Selling bike -- How does the private party "ride before buy" work?

[mike_mike]

I'm with Nolts (welcome!). they buy it to ride it. if the bike returns undamaged their cash gets returned. dont accept anything but actual cash, no cash equivalents (checks, money orders, etc). cash is king.

As long as you're sure it is not fake cash.

When we've sold motorcycles and bought motorcycles in the past, often as the seller or buyer we would visit the bank to verify the cash.

[LuckyTalisman]

Thank you all for the overwhelming response. I will consider each suggestion.

[My Name Is Dave]

I'm with Nolts (welcome!). they buy it to ride it. if the bike returns undamaged their cash gets returned. dont accept anything but actual cash, no cash equivalents (checks, money orders, etc). cash is king.

As long as you're sure it is not fake cash.

When we've sold motorcycles and bought motorcycles in the past, often as the seller or buyer we would visit the bank to verify the cash.

That's a good point, make sure that the money is real and isn't counterfeit or Canadian.

Wink.
Dave

[corndog67]

When I go to buy a bike, I have cash on hand.  If you hold the cash and let me ride it, fine.  If I have the cash and you won't let me ride it, you can keep your bike.  I only usually ride it around the block, up through the gears, and have my brother or someone I know that rides stand directly behind as I ride away and check to make sure nothing is bent and everything tracks okay. 

As far as someone buying one from me, if you have the cash to let me hold while you ride, and I don't get the impression that you are a complete yahoo/goober, then I will let you ride it. 

Oh.  I forgot, if you tell me you are a brand new rider, you aren't riding my bike, and even if you buy it cash, someone else better ride it home for you.  Or around the corner, where I can't see you.  I don't want your blood on my hands. 

[porsche4786]

Well, they made my dad test drive a pickup before he bought it. Like he test drove one. Then said he wanted this other one with some other options and different color and they said he had to test drive it before he could purchase it.

actually.. car dealerships are not required to let you test drive.


they do it as a courtesy.





And, I'd never let some one test ride my bike, without cash in hand.