Advice on how to sell my GS500?

[Train]

Hi All, I've never sold a vehicle so I'm curious if you have any "selling tips" or advice for me. I have a 91 GS with updated Veypor tach/speedo, a ton of extra parts, Clymer manual, etc. I love my bike but moved to Houston and the traffic and drivers here are horrific. My moto days are probably done (if I stay here). Anyway, like I said, I've never sold a vehicle and don't know the first thing about how to sell: what selling mechanism (ebay, craigslist, this forum, etc), payment method (paypal, cash, check, etc), meeting arrangements, safety concerns, etc.

How does one go about selling their motorcycle in the most safe, efficient, and hassle-free way?

Any help you can provide is appreciated.

[VWAG]

I would post an ad on craigslist with good pictures, include EVERYTHING you can think of about the bike. Condition when you bought it, modifications, maintenance, any problems, etc. Be sure to use correct grammar! 

As for payment method, cash is probably the preferred method, but definitely DO NOT take a personal check.


I would wait for more advice though... I have sold a dirt bike, a parts jeep, and bought my GS this way, but I'm SURE there is more advice to be had

[dbarile]

I agree with VWAG cash is your best and safest option option.  Even bank checks can be bad.

Make sure you have your title in hand and ready to sign over.  I don't know about Texas, but in NC there is a speedometer disclosure section
on the back of the title.  If you have one in Texas, you'll want to know how to fill it out and if your Veypor system upgrade changes the procedure.

Have a bill of sale ready to go; two copies. They are available online.

Do you need a notary in Texas? If so who is gonna pay their fee?

Are you going to allow test rides?  If so I would suggest they have the cash up front and let you hold it while they drive.

I'm sure I'm missing something, and some one here will come along and point it out.

[Twism86]

Cash only!

Meet some where in public, not your house.

Hold cash for test rides and if they drop it they buy it.

Bring a friend with you, the more the better.

Have all your p-work with you, spare keys, parts.

[Train]

Good advice, all. Thanks.

My current problem will be getting a Texas title since I still have my Nevada title (didn't see a reason to get a new title without knowing how long I would live here.)

Any additional advice is greatly appreciated!!!

[adidasguy]

When I bought my '92 from a local guy on Craigs List, I test drove it only in a parking lot.
I couldn't run off with the bike because I left the keys to my other bike with him. I also had a cash deposit since I'd have to come back later with someone to drive me to pick up the bike. I guess if the person is alone there is little chance of running off with it since his other vehicle is there would be very low.

Be sure the person test riding or buying has a motorcycle endorsement on the license. I'd never let anyone test ride unless they had a proper license.

[Train]

Okay. I just went down to the court house to get a new title and they actually told me I don't need a Texas title to sell it, my Nevada title is fine. The new owner will take the Nevada title and the paperwork to the court house and get the Texas title. Cool, one less thing to sort out.

Sorry if this is spelled out in one of the stickies, but since I'm going to be selling this locally, can I post the pictures here and get some help determining a good starting point with price? I have quite a bit of stuff (helmet, truck ramp, Veypor tach/speedo, brand new disk lock, etc) and have no idea what the market might be. If this is either against the rules or "poor form" no worries, but if not, let me know which forum to put a post in to get some advice about price. Thanks in advance.

[Chuck500]

Train,

Where are you in Houston?  I moved here a year or so ago and commute almost daily on my GS.   You do get used to the traffic.  It is better hear than it was in the DC area.

Good luck,

Chuck
West side, Barker Cypress

[Train]

Hey Chuck - I'm impressed you commute on the GS around here - do you take it on the highways?

I guess I live in the North, but I probably won't be in this part of the city much longer than the first of the year. I'm kind of at the intersection of 1960 and 45 - not really a great part of the city from what I can tell so far...