Tips on selling locally

[Chiefy]

My Trike is up for sale, but it's only listed on the motorcycle forums I hang out on.  I guess I'm going to have to list it on Craigslist and possibly eBay sometime soon.  I'm wondering about test rides.  I see trike and motorcycle ads where the seller says "No test rides."   ???  Now how can that work?  I would never-ever buy a bike or car without a good test ride.  Matter of fact, the dealer let me take my Valk for a 2 hour test ride.  Anyway, what am I missing here?  Is anyone going to buy it if I say no test rides???

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I had a 1985 Goldwing I let a dude test ride he dropped it turning it around. Sold my Suzuki Bandit 1200S a few years ago and told the guy that bought it to bring cash if he needed to test ride ....I had the money in hand before his ass ever touched the seat.Sold my Kawasaki ZL900 to a guy that rode with us sometime I had no problem letting him ride it before he bought it.

[eric in md]

   no rides unless cash is in your hands ... done deal .. unless you have rode with them before and if thats the case they know it runs if they rode with ya .. good luck no freerides ,

[Chiefy]

  no rides unless cash is in your hands ... done deal .. unless you have rode with them before and if thats the case they know it runs if they rode with ya .. good luck no freerides ,

Okay, and you find buyers that are okay with that?  I personally wouldn't hand over a penny until I test rode it........

[eric in md]

there out there really they are . .  un less  you have full coverage ins. they maybe you could ride with them and if they wreck it  you will get your money from your ins..

[Jeff K]

  no rides unless cash is in your hands ... done deal .. unless you have rode with them before and if thats the case they know it runs if they rode with ya .. good luck no freerides ,

Okay, and you find buyers that are okay with that?  I personally wouldn't hand over a penny until I test rode it........

I'm with you.
The first time I ran into that it surprised me. Let me get this straight... you don't trust me to test ride the bike/car... but I'm supposed to trust you that everything is OK on the vehicle?

I just leave.

[PAVALKER]

  no rides unless cash is in your hands ... done deal .. unless you have rode with them before and if thats the case they know it runs if they rode with ya .. good luck no freerides ,

Okay, and you find buyers that are okay with that?  I personally wouldn't hand over a penny until I test rode it........

I'm with you.
The first time I ran into that it surprised me. Let me get this straight... you don't trust me to test ride the bike/car... but I'm supposed to trust you that everything is OK on the vehicle?

I just leave.

I think the logic is..... money in hand and hand money over to me while you take my bike for a test ride.  IF you wreck it, run away with it or the like... you bought it and I have the money.  However, if you ride it and don't like it I can give your money back provided you didn't dump it in the process.

[Kaiser]

You could also go the route of using an independent third party (bank, dealership, etc.) to hold onto the money until the potential buyer comes back with the bike.

That way, the buyer isn't worried about you leaving with their money, and you aren't worried about them damaging your bike.

[PAVALKER]

You could also go the route of using an independent third party (bank, dealership, etc.) to hold onto the money until the potential buyer comes back with the bike.

That way, the buyer isn't worried about you leaving with their money, and you aren't worried about them damaging your bike.

HA... not for me.  Independent third party holding the money???  Nope.... if the individual is holding/riding the bike there should be no reason for not holding his/her money.  What's to prevent him from going to the so called third party to get his money.   

That sounds like the typical scam... send me the money for the bike I have advertised on CL/Ebay or wherever and have the bike already at the shippers and will release the bike for shipping once the money is in hand............   

[Kaiser]

HA... not for me.  Independent third party holding the money???  Nope.... if the individual is holding/riding the bike there should be no reason for not holding his/her money.  What's to prevent him from going to the so called third party to get his money.    

That sounds like the typical scam... send me the money for the bike I have advertised on CL/Ebay or wherever and have the bike already at the shippers and will release the bike for shipping once the money is in hand............  

