and it works great for both parties
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
when I bought my first harley it had 1200 miles on it
I handed the man 18,900.00 before i took the bike on
a test ride. Now if I had not liked the bike he would have
given me back 18,900.00 and we would have parted
in a frindely manner.
I handed the man 18,900.00 before i took the bike on
a test ride. Now if I had not liked the bike he would have
given me back 18,900.00 and we would have parted
in a frindely manner.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
I would not finalize the deal without a test ride, but I would not ask for one unless I had decided to buy the bike. The last used bike I sold, the guy handed me an envelope with the cash for the bike and asked to check it out. Your insurance should also cover the bike as long as the driver has a valid motorcycle endorsement.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
Also I always thought that through inplied consent you where covered under you vehicle insurance.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: Southeast Wisconsin
I've been told it's not uncommon practice for your motorcycle insurance to only cover people on your insurance and that's it.
I think I'd feel uncomfortable with someone riding it because even if they HAVE a motorcycle license whose to say they didn't just walk outta their last MSF class or jump off their 250cc bike they just learned how to do a slow turn without dropping it.
I think I'd feel uncomfortable with someone riding it because even if they HAVE a motorcycle license whose to say they didn't just walk outta their last MSF class or jump off their 250cc bike they just learned how to do a slow turn without dropping it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
I remember more than one dealer telling me they don't allow test rides. I ask them, "you expect me to trust you with $20K, yet you won't trust me with one of your units"? They come back with the same excuse, "Our insurance won't cover it". I tell them, well my insurance does.
It still didn't work. So as am walking out I tell them to get an insurance policy that does cover test rides. Then they can add the $50 to the OTD price to cover it. Their come back was, we got customers that will buy without a test ride". Those are suckers in my book..
Last month I traded my Gold Wing for a 5 month old Road King to a fellow rider. We both allowed one another long test rides. No problems, no issues.
I won't buy a vehicle ever again without a test ride. Been burnt once and it was on a brand new sport bike that the ergos was so uncomfortable I brouth it right back to the dealer that told me I had to deal with it or lose $700. I took the loss and he lost a great former customer.
It still didn't work. So as am walking out I tell them to get an insurance policy that does cover test rides. Then they can add the $50 to the OTD price to cover it. Their come back was, we got customers that will buy without a test ride". Those are suckers in my book..
Last month I traded my Gold Wing for a 5 month old Road King to a fellow rider. We both allowed one another long test rides. No problems, no issues.
I won't buy a vehicle ever again without a test ride. Been burnt once and it was on a brand new sport bike that the ergos was so uncomfortable I brouth it right back to the dealer that told me I had to deal with it or lose $700. I took the loss and he lost a great former customer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
Only you can qualify the customer to your satisfaction. If one drives up in a Late model Benz wearing a gold Rolex watch that cost more than your motorcycle and has a valid MC licence along with cash. He's qualified in my book.