Opinons on Test Rides ?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 5
been there done that about a year and a half ago i bought a 2005 roadking for my wife glacier pearle white the bike was gorgous. i didnt ride it i bought on the spot had 6000 miles on it. took it to laughlin nevada 7 spokes on the rear tire broke throttle cable broke rear brakes were bad electrical problems. as soon as i got back i fixed everything and sold it i broke even. i will never buy another bike without test riding again. if iam in the market to buy again i will hand them the cash and ride it if i like it he keeps the cash. if iam selling give me the cash u can ride it. the guy i bought from never serviced the bike thats was the whole problem with the bike it wasnt a lemon or defective he just didnt maintain the bike as far as servicing it .
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I have sold several and bought several following this policy.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Why not take them for a ride on back (bitch) so they know it's condition? Otherwise I've had possible buyers hand over the ca$h before any test drive - always worked & they you're good if anything happens. This weeds out the "lookers" vs. "buyers." Good luck w/the sale!
Rotflmao!
Saw the Mayhem Man taking a bike for a test ride. Thought it was appropriate to post the video here for a couple of laughs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7B9G...el_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7B9G...el_video_title
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
Better to have a pro do a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
When I sold my Shadow, the buyer didn't ride yet so it was no problem
When I was looking to buy, at least one seller told me I could test ride his RKC if 1) I had a bike license and 2) showed up on a bike too. Sounded reasonable
But I could see myself being real reluctant to give test rides with the EGC
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 3
From: Eastern KY
A few years ago I was helping a buddy of mine buy a bike. The seller's deal went like this:
If you're interested in the bike, he'd split an inspection by a certified mechanic (he had a few he'd work with). It rain about $50 total, so $25 split.
If the mechanic signed off on it, and you had cash, THEN you were free to test ride it.
That seemed like a smart deal to me. You got a mechanic's perspective, plus the test ride. And it helped weed out Looky Lou's.
If you're interested in the bike, he'd split an inspection by a certified mechanic (he had a few he'd work with). It rain about $50 total, so $25 split.
If the mechanic signed off on it, and you had cash, THEN you were free to test ride it.
That seemed like a smart deal to me. You got a mechanic's perspective, plus the test ride. And it helped weed out Looky Lou's.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 2
When I was selling my last bike I allowed a test ride. I wouldnt buy a bike without a test ride new or used. When I picked up the roadking used I test road it. I understand it can be nerve racking so I guess you would just have to trust your judgement on how the person was acting before you let them test drive it.