Sorry for not being clearer with my post.  Must be I need more coffee!  I don't live in Nigeria and my wealthy relative did not just pass away - I promise!

I was basically suggesting meeting up some place public and doing the exchange there.  So long as both buyer and seller agree on the location, the buyer should not be able to steal/damage the bike AND get their money back.

It's just my opinion, but if somebody were buying my bike, they wouldn't throw a leg over it until I had every last penny in my hand.  I'd rather scare away a potential buyer by demanding this than have a damaged bike on my hands that I have to spend money on fixing before I can try to sell it again.

[Jeff K]

First of all IF you took the guy's money and he dropped the bike, and you didn't give him his money back he could call the law. You have no to right to take his money if no sale took place. You have a right to sue him to collect damages.

I had a guy tell me he wanted me to pay him, follow him to the tax collector to get it titled to my name, then he would let me ride it, and if I didn't like it I could get my money back... yeah, right, that sounds like a good plan... for him. I walked away.

What I do when I sell a car is take them for a ride. I drive.

All of the bikes I have sold weren't worth so much that I didn't let them ride it. I guess If I ever sold A Valk I could say "hop on the back" .

[Big Rig]

When I sold my bikes, I took his license and keys to what ever he was driving... The rule is you break it you brought it...if they are good with that they will sign a waiver before they sit on the bike. People interested will jump thru a couple hoops...if they want to take your bike they will not agree to any of these steps...

I have never hard an issue...

Best of luck.

[IamGCW]

When I bought this Valk there were several I looked at.  I drove each one except for one at a dealer (they would not even consider it).  The dealer wouldn't even drive it for me to see if it had any issues.  Guess the others trusted me, and honestly if I dropped it I would fix it.  My mistake, my responsibility.  If selling my bike I would list no test rides and when the time came waiver based on the person standing in front of me.  I also trust my dog.  If he does not like you it is over, I don't second guess him. 

[PAVALKER]

First of all IF you took the guy's money and he dropped the bike, and you didn't give him his money back he could call the law. You have no to right to take his money if no sale took place. You have a right to sue him to collect damages.

I had a guy tell me he wanted me to pay him, follow him to the tax collector to get it titled to my name, then he would let me ride it, and if I didn't like it I could get my money back... yeah, right, that sounds like a good plan... for him. I walked away.

What I do when I sell a car is take them for a ride. I drive.

All of the bikes I have sold weren't worth so much that I didn't let them ride it. I guess If I ever sold A Valk I could say "hop on the back" .

IF you were a lawyer you would know that had I made a verbal agreement with someone taking my bike for a test ride, and holding his money in case he ran or wrecked (you wreck it you bought it), it is a verbal agreement and the fact that he takes the bike for a ride after he hands me his money he is agreeing to that.  And having the money in hand could be sufficient proof that the agreement was made.  More than likely the person wrecking the bike would have to take me to court to get some of his money back after repairs were made.  And... if he were to call the law (police) they can't force you to hand money over.... it would have to be a court matter for him to get the money back.  JMO.

[Chiefy]

Caramba...............

Maybe I should just have the dealer sell it consignment.  I *assume* his business insurance covers things like mishaps on a test ride.            (Right??)

[Hef]

When I sold a bike, I took the guy for a ride so he could see that it was ok. I told him if he was interested in buying based on the ride to get the cash and come back, show me a valid motorcycle drivers license, let me hold the cash while he test rode it by himself. He did so and bought the bike.
My friend held a check in the amount of his sale and the dude test riding crashed the bike and then called the bank to cancel the check. My friend had to sue the guy to get paid for his bike damages but went in the hole on the deal because of lawyer fees.

[Chiefy]

When I sold a bike, I took the guy for a ride so he could see that it was ok. I told him if he was interested in buying based on the ride to get the cash and come back, show me a valid motorcycle drivers license, let me hold the cash while he test rode it by himself. He did so and bought the bike.
My friend held a check in the amount of his sale and the dude test riding crashed the bike and then called the bank to cancel the check. My friend had to sue the guy to get paid for his bike damages but went in the hole on the deal because of lawyer fees.

