Test ride when selling

[veracocha]

Morning all. I think I know the answer but just checking how others go about it. I have my bike up for sale and someone (unknown to me) wants to test ride. I have advised I require the full amount as payment and then if they don't the the bike I transfer it back. I think it's just too risky to let a stranger take the bike away without any form of security. Even if they arrive by car there's no guarantee that car's legit? Any advice?

[RAYK47]

Really diffucult one this as i would never buy a vehicle of any type without test riding/driving first.  with a bike that is a pain.  You also have the insurance debate as well, are they insured to ride it, does that insurance cover repairs if they should damage it, likely not as most any bike insurance is only for any damage to 3rd parties.  

 

 

[Blackholesun]

I've always trusted the buyer but tbh but not been stung as yet . Depends on their name imo as have sold things before on FB and you can tell a time waster half the time just by their name 

[manxie49]

It is an awkward one this.  When I've sold a bike privately I either want the full amount, cash in hand or bank transfer, which I refund if they don't want it. I also insist on them providing proof of insurance to ride.  On top of that I used a document, that I blagged of the internet, which they signed, to say they would carry responsibility for and pay for any damage done whilst test riding, not sure if it would stand up in court, but better than nothing.  All very much a pain in the arse. Mostly, on the occasions I have sold privately, buyers have been satisfied with me taking them for a spin as pillion.  Not the same as riding, but better than nothing.  Another option is to sell through a local dealer.  Some dealers will sell your bike for you, the downside is they take a 10% cut of the proceeds, maybe even more now, but I do know of a couple of dealers that offer this service.

[husoi]

Anyone wanting to test ride a bike I'm selling will leave cash in hand with me.

If they have any reason to want to return it.

Then I will give the money back as long.

1 the reason is valid

2 the bike is exactly as they received it.

 

I won't sell a bike with money transfer nor I will allow anyone taking it for a ride.

You will risk never seeing it again.

Being damaged and not covered by insurance 

The transfer being cancelled and you lose the bike and the money is taken from your account.

[bonio]

For sure it's a risk. That said, I only bought the DRZ because the bloke selling it let me have a blast on it and that sealed it for me. I think it helped that I turned up on a fancy GS.

[Hairsy]

I've always said I need full payment and proof of insurance. Strangely, no-one has ever wanted to test ride. Personally I prefer bank transfer over cash. As far as I'm aware, a UK bank to bank transfer can't be reversed. I know that there are stories out there but I suspect they're a combination of folklore and slightly non standard circumstances.

 

I've never sold a bike that doesn't ride perfectly so if someone asked me for a test ride then I'd say that they can decide to buy it but I'll give a full refund if they return it within half an hour in the same condition they took it away in.

 

Normally when I buy bikes they're non runners so it's not an issue!

[Bender]

2 hours ago, manxie49 said:

It is an awkward one this.  When I've sold a bike privately I either want the full amount, cash in hand or bank transfer, which I refund if they don't want it. I also insist on them providing proof of insurance to ride.  On top of that I used a document, that I blagged of the internet, which they signed, to say they would carry responsibility for and pay for any damage done whilst test riding, not sure if it would stand up in court, but better than nothing.  All very much a pain in the arse. Mostly, on the occasions I have sold privately, buyers have been satisfied with me taking them for a spin as pillion.  Not the same as riding, but better than nothing.  Another option is to sell through a local dealer.  Some dealers will sell your bike for you, the downside is they take a 10% cut of the proceeds, maybe even more now, but I do know of a couple of dealers that offer this service.

All of the above, full cash in hand, insurance and license in my hand as min

[RideWithStyles]

To be honest I think its relative.

what type of person at contact is like, what they seem like when face to face.

As a buyer, is it a nice enough area, house seems ok, car, garage, seller pleasant enough, ask a few questions about the bike and their history with it, any niggles straight up stuff, see if any spidery senses get triggered…most buyers are flippant about small things especially of the price is right if they are honest about it buying it.

 

if you have a ratter/shonker with suspicion of its condition and your asking for top wack then ull more likely get a buyer wanting to me sure its worth it.

if its honest price for it viewable state, and everything lines and paper work is good, meh. At the end of the day they could test it and it fails at something 100miles down the road after buying it anyway, unknown to you or they.

if its abit old, a bit used, but seems all there, some or little history and they have a well known issue that can’t be bounce tested and it haddnt been sorted recently, depending on the price. maybe a quick test on the back at worse with strict instructions on what you want them to do and why.

 

if its quite new, mint, load of history and recent service with a reputable report for it then take it on its value.

 

for the buyer the risk can be high but losing out completely? fair to lower if bought wisely.

the seller the risk is high as it could stolen from the test ride, no payment, insurance risk with no proof or potential return of anything good to them.

a good one is to get local garage to mot, service and give a report on it just before selling it, might cost you a few quid but at least it would be within reasonable documentation of its condition and trustworthiness while the garage is only a phone call away to confirm.

 

personally I’d just go with what you feel comfortable with/you see as risks and stick to it.

If they don’t except your conditions of say none test ride without …… then they can look elsewhere where. 

Edited January 22 by RideWithStyles

[Fiddlesticks]

When I bought the Explorer I left Mrs. Fiddlesticks as collateral.

[veracocha]

45 minutes ago, RideWithStyles said:

if its quite new, mint, load of history and recent service with a reputable report for it then take it on its value.

