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Author Topic: Calling it quits, advice needed on selling my ride!  (Read 961 times)
Pale Rider
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Posts: 46



« on: November 03, 2019, 05:35:07 PM »

 Regretfully, due to a medical issue, I am needing to sell my 01 Valkyrie.  It has been years since I have sold a bike myself and I have some general questions on the proper protocol.  I am keeping the bike insured until it sells, but how do you guys handle that potential buyer that comes and asks to take your bike for a spin?  Do you ask for a deposit, proof of motorcycle endorsement?  What precautions do you take to ensure the safety of your bike and the potential buyer.   These are heavy bikes, and my fear is the bike getting dropped and injuries occur along with the subsequent damage to the bike.  Any and all advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated.



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Moonshot_1
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Posts: 5113


Me and my Valk at Freedom Rock


« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2019, 05:51:41 PM »

What I can tell you is what my perspective would be if I were to seriously consider buying your bike.

I would call and speak with you about the bike and get various details about it.
If I am still interested I would get the money to purchase the bike, come over, give you a comfortable sum for a test ride.

When I purchased my I/S I took my Dad along with me. He stayed with the seller with the cash while I test rode the bike.

Expect no less from a buyer. Ain't their bike....yet.
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Mike Luken 
 

Cherokee, Ia.
Former Iowa Patriot Guard Ride Captain
old2soon
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Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2019, 05:53:25 PM »

            I KNOW others will chime in. They MUST have M/C endorsement on their license. If it were me and potential buyer was not happy riding with me I'd ask for the full price asked in cash BEFORE someone throws a leg over. Check with your insurance person and find out if any sort of waiver the buyer would sign relieveing you of fault should the buyer dump it. Course they could ride it and hurt something mechanical that shows up after they leave but I don't Know what that might be. My Brother-da prez-had a standard? for sale and Ross thru talking with him found out this would have been the buyers First M/C.  Lips Sealed Ross would NOT sell him the Valkyrie. Hope something i posted helps you. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
Bighead
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Posts: 8654


Madison Alabama


« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2019, 07:40:43 PM »

First, start asking riders you know if they might be interested.  Somebody you are familiar with may want it.  Maybe somebody you know from work.  

If that doesn't work, consider waiting to advertise until April.  Riding season starts,  tax refunds happen, and there should be more interest.  Honestly evaluate the bike and price it to sell.  Make the price firm, cash when you show up.  FIRM.  

Now you gotta get friendly.  You have to give what amounts to a friendly phone interview to any potential buyers.  What bike do you have now?  How long have you been riding?  What do you do for a living?  Where you driving in from?  Get a full name and see if they have a bad background.

Tell any potential buyer they should bring their own helmet as yours is super large and won't fit anybody.  A real biker already has a helmet.  No helmet?  Not a biker.  Don't come.

The customer should be prepared to go to a motor vehicles office to get the title transferred and their own tag before the bike goes with them.

If the customer arrives (with helmet) and appears to be a regular guy, get his license number and let him show you the money.  After that, you have eliminated as much risk as possible.   Give the customer a basic orientation of the bike and suggest a simple test ride route.  And let him know how long the route should take.  If there is a sale, the customer must get a title and tag before the bike leaves you.

Sell it to a dealer?  You may end up with a lot less money, but also less hassle.   Good luck with it.
Why would you give a rip if he has a tag? Before it leaves you? You would have a bill of sale with the date on it.  Somonce the paper work is signed over it is no longer your problem.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
turtle254
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Posts: 425

Livingston,Texas


« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2019, 08:12:13 PM »

Its still yours until its transferred. Bill of sale doesn't matter , has to be transferred to be out of your name … been thru it and was shock that the truck was still mine to be sold again.
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Bighead
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Posts: 8654


Madison Alabama


« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2019, 08:14:23 PM »

Different states different laws I guess.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
old2soon
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Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2019, 09:47:26 PM »

           Soooooo in addition to checkin with yer insurance person maybe a talk with the nice folks at the DMV would be on order? RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
J.Mencalice
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Posts: 1850


"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"

Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide


« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2019, 07:29:30 AM »

If they already have a working knowledge of the motorcycle, they shouldn't need a whole lot of banter about the Valkyrie.  A good sign is if they roll up on a cycle, the larger the better.  I'd make sure that they straddle and sit on it for a little while to see it they can place both feet on the ground with kickstand up.
If not, I'd tell them that I'd be more comfortable with me driving and them on the back for a test ride.
No newbies, no teenagers, no cowboys (unless they are on horseback).  Mature riders only.  When I bought my Interstate, that's how I approached the seller with all seriousness and intent to assure him that my experience and maturity preceded the ride/inspection; then the give & take conversation over the asking price.  Worked out great for he and I.

If they are dazzled after that test ride and want to strike a deal, I'd inform them that there is a whole website filled with people who have technical and mechanical savvy about this machine.  That they already have this at their disposal for routine maintenance and repair should they desire it.

Here in Colorado, for an instate transfer of ownership you can sign over your title right then and there with a signature, date, and mileage of the vehicle right on the back side of the vehicle information; just so long as you are paid in full it's pretty simple. A bill of sale with a copy for both parties.
Different places, different laws.  Check with your DMV (in person or online) about transfer and who assumes responsibility once the title is handed over to the new owner.

You want cash and no empty promises; sell it when you feel right about it and get a good price that meets what you know your ride is worth.  Be kind, but be steadfast.  Experience leads me to believe that the winter is good for buyers; the spring for sellers, when it comes to dealin'. Best wishes to you, sir. Smiley
But you already knew all of this. Undecided
« Last Edit: November 04, 2019, 07:31:29 AM by J.Mencalice » Logged

"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson

Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
F6BANGER
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Posts: 835


Albuquerque NM


« Reply #8 on: November 04, 2019, 07:45:10 AM »

Take a picture of their license before they take the bike for a test ride.  If they came with someone make sure you hold the keys to their vehicle so they both dont take off. Years ago my room mate lost his motorcycle like that.

 I would have them put full cash in my hand just in case they crash. When they bring the bike back in good condition and if they dont want it, give them their money  back.
« Last Edit: November 04, 2019, 11:24:14 AM by F6BANGER » Logged
3fan4life
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Posts: 6959


Any day that you ride is a good day!

Moneta, VA


« Reply #9 on: November 04, 2019, 09:45:00 AM »

I've bought and sold several bikes.

There is no way that I would pay any real money for a bike without riding it first.

So, I'm willing to allow test rides.

I do "interview" potential buyers first.

I have found that if I ride a bike when I go to look at one that the seller is more open to me test riding the bike.

The same applies if I'm selling a bike.
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1 Corinthians 1:18

da prez
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Posts: 4365

Wilmot Wi


« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2019, 04:30:19 PM »

  My policy , no key in bike. Throw a leg over. Get off and i'll start it. I will copy or hold the drivers license. If I am comfortable with the conversation , put the cash in my hand and go for a ride. If you want the bike , we will then discuss the amount (I want asking price in my hand in CASH before you throw another leg over the bike.) Why should I take it on the chin if you damage my bike.
 The tags come off as soon as the sale is complete. (in Illinois)  I had one almost drop a bike. If they do not agree to my terms , go away. Cashiers checks can be forged.

                                    da prez
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vanagon40
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Posts: 1464

Greenwood, IN


« Reply #11 on: November 05, 2019, 06:01:24 PM »

Clich here for more on this topic.
« Last Edit: November 05, 2019, 06:03:19 PM by vanagon40 » Logged
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