Question on Selling Bike

Rogiecrockett

.020 Over
Joined
Aug 13, 2016
Messages
38
Location
Fairfield, IA
Ride
2015 Triumph Rocket III Touring
This question may sound like - "Are you kiddin' me, he's asking this? - but I am curious.

Now that I have spent an a$$load of money on the R3T and have become spoiled riding it, I am going to sell the America. I have no need for 2 bikes at this point in my life.

When any of you have had someone come to look at a bike you are selling, how do you handle the test ride?

I am thinking if they want to ride, they have to be 18 year olds or older and have a valid driver's license including a motorcycle endorsement. Even with that, that does not protect me in the case they do something stupid and drop the bike. I have full coverage insurance on it but don't want to spend my deductible due to their mistake. If they want to buy the bike outright and not ride it, then none of this matters. My assumption in all of this is that I will not know the Buyer or anything about their riding ability.

I am just trying to figure out the best way to sell it and manage my risk.

I hope to have it ready for sale in two weeks so any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave.
 
Hello Dave, your concerns are valid. For me, I have never had a rider drop a bike I am selling but I have heard of those who had the mishap. I have sold 27 machines so far and make the call on letting the rider take the bike out based on a few observations:
1. Did they ride their own bike to the showing? If so, that gives me an idea that they do actually know how to ride. If my concerns are eased, they get to test ride.
2. If they did not ride up, did they bring the riding gear expecting to buy the bike? If so, I may be inclined to allow a test ride after talking a bit about their level of experience.

I have not allowed a test ride twice over the years simply because I had no faith they would be successful. I have sold several bike simply after starting the bike or letting them start it and give it a rev or two.

For the bike in question, an America is not a very heavy bike compared to the Rocket. Yet people not accustomed to it may still drop it just picking it up from the kick stand.

In the end, make the best call you can based on each person looking to buy it.

Good luck brother
 
Its a sad fact that things ain't what they used to be and there are so many out there who want what you have , for nothing !
Firstly , I would never let anyone view my bike at my home address , meet them at a service station or a safe place . Once you have ascertained they are genuine , how are they going to pay for the bike ? If they have a wad of cash , then there is your security . Genuine buyers usually turn up in pairs if they intend riding the bike away coz one needs to get the other vehicle home . If in doubt , belay the test ride until they do have the cash . it's never worth the risk . A friend of mine once inadvertently held a stolen wallet as security and watched a test rider disappear into the distance on his beloved gixer!
 
In my many attempts to sell the Harley I have run across just about everything. I always have them meet me in a public place such as a walmart parking lot. Either the wife or friend along with me. No licence no test ride. I tell them to bring a friend with a licence if they wish. If I doubt there riding ability by observation the test ride ends. Have ended some test rides by watching the individual just sit on the bike. good luck on selling the bike.
 
As stollydriver said asking price s n my hand before the vehicle leaves the property.I also tell them if they crash I tell the cops they stole it.
 
I have heard of people just making the buyer hand over the price of the deductible, just in case.
 
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