Even cashier's checks and money orders can be stopped.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

VRCC member Lucky 13 let some dude he worked with test ride a Kawasaki LTD 1000 he was selling....Dude crashed it lass than a mile from his place....He got nothing other than his crashed bike back.Y'all say what you will however I will say unless I've seen you ride and have rode with you , you better bring cash to my house if you plan to test ride one of my bikes.

[PAVALKER]

Yes, consignment would work if you were willing to enter into that contract... and to pay for their services as part of that consignment.  They won't do it for free I'm sure, after all they are providing storage, sales and insurance for the bike while they try to sell it for you.

Cash is king..... if you list it and someone wants it, they should make the effort to have cash or a certified check (yea, they can be canceled or stop payment as well I guess).  I had a certified draft when I bought mine.  I met a guy in a public mall parking lot in Arkansas with his wife and my GF present.  He had the bike on a trailer and the tow behind trailer in the truck bed.  I liked what I saw in the trailer and asked for a ride and he could hold the signed check.  He was very personable and backed the bike out and let me ride it, then let me ride it with the trailer connected.  We completed a bill of sale and check transfer etc... and he let me borrow his plates til I got the bike home to do the title transfer and registration.  I had already called and placed insurance on it before heading to get the bike... just in case.

[NiteRiderF6]

Yep, full price in cash and MC endorsement; you provide the helmet. I will give them two days to test drive it and if it is undamaged and they want out, I'll return their money and take the bike back. Those are my rules and I have sold a few bikes. The buyer will realize that you are only protecting your property and if he doesn't, then somebody else will come along.

[Bama Red]

When I sold my 750 Shadow last year, I specified a test drive after sale only with the option of canceling the sale after the test ride if no damage to the bike. Worked out fine - sold it to the first fella that looked at it and he had no problem bringing cash and handing it over before the ride. I think he was pretty committed - he brought his trailer with him to see the bike.

When I bought my Valk Tourer, I was offered an hour long test ride with the owner riding along with me on his Magna. It was a great way to test the bike - windy country roads, Interstates, etc. I took my trailer, too when I went to look, cause if I hadn't bought that one, I was headed to Knoxville to look at an Interstate the next day.

[Skinhead]

VRCC member Lucky 13 let some dude he worked with test ride a Kawasaki LTD 1000 he was selling....Dude crashed it lass than a mile from his place....He got nothing other than his crashed bike back.Y'all say what you will however I will say unless I've seen you ride and have rode with you , you better bring cash to my house if you plan to test ride one of my bikes.

I don't understand why you insist on calling him LUCKY 13.

[Skinhead]

When I bought my Standard, I rode my 87 wing out to look at it, no problem with a test ride.  When I bought my IS, I rode my standard out to look at it, again no problem.  If I sell a bike, I will get the money up front, What if the guy kills himself in the crash?

[Stude]

 for example you're selling your bike for $6,300.00 rent it to him for $3,150.00 with a $3,150.00 deposit and make sure he signs a paper that explains the rules of the lease. If he doesn't want the bike after the ride check for damages before returning his money. But if he likes it hand him the title.

beergrassorass nobody rides for free 

[Jess from VA]

First of all IF you took the guy's money and he dropped the bike, and you didn't give him his money back he could call the law. You have no to right to take his money if no sale took place. You have a right to sue him to collect damages.

I had a guy tell me he wanted me to pay him, follow him to the tax collector to get it titled to my name, then he would let me ride it, and if I didn't like it I could get my money back... yeah, right, that sounds like a good plan... for him. I walked away.

What I do when I sell a car is take them for a ride. I drive.

All of the bikes I have sold weren't worth so much that I didn't let them ride it. I guess If I ever sold A Valk I could say "hop on the back" .

