Selling bike and test rides

[Hi-T]

So I'm thinking of selling the GS...  Should I allow locals to test ride?  Should I let them take it around the block or meet them in a parking lot(I'd have 'em sign a break/buy it waiver first)?  Or should I let the idea pass?  

What do you think?

[b1k3r 3li+3]

i'll let anyone test ride, if they ride up on a bike that cost twice as much as mine  :mrgreen: , that way you can see them ride their bikes 1st, then make a informed decision of their riding skillz.

[70 Cam Guy]

I would offer to let them follow you if they don't ride up on their own bike.  I'd be wary about letting some random person ride my bike no matter how cheaply I priced it.  I have to see them ride before I'll let them test ride my bike.  I don't care if someone has their M1, if they are all wobbly riding up, I won't let them ride until I have cash in hand.

You ride the bike so they see it is running fine, handling fine, and you'll ride it so its not a death trap

[JohNLA]

Make them give you cash first. Then let them go nuts.

[manofthefield]

Hehehe, I test road my bike with just my learner's permit.  (I hadn't ridden for like 4 monthes either)  The guy almost seemed eager to let me ride it.  I guess he knew I was pretty interested, or he really wanted to get rid of the bike, but he had no idea I didn't have my license.  So my advice would be to ask for some proof of riding skill, like a license.  But then again that may not tell you anthing.  I guess the break it/buy it waiver would be a good way to go.

[passive357]

my bike was found at a garage sale and the owner was happy to let me ride it. i had no helmet, permit or liscense, liscense plate on bike and i was wearing board shorts and a t shirt. i didnt give him any deposit and i didnt even let on that i wanted the bike. i guess that is the kind of service you get when buying a motorcycle from a garage sale. classy right bling

[danny_never]

i wouldnt go with the waiver, i wouldnt let anybody test ride until they put the cold hard cash in my hand. that way you know they are serious and have the cash, aren't just a joyrider, etc. what if they get around the corner and drop it? waiver aint gonna do much good.

[Laura]

It's a tough call. I guess it depends on the person. If I thought the person seemed honest and responsible, I would let them ride it. But I would ask for a driver's license, and I would make sure they knew when I expected them back. Personally, I wouldn't buy a used bike if the owner didn't let me test ride it. I would worry that there was something wrong with it.

[The Buddha]

Test ride after cash is my policy ... I ride and show, they can follow me and see it dont smoke etc ... I tell them to do everything first, checking paperwork, price, all... then pay me and test ride it. If its not what they want... bye bye... I also negotiate price only once. If the person wants to do it over the phone when they first call... that's fine... but no more... and no pointing out flaws either... I tell them that... I describe the flaws if they want me to and let them talk price before even seeing it. But no tetst drive till $$$.
Cool.
Srinath.

[JamesG]

I have a "You drop it, you bought it" policy.

[dgyver]

I always have a cash in hand before you ride policy, whether I am the buyer or seller.

[Adam R]

I had a guy offer me a test ride on his NSR in the rain.  I offered him some money as a deposit, but he told me, you have your girlfriend here, and thats good enough for me.  Luckily I didn't come close to dropping it, although I did struggle a little at first to get to used to the GP shift pattern.