Test rides for used bikes?

[tailtips]

Morning all!

I currently have my 2006 Boulevard S40 up for sale (anyone wanna buy it?) and have picked out two used rides that I am tossing up and down for purchase. Unfortunately no purchase can be made until this one sells.

Would you let someone test ride your motorcycle prior to purchase? My initial feeling is no, if a dealship won't let you why should I? Plus all the issues of dropping, damaging the motorcycle, etc being under my name. I wanted your thoughts on this because this is the first time I've sold a motorcycle.

Thanks!

[Rickster]

I require perspective buyers to sign and date a release form stating that they know the dangers of riding a motorcycle, and assume all responsibility for there own safety, and the safety of others. It further states that if they damage the bike, they will buy it from me for my asking price. This will usually deter anyone just looking for a joy ride. Than I check there drivers license to see if they have a motorcycle endorsement on it, and i hold there license till the ride is over. In most cases, I will follow them on another bike, just to make sure they don't get "lost".

Another option is to offer to let them ride as passenger behind you.

[DrBob]

I've sold many a used bike. I do not give test rides, but I always give a 15-minute buy-back period. They pay me in full, I sign the bike over to them with the exact time on the bill of sale, and they take it for a spin. If they decide they don't want it and bring it back within 15 minutes without dropping or damaging it, I'll give them a full refund. That way if they wreck it, commit a crime, or abuse the bike on the 'test ride', it is none of my concern because its not my bike anymore.

[SNAFU]

Maybe just let them sit on it. If they want to see how it runs start it up and then let them watch you zip up and down on the street on it.

[POE-BOY SAMICH]

Originally Posted by DrBob

I do not give test rides, but I always give a 15-minute buy-back period. They pay me in full, I sign the bike over to them with the exact time on the bill of sale, and they take it for a spin. If they decide they don't want it and bring it back within 15 minutes without dropping or damaging it, I'll give them a full refund. That way if they wreck it, commit a crime, or abuse the bike on the 'test ride', it is none of my concern because its not my bike anymore.

hmmm...sounds like a pretty good idea.
I've never had to sell a used bike, but I'm keeping this one in mind.

[DrBob]

I've sold 9 or 10 used bikes, and the 'buy back period' works well. No one in their right mind would buy a used vehicle without driving it, but no one in their right mind would let a total stranger ride their bike, either. But this way both sides are protected: the seller from loss due to damage or theft, and the buyer from loss due to mechanical problems or simply not liking the bike. I've never had anyone want their money back, but one guy did drop the bike before he got out of the driveway, so I was pretty glad I already had his money.

I insist on this when buying a used bike from a private seller also. You won't find EVERY problem in 15 minutes, but you can sure find thousands of things that don't show up just sitting on the bike while it idles. If the seller refuses, I figure they have something to hide or the bike is in bad shape, so I walk away.

[tailtips]

That's an excellent idea DrBob. I'll run that by my significant other. Although being a whole three months out of a dealership and kept in a garage, only out to ride, I don't expect any problems at all to show up, it's as brand new as it gets.

Now I've found a used bike to buy but I can't until this one goes. So now I wait and advertise.

[DrBob]

What have you found to buy?

[tailtips]

a 1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200 for $3800. Great deal but I can't buy until I sell

sigh

[Rickster]

Not to dump water on your fire, but I seem to recall something about the 99 Bandit's having a lot of problems with there carbs. Might want to check on it.

[tailtips]

Thanks for mentioning that! I haven't gone and taken a look at the bike yet, but I will do some researching and see what I can find!

Dee

[dragbar]

I've never encountered anyone that did the sign off like Bob mentioned. But if I'm looking at a used bike, no way in hades I'm buying it without riding it, at least around the block.

[scotbro]

When I bought my '78 GS750, I took it around the block also. No way I could buy without riding, unless knew the bike did not run and was getting it to restore.