IF you were a lawyer you would know that had I made a verbal agreement with someone taking my bike for a test ride, and holding his money in case he ran or wrecked (you wreck it you bought it), it is a verbal agreement and the fact that he takes the bike for a ride after he hands me his money he is agreeing to that.  And having the money in hand could be sufficient proof that the agreement was made.  More than likely the person wrecking the bike would have to take me to court to get some of his money back after repairs were made.  And... if he were to call the law (police) they can't force you to hand money over.... it would have to be a court matter for him to get the money back.  JMO.

Pavalker, you're mostly right, except if you will let him ride your bike you should still get a substantial payment (at least 2k cash deposit, no checks), you do not do it verbal.  Write up a simple agreement that $2K cash is paid to seller as security for a test ride against any damage (regardless of, and in addition to any sellers insurance coverage), and to be applied to any purchase, fully refundable if no sale and no damage.  And he agrees to buy the bike for asking price (name it) if he totals it (to be enforceable against his estate if he dies).  A few clear sentences, date, and both sign, and you keep it.  You do this, and you'd be surprised at the lack of argument later if there is trouble.

I've sold bikes, and each case is different.  I want to see a bike (MC) endorsement.  If the guy rides up on his own bike and is clearly competent, he can ride mine, but I'm riding his (and if he dumps mine, I'm dumping his, that's what I told him).  But most of my buyers were not experienced and there was no chance they would get to ride it.  So, I rode it for them, put it thru the paces (power up, brake, turns, and/or they followed in the car.   Course my bikes were in perfect condition, and I produced a file with every part, service, tire, interval history.

With a TRIKE, I see no reason a buyer can't get on the back and let the seller take him for a spirited ride.  So you look a little gay for 20 minutes.... business in business.   

[Tundra]

VRCC member Lucky 13 let some dude he worked with test ride a Kawasaki LTD 1000 he was selling....Dude crashed it lass than a mile from his place....He got nothing other than his crashed bike back.Y'all say what you will however I will say unless I've seen you ride and have rode with you , you better bring cash to my house if you plan to test ride one of my bikes.

 +1 I have a typed agreement signed and dated by both parties. (legal binding contract) YOU dump it, YOU scratch it, YOU bought it. Bring cash, the green kind.  I'm not giving free rides to those curious about the Valk. This seperates the tire kickers from the buyers. I won't argue, it's my bike, my sale, my decision. If you don't like it, keep driving. I would rather keep my bike a little longer than get it back damaged or wrecked, have him hand me the keys and say "oops-sorry"

[Chiefy]

When I bought my Standard, I rode my 87 wing out to look at it, no problem with a test ride.  When I bought my IS, I rode my standard out to look at it, again no problem.  If I sell a bike, I will get the money up front, What if the guy kills himself in the crash?

I understand, and for the most part agree.  OTOH, would you buy a bike from a stranger under those terms?  Not me.  But then, I'm selling, not buying this time.

[bigfish_Oh]

I got my bike in Oct after 13 years of not riding. I do not remember if the add said said "no joy rides" or he had told me when we talked. Kind of insulting, but we were strangers. I took my trailer 220 miles for a agreed upon price( a crew cab dually and 14,000 # trailer !!) I was not not about to ride a strangers bike anyway after not riding, not to mention a big one and in strange city. He seemed kinda of startled when I said he had to take me for a ride and load it for me. I should be able to find out what I need to know riding B, almost 600 #'s on her then. I noticed the shocks bottomed out! Very nice man and wife, he could have really taken advantage on price and extra parts, upstanding and ethical. We talked about that and we both believed the same thing, karma, what goes around come around, do onto others, etc. He was the original owner and only selling because of space, he came across a Harley (the biggest dresser) low miles from a 70 year old man.

I did get that 1/6 Black Motor Max Valk nib and a banner plus small stuff

Today, If I would RIDE up with cash to buy and was told, no rides. I'll show the cash,laugh and wave.

