test drivers on your bike for sale?

[revrandy]

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No sensible dealer would let someone test ride a bike, neither should a private sale.

Twice I have bought bikes from dealers, one new and one used - in both cases the dealer let me take the bike for a ride. They also suggested a route I should take to get the feel of it, highway, city, cornering etc. Even a BMW dealership let me road test a used bike, no hassles at all.

In all cases I had to show them my DL and give them a copy of my insurance card (given back at the end of the ride). If I couldn't test drive the ride, I won't be buying it.

 

[JFD]

Dude, the best advice is to be cautious over trusting in a stranger.

The worst that can happen by not allowing a testride, is possibly no sale.
The list of bad things that can happen if you let him ride is much larger (theft, if they get hurt, if they damage public property or if they collide with another vehicle). Guess who's insurance will be dinged as being responsible?

 

[Low rider]

No Scott. My other job.

Fixing rolex watches gets you a test ride?

AFter riding more than 25 yrs, I fell over at 0 kmh beside a gast station (my own bike). Wasn't even moving-just lost my footing. Scratched the exhaust. Picked it up and continued the ride. Point is, that anyone can tip over, regardless of riding ability or experience.... etc. A foot in a diesel spill is all it'd take.

No one that I didn't already know on a personal level beforehand, would be allowed to test ride mine. Fact is, that if they even have a tiny 0kmh mishap, you can't force them to repair the bike......and if they don't buy it, you're SOL. ANd if it's way worse than a minor mishap? Then what?

 

[600f4ilover]

i would say.. cash in hand..butt on seat!!

 

[Baggsy]

[video=youtube;H7B9G0TE7Xk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7B9G0TE7Xk[/video]

 

[_eug_]

I guess it depends on what bike you are trying to sell. When I sold my DRZ 400, I let the buyer take it for a spin but thats because its pretty much bomb proof. Now when selling sports bikes or other expensive bikes with fairings, I would only let the person ride the bike after the cash is in hand AND all the paper work has been signed. I never had an issue all serious buyers understand.

 

[mototrek]

I sold 5 of my bikes since 2000. Guy can sit on, start, rev and listen to the engine. He is unfortunately unable to ride it because the insurance is expired and there's no plate. He also should have a full "M" or I don't want to sell to him. Next! Why? I am selling a bike, not hand holding some twit who has no experience.
Sorry.

 

[Power_Man]

That's hard to say.

When I bought both my bikes- 85 600 and 98 ZX9R they let me take it for a ride by myself. One guy even lent me his helmet.

 

[jc100]

Here's something else you can do. When I bought my last bike without a test ride I told the owner that I would write up a contract stating that if the bike didn't pass an inspection by a mechanic then I would get a full refund, I had clauses put in that if the items were minor (such as tires or brake pads etc) then I'd still buy the bike, but if it was engine or bent frame etc then full refund. We all agreed on this and then the bike went off to be inspected and safetied. When a seller agrees to these kinds of things I think you can be reasonably sure the deal is legit and the bike is probably OK. Worked out fine for me.

 

[Dohhh]

Sold my last sport bike to a friend. I actually let him ride it for a few days while i was away. When i sold my dirtbike i let the buyers buddy ride it, he ended up buying it on the spot.
On the other hand i had a 20-21 year old guy come in and take a look at my 05 600 who just got his M1 lol, told him to come back when he has the cash and never heard from him again. You just gotta use your head a lil and you'll be fine

Also every bike i have ever purchased i test drove it, no test drive and i walk away.

 

[Gnu]

NEVER LET SOMEONE TEST RIDE YOUR BIKE. If you are selling your bike you never let someone test ride it. You can see it very easily if a bike has been abused, and the only thing that someone can tell on a bike is the gearing. If the shift forks are bent, then riding it is an easy way of telling, BUT the fact that if they drop your bike..... Well that outways everything. No sensible dealer would let someone test ride a bike, neither should a private sale.

There are too many test riders out there.

Ride Safe.

So I guess you never test drive a car or truck you have bought? You just look at it and can magically tell if it is OK or not. That is the stupidest advice I have ever heard.

 

[adri]

I sold 5 of my bikes since 2000. Guy can sit on, start, rev and listen to the engine. He is unfortunately unable to ride it because the insurance is expired and there's no plate. He also should have a full "M" or I don't want to sell to him. Next! Why? I am selling a bike, not hand holding some twit who has no experience.
Sorry.

Yikes. I'm at around 50k km on 4 years riding with an M2. Sorry not having a full M classifies me as a "twit with no experience" in your books. I'll be sure not to come running with pockets full of cash when I see your bikes listed.

Clearly unworthy of your presence, pardon my wasting your time with this post

 

[Pocket]

no test drive and i walk away.

this

 

[Nofear]

Here's something else you can do. When I bought my last bike without a test ride I told the owner that I would write up a contract stating that if the bike didn't pass an inspection by a mechanic then I would get a full refund, I had clauses put in that if the items were minor (such as tires or brake pads etc) then I'd still buy the bike, but if it was engine or bent frame etc then full refund. We all agreed on this and then the bike went off to be inspected and safetied. When a seller agrees to these kinds of things I think you can be reasonably sure the deal is legit and the bike is probably OK. Worked out fine for me.

Would you mind posting a draft of that contract for everyone to see? I think many people looking to buy a used bike would appreciate it

 

[Scuba Steve]

NEVER LET SOMEONE TEST RIDE YOUR BIKE. If you are selling your bike you never let someone test ride it. You can see it very easily if a bike has been abused, and the only thing that someone can tell on a bike is the gearing. If the shift forks are bent, then riding it is an easy way of telling, BUT the fact that if they drop your bike..... Well that outways everything. No sensible dealer would let someone test ride a bike, neither should a private sale.

There are too many test riders out there.

Ride Safe.

I have taken most bikes I bought out for a test ride the only ones I haven't were brand new. Most dealers will let you test ride if you are serious.

 

[Green Meenie]

I sold my wife's bike last year and let someone ride it. He came saw it and he talked about the other bikes he had owned. The bike I was selling was a 250 so I was confident he'd be able to handle it fine. I got a sense that he was both serious about buying and a resopnsible person too. I had my own bike so I went along on the ride with him. We had a great ride that lasted about 30 minutes or so and he bought it right after the ride - didn't even haggle about price. It's really a judgement call, for me anyway. I might not let someone ride the bike, depending on the situation. To each their own. I'm not trying to sell anybody else on doing it but it worked out great for me. You can only control some factors; there's risk involved for sure.

 

[biglou]

What do dealerships do when prospective buyers come in and ask for test drives?

 

[Sushii]

Don't let him ride it. Have him tag along in his car while you put your bike through it's paces. Your bike insurance does not cover him either.

His insurance will cover the test rider.

What do dealerships do when prospective buyers come in and ask for test drives?

They have any damage covered under their insurance. Just like test rides. I don't think YOUR covered though. Just the vehicle.

 

[slowbird]

I can understand why you wouldn't let someone ride the bike if they don't have the cash to give as a deposit...but on the otherhand, if I go look at a bike I'm not gonna bring thousands of dollars in cash with me.

I went to go look at a bike recently that I suspected had some running issues....kid wouldn't let me take the bike for a spin so I'm not gonna buy it.

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