test ride ---or ---no
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 815
Likes: 28
From: Ontario, Canada
I would not allow anyone to test ride my bike. If needed I would gladly take them for a 1 hour ride in the bytch seat. That way they can see how the bike works. If they are against that then they don't want the bike that badly and are just out kickin tires.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
Here's what I did when selling my Sporty. You offer them a 15 minute money-back warranty. Explanantion:
1) Let them hear the bike and inspect it.
2) Settle on a price. They pay in full, cash. You sign a bill of sale noting the date & time.
3) Take a couple pictures of them standing behind each side of the bike. Thid documents bike's condition upon sale. (Make sure your camera's date & time are set correctly.)
4) They now own the bike. If they hate it, they have 15 minutes to ride it back to you in the same condition as the pictures.
This satisfies the buyer wanting a test ride and it protects you from some dumb-*** dropping the bike while you still own it.
My buyer was thrilled and paid full asking price.
1) Let them hear the bike and inspect it.
2) Settle on a price. They pay in full, cash. You sign a bill of sale noting the date & time.
3) Take a couple pictures of them standing behind each side of the bike. Thid documents bike's condition upon sale. (Make sure your camera's date & time are set correctly.)
4) They now own the bike. If they hate it, they have 15 minutes to ride it back to you in the same condition as the pictures.
This satisfies the buyer wanting a test ride and it protects you from some dumb-*** dropping the bike while you still own it.
My buyer was thrilled and paid full asking price.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 771
Likes: 15
From: Cartersville, Georgia
Having sold several bikes there is only one way ... cash in hand and signed bill of sale before a test ride, no exceptions! Just sold my Night Rod last Sunday with no issues and it was advertised for only two weeks. Real buyers understand the process, if they don't, they are not a real buyer. Be sure to advertise it this way so there are no questions and you may want to include no test rides in inclement weather .... you don't want to have to detail it again if the deal falls through.
This procedure is also essential with built vehicles ... I sold my 600 hp Camaro last October .... rides only, no imclement weather and cash in hand for a test drive. The ultimate buyer bought it after only hearing it run ... no ride or test ride! Have also sold a 450 hp Lightning the same way.
You can never be too careful as a buyer or a seller.
This procedure is also essential with built vehicles ... I sold my 600 hp Camaro last October .... rides only, no imclement weather and cash in hand for a test drive. The ultimate buyer bought it after only hearing it run ... no ride or test ride! Have also sold a 450 hp Lightning the same way.
You can never be too careful as a buyer or a seller.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: Randleman, NC
Had a friend who let a guy test ride his wifes customized SG, had guy write a check for selling cost & he held it & dr.lic. until guy came back. Guy totaled the bike, cops showing up to see registration, insurance & the guys license was how he found out. As soon as cop left he went to bank & cashed the check. It pays to be extra careful.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 2,860
From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
LOTS of great answers here. I'd say judge every potential buyer on a case-by-case basis, but in every case, check the license for the proper motorcycle endorsement, ask to see the money, and then decide whether he/she gets to fly or not.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,157
Likes: 2,564
From: CT/FL
+1 If listening to it run in the driveway isn't enough, I'd take the seller for a ride thru the gears, not for an hour - it's not like he's comparing the ride and handling to other bikes - he just wants to be sure there are no major problems with the bike. It's not like a car where you worry about front end alignment or brakes pulling. Joe
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: Indian Trail, NC
Hell no. A license is not collateral either. They can watch you ride it, and give you the cash. Their test ride can be the ride home.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
I sold a bike and during the call to set a meet and great, the buyer said a test ride was a must. I said no problem, bring cash, bring an insurance card with your name on it (doesnt matter what vehicle), and your license. He showed up and gave me the insurance card, cash and his license, he got on the bike I was selling, and I got on my other bike, and we went for a drive. about half a mile. when he returned, we loaded up the bike, shook hands and he was happy. Me being on a bike helps my confort level that no stunts are going to happen and local laws were going to be obey'd. His insurance card covers any accidendets and the cash will pay for any damage due to operator error.