I did buy a house(21.5K) without going inside it, the loan co. president freaked out and started to jump all over the realtor. We bid on a HUD repo that my stepmothers sister lost and we new it was trashed.

[f6rider]

I bought my tourer in October  without a test drive, bought my Rune used without a test drive. No problems.
The problem as I see it is letting someone take it for a ride who doesnt know what they are doing and dropping the bike. then who pays??
When I have sold bikes in the past I just try to make a good judgement. I ususally will tell folks that there is nothing wrong with it etc. and I dont want let some one out for a joy ride.
I have sold cars for years and this becomes and issue with hi po cars. My policy was no un escourted test drives. My reasoning is, I want to gauntee to the buyer that the car hasnt been taken out on test drives and beat . (and fols it happens all the time) The guy who is serious never has a problem with it  and respects the policy.  I also worked at a Dodge dealership for years and our Viper salesman said Vipers owners understood the no test drive policy and didnt have a problem with it.
Auto dealers do have insurance in place to take care of such claims.

[9Ball]

I would never let someone I didn't know test ride my bike, cash or not.  I have no problem arranging for a trip to a mechanic for a checkout (on their dime of course).  I think taking them on a test ride is the best choice.

I've heard of people riding up on a bike for test rides and leaving it as collateral.  Then, when they don't come back, the collateral turns out to be another stolen test ride.  To many scammers out there to take a chance, and fake IDs and licenses are too easily obtained.

If a buyer has issues, so be it.  They can flash cash and wave goodbye and it would be no skin off my back.  A wrecked or stolen bike isn't worth it to me.

[solo1]

If I know the person, he/she  rides.  If I don't, he/she doesn't.

Many years ago I stopped in at a new Suzuki dealer. While there, a guy drove in. told the gullible salesman that he wanted to ride the fastest d*** bike that they had. They wheeled out a brand new 1100.  They gave him a helmet, asked him if he rode "Your da** right I do!"  He got on the bike and had trouble with shifting into first, first clue.

He gunned it and snapped the clutch, The Suzy spun in a half circle on the gravel and dropped. The arsehole got off the bike, slammed down the store's helmet, ran over to his car and burned rubber getting out of there.

The salesman was left scratching his head and the Suzuki's paint and mirrors were buggered.

The store went out of business shortly after that.

[9Ball]

that's what baseball bats are for...what a shame...

[Buda]

I rode 3 different bikes at least when I bought the valk(dealer)....would have came home empty handed if they would not have let me ride it.

[Jabba]

Me too.

Both I bought I had either cashiers checks in hand, and the first I had a trailer and a 9 hour drive behind me.  The other I had a cashiers check, and a flight, that the seller picked me up at the airport for.

Both guys obviously knew I was serious.  I bought both.

I rode 2 valks that I did not buy.  on 1 I left my 2005 Dodge Magnum and my buddy while I rode on the sellers street, always within sight.  On the other I left my 2002 Standard, wife, buddy and HOS wife, while I rode thru the sellers neighborhood.

I bought neither of those.

I might be naive, but I trust, usually.  If it was a kid... or I didn't feel good about it, I'd say no.

Jabba

[Dogg]

I would never let anyone I didnt know take my bike for a test ride, ever. I had one guy look at my bike, I rode next to him on his vtx1800. he was drooling and beggin for a ride. his wife was smart and just told him to shut up. He didnt have the money anyway. that is the whole point. You can take a test ride and yes I finance.....I can stretch it out over 1 payment...

[Tropic traveler]

I would never let anyone I didnt know take my bike for a test ride, ever. I had one guy look at my bike, I rode next to him on his vtx1800. he was drooling and beggin for a ride. his wife was smart and just told him to shut up. He didnt have the money anyway. that is the whole point. You can take a test ride and yes I finance.....I can stretch it out over 1 payment...

100% down.  0% interest. No closing costs!