Concerns as a private seller

[Rogue Hawk]

I am considering selling my F3. But I have a number of concerns.

What if someone wants to test ride it? I am concern about several things. 1. They don't come back. 2. They crash. 3. They abuse it. Is it customary to allow test rides when you are a private seller?

And what other things do I need to know to protect myself in such a transaction? An example, they ride off after the transaction and the transmission fails? Can they come after me?

 

[youngers]

would think , that this would fall in as any thing else you would sell , with wheels ! the test drive { really have too trust the potential buyer , as they would leave a auto or another cycle too test yours , check the identification , as driver i.d. with the auto insurance I . d. and the address of both , if the address is not right something might be hinky ! } but the ride could be in a cul-de sac type situation ! expect a hard ride , { this is the buyer will not want to buy something that is not working , and is testing it { but you can stipulate , how you expect the ride too go , no hot rodding it ! shoot ride on the back could do it too } you would need full coverage or insurance too protect the rider , and other property .. as for after the sale --------- > sale as is , no warranty ... unless you have some sort of after market coverage that can be transferred ... hope that helps some ! I have sold a few things in the past , autos ,canoes , sail boats , never had any one come back on it ! as is , tell them any problems you know of before hand for sure , as the title will have a part in it about seller information about problems and condition ! -----------------> would you trade 3 bicycles for 1 cycle ? throw in kayak :thumbup: :yikes: hahahahaha just messing with you buddy , but get ready for crazy offers too follow

 

[JerryB]

Hi Rogue Hawk,

Re: But I have a number of concerns.

When I met with the seller of my '08 1 1/2 yrs ago, I called him prior and discussed things. I showed up with my helmet. He asked me a few questions, said get on the back & off we went. After a short period of time & some few miles, he asked me if I wanted to ride it back. He got on the back & away we went.

You can go to just about any used car lot & in the window of each car will be a disclaimer. Take a photo of it & get to work on your computer; you can develop a disclaimer using nothing more than MS Word.

Send me an email and I'll send you back a simple MS Word 'Bill of Sale' for you to use:

jerrybaumchen(at)gmail(dot)com

IMO the most important thing is to ensure that it is sold "As is and with no warranties of any kind."

Jerry Baumchen

PS) I do not know how to attach a MS Word document to this post.

 

[ARtraveler]

RE: Test drive--I would offer to take them for a ride and not let them test drive the vehicle by themselves. Most people buy their first MC as a lark and are not qualified to drive them. If they drive up on a Spyder, or you personally know the skills, then that is different.

Warranty: Mark the sale as an AS IS sale. Tell them that the factory warranty still applies, but you as an individual cannot go beyond that. You can offer to take it to a shop and have it checked out on their dime.

The final money transaction should take place at a bank if possible. If not, cash is a viable option for the exchange of vehicle/title.

There can be a lot of pitfalls and scammers out there. I usually take a bit of a hit, but I have the dealer sell it for me or trade it in on another.

My favorite, had a steel guitar for sale. The guy wanted me to ship it to him in Duluth MN, and he said he would send me a check if he liked it. Right. :roflblack::roflblack:

 

[JacCh]

test ride

It the buyer wants a test ride tell them you will take them for a ride. If they want to ride it themselves take a picture front and back of their drivers license and their insurance card. Most people will not have the proper insurance to cover them on a test ride so you should check your own before any test rides. Also insist on a good faith refundable down payment before any test ride.

 

[Bob Denman]

Let's start out, by saying that this almost NEVER happens:
https://youtu.be/SWC6PWSJ50s
Now that that's out of the way:
I would only let someone loose for a test ride, if I knew them! nojoke

 

[Tango]

Check if they have a license.
Check if they have motorcycle insurance.
Take them for a ride with them on the back.
Switch with them if you feel comfortable doing it.
If they want to ride it alone. Leave the keys to their car with you. And follow them.
Checks take 2 weeks to clear. Cash, they can take it away. Bank checks clear faster. Do it at their bank, or yours. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[gkamer]

Don't accept a check

If the buyer offers to pay by check don't accept. Remember, the person who cashes the check is on the hook if it bounces. The best bet is either a certified bank check or a bank transfer.

If everything checks out and the sale is made, be sure to file a Notice of Sale with your Dept of Licensing as soon as possible. This keeps you off the hook if something dodgey comes up later on.

 

[robmorg]

Hold the license

I would never let anyone without a motorcycle license test ride it. If they have a motorcycle license, and insist on a test ride, I would consider having them follow you to a nearby large, mostly empty, parking lot and let them drive it there while you hold onto their driver's license.

 

[lou49]

No body test drive any vehicle that I sell unless they leave the amount of money that I'm asking with me! Beware of the crooks, they could take your vehicle and the money too! If you can, have somebody else with you and if possible make the transaction in the parking lot of a police station!
Avoid transactionsome at home, specially if is a cash deal!

 

[meerkat]

Selling a bike

Over the years I have sold many bikes and have always told the buyer that I could only ride my bike with him on the back , and never had a problem.hyea:

 

[4 MARIE]

not previously mentioned , but....do not, under ANY circumstance,
sell to anyone you are related to. Trust me on this.

 

[pegasus1300]

I have sold a number of bikes over the years. I take them for a ride then let them ride back with me on the back. Or I give them a 1 hour refund window. They can pay me for the bike in cash and if they bring it back in the same condition it left in I will give them their money back. Never meet them at your house, scout out a large empty parking lot to meet them in and bring a friend with you not your wife,girl friend or one of your kids.

ALL used vehicles are sold AS IS,no exceptions. Go to your DMV website and they will have forms you can download for a bill of sale and any other paperwork your state demands.

Your bank or Credit Union will also help you with the title transfer and other things.

 

[Firefly]

I am considering selling my F3. But I have a number of concerns.

What if someone wants to test ride it? I am concern about several things. 1. They don't come back. 2. They crash. 3. They abuse it. Is it customary to allow test rides when you are a private seller?

And what other things do I need to know to protect myself in such a transaction? An example, they ride off after the transaction and the transmission fails? Can they come after me?

I'd never buy a bike without riding it. Be smart about where you meet up and get a feel for the person. Check their license and maybe hold on to it while they go for a ride. Most people are honest, but you have to make the judgement as to how honest they are.

 

[deer30084]

You could always trade it in. Your nerves and hair color will thank you for it.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Dealing with tire-kickers and bargain-hunters is a pain in the backside!

 

[Shifter]

Unless they know the intricacies of riding a Spyder then they are at a great risk of crashing!
Holding a motorcycle licence is about as much relevant as holding a car licence when it comes to riding a Spyder.
Unless they ride up on another Spyder how the heck do you know if theyre gonna be able to handle it.

 

[Rogue Hawk]

Lots of great advice, thanks. I am still on the fence about selling it.

I know a guy who sells bikes on consignment. He would handle everything for a 10% commission on the sale. Since it sounds like there are a lot of complications and possible pitfalls, it seems to be a reasonable fee.

 

[Bob Denman]

Is that 10% amount negotiable? :dontknow:
(It shouldn't hurt to ask...)

 

[DrewNJ]

Basic rule, you can ride it when you put the cash in my hand and I give you the title. That's it. I'll let someone look it over, sit on it, and ask all the questions they want. I'll run it up and down the street, idle it. Test rides? No way.
On the flip side...
I've never asked to ride before buying either. Do your homework on the machine your buying and the seller. Know what your looking for and educate yourself.
Usually it's pretty easy to spot the junk, shady sellers, or machines you want to avoid if you pay attention.

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