Triumphrat

can_aktar · 07-24-2008

Hi all,

I am selling my bike and will have someone coming over this weekend to look at it. He said that he would want to ride the bike.

This is my first bike sale so I don't know if I should let him ride or not. What do you guys suggest?

Thanks for your help

Medic09 · 07-24-2008

I honestly think it is a judgement call. If they ride up on a bike, and look like they know what they're doing, and have cash in hand, I would consider it. Tell them to bring a photocopy of their driver's license WITH MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT, and leave a deposit with you. They shouldn't need more than 15 minutes so they can ride a bit and get up to speed on a local stretch of highway. Every bike we've bought (4, not counting my project bike), I have test ridden first. For my wife's bike, we both test rode.

If you have another bike, go with him and lead him around some good stretch of road. That's how the PO sold me my Sprint. After following him on his Wes Cooley replica for about 20 miles, I was sold!

If it is a kid getting his first bike, or they just look creepy, then decline.

No joy rides. Serious buyers only!

BTW, check that your insurance covers other riders. It probably should, just like your car.

One of the Honda dealers I go to here does not allow test rides for liability reasons. I don't know how you sell new bikes that way; but they do a good business. Our local Triumph dealer allows test rides, and it has been scary sometimes watching as they leave the parking lot.

LightningJack · 07-24-2008

I agree it's a judgment call. When I was a little kid, my brother was selling his '72 Kawasaki 750 H2 which he had modified extensively. When a prospective buyer came along, my brother was not at home at the time; however, my other brother was there and let the guy take it for a test ride. The fellow laid it down in the neighborhood with my other brother riding on the back. He got skinned up a bit. My brother told the guy he had to buy the motorcycle at that point, because if he didn't, our older brother would probably kill him for crashing his bike. He bought it then and there!

can_aktar · 07-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medic09

I honestly think it is a judgement call. If they ride up on a bike, and look like they know what they're doing, and have cash in hand, I would consider it. Tell them to bring a photocopy of their driver's license WITH MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT, and leave a deposit with you. They shouldn't need more than 15 minutes so they can ride a bit and get up to speed on a local stretch of highway. Every bike we've bought (4, not counting my project bike), I have test ridden first. For my wife's bike, we both test rode.

If you have another bike, go with him and lead him around some good stretch of road. That's how the PO sold me my Sprint. After following him on his Wes Cooley replica for about 20 miles, I was sold!

If it is a kid getting his first bike, or they just look creepy, then decline.

No joy rides. Serious buyers only!

BTW, check that your insurance covers other riders. It probably should, just like your car.

One of the Honda dealers I go to here does not allow test rides for liability reasons. I don't know how you sell new bikes that way; but they do a good business. Our local Triumph dealer allows test rides, and it has been scary sometimes watching as they leave the parking lot.

Thanks for your insight. The guy will be driving 120 miles to see the bike and he's expecting to take a test ride. Should I let him know beforehand that a test ride would not be possible? I really don't know how to word this without scaring him away.

Medic09 · 07-24-2008

Well, it is up to you. When I've gone to see a bike (we've always bought used bikes) I like to have clear communications up front before I get there. That also sets the tone for any other communication and negotiations. I'd rather be told clearly and ahead of time what to expect. Especially when I've had to drive an hour or more just to see the bike.

You may lose the sale without a test ride; but that is your and the buyer's prerogatives.

Jamo · 07-24-2008

Depends if he has tattoos and body piercings and snot dripping out his nose. I generally say no to people I don't know personally. If he's really a buyer, that might be different. Some people go look at bikes just for the test ride and don't nitend to buy.

miker · 07-25-2008

Why not have a mate come around and keep an eye on things for you.

In my experience they may turn up with a freind. If they do, it's often good to have another with you. Another point to make is that if they are coming to your place you may think about meeting them somewhere away from your place. You just never know.

If they are expecting a ride, do everything others have suggested, but keep the copy of their license while they are riding. If they turn up on a bike, swap bikes and take them for a ride using their bike. If they turn up in a car, check that it's their car and hold the keys. (of course this is no good if they nicked the car!)

Gut feel, if you like them let them ride, if not don't.

Mick

2bugeyez · 07-25-2008

My test ride rules:

You may test ride the bike as long as you hand over the purchase price in CASH as a security deposit.

I will hold the security deposit until you come back & AFTER I have inspected the bike to make sure it's in the same condition as when you left on the test ride.

If you crash it, you just bought it.

NO EXCEPTIONS!

fivehundo · 07-25-2008

If they have cash in hand, I'd let them ride. Otherwise, no way...

skiTTles · 07-25-2008

I thought the rule of thumb was if they want to ride it they give you the cash first. If they crash it they bought it. If they want it they bought it. If they didn't crash it and don't want it the money is fully refundable.

Or you hit them over the head and keep both.