 

It's a 23 plate minter with fdsh and still in warranty. Bit surprised a test ride is called for which is what alerted me. 

[S-Westerly]

Full price in my hand or bank and insurance cover and / or written undertaking to pay for any damage caused. If test rider turns up on a decent bike or in a car his vehicle keys as well.

[Yorky]

I'm with Hairsy on this one. I will only sell with payment by bank transfer. As soon as it goes into the account I have given the buyer details of, which is instantly, I transfer it into another account.

[KiwiBob]

For me it would depend on the value of the bike I'm trying to sell!.. Less than £1,000 I'll probably let them have a test ride if I think they're OK.

More than £1,000 and I'll probably want cash in hand first.

[Pie man]

I've never offered or agreed to a test ride. Not worth the hassle. Never had an issue selling a bike either. 

[Fender1515]

I tend to use a number of criteria in deciding if I am going to allow a test ride.

1: The communications that led to the buyer wanting to test ride

2: The impressions I get when met face to face, Q,  what's the top speed stuff is a flat NO test ride

3: If they offer/ or not, to make a payment before test ride

4: How and Who they came with, a person on their own arriving in a car is not going to be buying and taking the bike home, unless they have a very big boot, so unless there is a clear follow intent, eyes only ! 

5: What have they found out, know,  about this model 

6: Serious questions from the buyer or not about the bike history, maintenance, type of use stuff.

 7: How desperate I am to sell it!!!!

[veracocha]

He's agreed with my terms. He's travelling by train from Southampton to Birmingham and I will pick him up from the station. He said he has bought a lowering link (Tracer 7GT) and asked would I help him fit it before he sets off. I told him it has a Lust lowering link already fitted. He appears genuine, I'm sure he'll be taking it.

[RideWithStyles]

Fair but 4 is abit flawed?

so say they just want to see if its actually is as advertised/pictured? Before the rope someone in or faff with trailers Or hire etc.

 

Especially in winter or cold? Maybe it was just a convenient time to see it but couldn’t set up the end part yet?

While there Just a skim through the paperwork see if att the dots add up.

if it satisfies them then they could collect it on a agreed date? sign receipts, dump money in hand or bank, hand key(s) over, sign everything over online.

been done that way before.
 

for some people just not having the option there to just buy there and picks it up sets them up for a level head set rather than feel well ive set up all this shit and wasted money and time but I’m not convinced it’s all to be but I’ve but much into this particularly if another was lined up but probably gone…..some sellers aint the best at it btw.

[Fender1515]

3 minutes ago, RideWithStyles said:

Fair but 4 is abit flawed?

so say they just want to see if its actually is as advertised/pictured? Before the rope someone in or faff with trailers Or hire etc.

 

Especially in winter or cold? Maybe it was just a convenient time to see it but couldn’t set up the end part yet?

While there Just a skim through the paperwork see if att the dots add up.

if it satisfies them then they could collect it on a agreed date? sign receipts, dump money in hand or bank, hand key(s) over, sign everything over online.

been done that way before.
 

for some people just not having the option there to just buy there and picks it up sets them up for a level head set rather than feel well ive set up all this shit and wasted money and time but I’m not convinced it’s all to be but I’ve but much into this particularly if another was lined up but probably gone…..some sellers aint the best at it btw.

As I said, ref 4: Unless there is a clear intent, covers it for me, but what ever works for you, works for you.

[Mawsley]

I never sell private anymore unless I know the buyer, I'd rather take the hit with a dealer than have to deal with a moron. I can't be doing with the stupid questions or the entitlement when it comes to discounts.

 

Beyond the potential theft during sale, there's the potential theft at night after the viewing or Paypal claim or dodgy bank notes to contend with. Nope. The general public can do one as far as I'm concerned.

[ChrisBiggsUK]

57 minutes ago, Mawsley said:

"The general public can do one as far as I'm concerned."

Basic rule for not only selling bikes, but for life in general.

[Capt Sisko]

20 hours ago, Mawsley said:

to deal with a moron. I can't be doing with the stupid questions or the entitlement when it comes to discounts.

Yeah, there are a lot of entitled idiots out there who have watch too many make over or bodge & sell it type TV programs and think they're experts on both motorcycles and in negotiations. Don't get me wrong, a bit of negotiation is all part of the game, but when you get to your bottom line, you stand your ground and say, no that's the deal, they then get all shirty that you're not giving in like they do in the tele. Their problem as far as I'm concerned.

Edited January 24 by Capt Sisko

[Grumpy Old Git]

Na - Test ride is a must - How else will the buyer know what if sounds and feels like at max revs in 2nd gear for a prolonged period?

[Davidtav]

When I bought my current bike I didn’t part ex the old one. But the dealer offered to sell my bike for me for a flat rate of £200.  And it is for the reasons expressed in this thread that I thought that was a good deal.  I didn’t have to deal with buyers at all. I did give the dealer authority to offer test rides at their discretion. And I believe that was done.  But I didn’t have any of the bother of dealing with a buyer. Handling the cash etc. Just got a nice phone call after a month with an offer which I accepted … when the time comes if I get this opportunity again I will jump at it.

[veracocha]

All good today and the Tracer 7GT gone, new bike being collected next Saturday. Only conversing via text I was stunned to arrive at Birmingham New Street to pick the buyer up only to find a lovely petite Italian girl all togged up for touring. I could have listened to her talk all day long.