Private sale - test ride?

[dshogman]

When selling your Spyder to a private individual, what's the protocol for letting them do a test ride? Yes or no?
Thanks.

[Bob Denman]

https://youtu.be/SWC6PWSJ50s

This probably happens less often than your worst fears might allow you to think...

But it sure is a possibility!
You've GOT to read your situation.
Perhaps taking the prospective buyer for a ride, might suffice.
Or letting them play within a confined area in a VERY large and empty parking lot.
Gauge their knowledge of the bike, and them take the time to make sure that they know how all of the controls operate...
Take NOTHING for granted!

And good luck!

[blacklightning]

Typically I do not like anyone riding my bike. But if I have something for sale, I work it so that I can hold the funds while they go on a test ride. At the least, I will hold their keys while they test ride, and let them know if it is damaged, they have bought it.
I just sold my M109 2 weeks ago and tried to get the guy to ride it, and he would not. I knew I was selling him a great bike, but I wanted him to experience it for himself. After the title and money changed hands, he took it for a ride down to where I was paying to have a new front tire put on for him. When we got there he was so excited about how well the bike handled.
The next day I purchased my 2012 RSS. I gave the guy a certified check to hold while I took the spyder for a test ride (the check was made out to me). After the test ride, I followed him to the bank, I signed the check and we finished the purchase.

[tmcquain]

+1 On reading the situation. However, if you do decide to let someone ride it, I would verify that he/she has a motorcycle endorsement/license...and insurance ! CYA if you know what I mean !

[ARtraveler]

All good advice above. When I have sold a motorcycle I have in the past taken the prospective buyer for a ride on it.

I can see where one might allow another rider to test the if keys, a deposit, etc. are being held by the seller. I would make sure that the person riding solo is somewhat familiar with riding a spyder. Prior two wheel experience is up to discussion. When first came out, a news reporter crashed the test version they were riding due to inexperience.

And then...one has to be wary of scammers. A very common situation these days.

[pegasus1300]

I have given them a 1 or 2 hour money back no questions asked as long as undamaged guarantee.sometimes they are ok with that some times not. I have also taken a deposit. I always look at their drivers license for an M/C endorsement.

[Firefly]

I wouldn't buy a motorcycle or car without test driving it. Read the person, make sure they have a MC license and make sure you have ample insurance.
I'll pretty much let anyone qualified take my Spyder for a spin.
That being said, I decided to trade my 2012 RT in rather than selling it outright due to I didn't want to deal with any BS after the sale should they have something go wrong.

[Motorcycledave]

Copy their drivers lic number or better yet take a picture of it
and get the keys to their car, truck or bike or whatever they are in
or on when they get to you .....
You should be OK with that.
Dave

When selling your Spyder to a private individual, what's the protocol for letting them do a test ride? Yes or no?
Thanks.

[JerryB]

Hi David,

Re: Private sale - test ride?

I was looking for a Spyder, found one for sale in southern California ( I live in Oregon ), contacted the owner via phone & email.

I then was in the area & went over to look at it. We discussed it ( I had a M/C endorsement and M/C experience ), he said, 'Hop on the back,' and off we went. After a few miles, we switched places and I rode it back to his place.

I bought the Spyder; and am glad that I did.

Worked for me; IMO no two sales are exactly the same.

Jerry Baumchen

[JimVonBaden]

I have bought and sold dozens of bikes, I have owned 44. I would never buy a bike I couldn't test ride first. Not once has anyone asked for the money up front, and only twice to see/hold my license for the test ride. I have asked to hold the DL twice on slightly iffy guys, and turned down a test ride three times on obvious tire kickers. Maybe I have been lucky and have a trustworthy face?

[Many brands]

NO - NO _ and NO.. Only exception, is if you have the mone, in hand - to hold. NO exceptions

[Sarge707]

NO - NO _ and NO.. Only exception, is if you have the mone, in hand - to hold. NO exceptions

Absolutely NOT- Follow me thru the twisties for a hour or hop on the back for a short ride BUT No Ride By yourself till he title is signed over and Your $$$ is in My bank in cash- No Checks. Deal done at BANK!!!

[Diamond Dave]

Hold keys to there vehicle, take pic of drivers license ....make sure MC endorsement. Ive got insurance, they crash they pay deductible.

[no chrome]

Yall are WAY more trustworthy than me.
put the money on the table and then you can take it for a ride.
Sorry,no test pilots.

[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

i would want to hold the money before they drive away

[ElgynSpyder]

Had a Ninja up for sale. Young people drove 3 hours to my place. they wanted to test drive it. I needed money in my hands. The young lady was buying it but she brought two young men with her. One of the young men took the bike on a test ride. Well he was gone a little to long and I turned to the young lady and said, he has laid it down somewhere. Sure enough he brought it back with the entire left side damaged and he was hurting. His first words to her were..you now have a Ninja. Always before a test ride..money in hand .

[ARtraveler]

Had a Ninja up for sale. Young people drove 3 hours to my place. they wanted to test drive it. I needed money in my hands. The young lady was buying it but she brought two young men with her. One of the young men took the bike on a test ride. Well he was gone a little to long and I turned to the young lady and said, he has laid it down somewhere. Sure enough he brought it back with the entire left side damaged and he was hurting. His first words to her were..you now have a Ninja. Always before a test ride..money in hand .

Looks like you dodged a bullet.

[oldguyinTX]

The one time I let someone take the bike I was selling for a test ride on his own was when I was moving to NYC from Austin, TX & needed to get rid of it quickly. Still, I had him put CASH in my hand, kept his bike and the key, had him show me proof of his insurance. He came back an hour later -he did ask me about that beforehand - and said "keep the cash, I'll pick it up tomorrow". So, I washed it that afternoon, put it in the shed, said goodbye, & early next morning singed over the title & POOF! Gone. Still, I think that I was lucky to have dealt with an honest person on a handshake that in those days actually meant something.