Test rides selling question

[Maha]

When selling a bike on TM, what is the best way to word the issue of test rides?
Some say ''proof of cash'' / ''no test pilots'' etc..but I am not that uptight about it to be honest.

I don't mind allowing test rides, have done so in the past and done on face value, sold quickly as a result.
Proof of full license a minimum?

[Glowerss]

Whats your insurance say on the matter of somebody else crashing your bike while selling?

If your Premiums aren't gonna go up and the person who crashes it pays the deductible, what's the harm?

I've let a couple people ride bikes I was selling, but fuck it makes me nervous personally seeing the way some people ride :nono:

[willytheekid]

Be careful mate..there are some dodgy buggers out there.

Insist on either Cash up front, or at the very least-proof of said funds, License MUST be shown before the ride, and an acceptance that "you break it...you bought it!" (Or your paying the excess! yada yada)

Hope the sale goes well mate:niceone:, but stick to ya guns!...would hate to hear some prick rode off into the sunset with out paying (It does happen!)



ps...if NoDrog turns up for a "test ride"...just turn the hose on him!:killingme (And DON'T let him ride it!...unless you like an empty tank, bald tyres and...stains:crazy::lol:)

[Maha]

Whats your insurance say on the matter of somebody else crashing your bike while selling?

If your Premiums aren't gonna go up and the person who crashes it pays the deductible, what's the harm?

I've let a couple people ride bikes I was selling, but fuck it makes me nervous personally seeing the way some people ride :nono:

I should look at the insurance poilcy, it's full comp, but have no idea what the terms/conditions are on test rides etc.
Not mentioning the words Test Ride in the sale notes may be an option?

[Maha]

Be careful mate..there are some dodgy buggers out there.

Insist on either Cash up front, or at the very least-proof of said funds, License MUST be shown before the ride, and an acceptance that "you break it...you bought it!" (Or your paying the excess! yada yada)

Hope the sale goes well mate:niceone:, but stick to ya guns!...would hate to hear some prick rode off into the sunset with out paying (It does happen!)



ps...if NoDrog turns up for a "test ride"...just turn the hose on him!:killingme (And DON'T let him ride it!...unless you like an empty tank, bald tyres and...stains:crazy::lol:)

Last time he was here my fridge got emptied...:rolleyes:
Proof of funds is a good idea, I am a very trusting guy until someone crosses me.
I tend to size someone up within the first few minutes in a situation like this...:msn-wink:

PS: wheres my choclate fish? :(

[willytheekid]

....PS: wheres my choclate fish? :(

...he ate that as well??...the bastard!:oi-grr: (you should look at getting a lock on that fridge aye :lol:)

[Devil]

In my most recent ads, I have put 'Test rides negotiable'. At least you can then discuss the issue with any prospective buyers.

[Maha]

In my most recent ads, I have put 'Test rides negotiable'. At least you can then discuss the issue with any prospective buyers.

Cheers Dev'...that sounds reasonable enough.

[baffa]

I'd want their license at the very least.

Defo bell your insurance company and check that unnamed drivers are ok.

[nodrog]

What a pack of rude bastards!

Put nothing in the add, if somebody wants to ride it they will ask. Its not a harley so the sons of anarchy arent going to turn up and steal it.

And if they are asian just tell them to buy one from home (japan, not howick).

[steve_t]

What a pack of rude bastards!

And if they are asian just tell them to buy one from home (japan, not howick).

LOL. The ironing is delicious because all Asian people come from Japan :niceone::girlfight:

[DrunkenMistake]

I have herd alot of stories of people turning up with a mate and their mate sitting in the car, the person takes the bike for a test ride, 5 mins later the mate in the car fucks off, both are never to be seen again,
if thats the case maybe ask for the friends car keys as a security measure?

[nodrog]

I have herd alot of stories of people turning up with a mate and their mate sitting in the car, the person takes the bike for a test ride, 5 mins later the mate in the car fucks off, both are never to be seen again,
if thats the case maybe ask for the friends car keys as a security measure?

Yeah but insurance will pay for that wont they?

[BigAl]

It certainly is a tricky one as I would never buy a bike without first taking it for a test ride.

So wording it as test rides negotiable sounds like a great idea.

[Maha]

I have herd alot of stories of people turning up with a mate and their mate sitting in the car, the person takes the bike for a test ride, 5 mins later the mate in the car fucks off, both are never to be seen again,
if thats the case maybe ask for the friends car keys as a security measure?

That wont be happening I can assure you, anything looks amiss and the bike wont leave the property...
The bike is in mint condition and the money I want for it wont turn up with someone in a clapped out POS car/bike with mate.

[HenryDorsetCase]

When selling a bike on TM, what is the best way to word the issue of test rides?
Some say ''proof of cash'' / ''no test pilots'' etc..but I am not that uptight about it to be honest.

I don't mind allowing test rides, have done so in the past and done on face value, sold quickly as a result.
Proof of full license a minimum?

if you drop my bike you own it, and

KgmO32IdwuE

[ducatilover]

Not sure about proof of funds myself due to a bike worth as much as yours somebody may be organising finiance, but if they leave their wallet, minus licence and keys to whatever vehicle they come in, I'd be happy


So, iiiiffff I turn up and give you my Volvo keys... :wait:


Sent from my Volvo using safety

[Maha]

Not sure about proof of funds myself due to a bike worth as much as yours somebody may be organising finiance, but if they leave their wallet, minus licence and keys to whatever vehicle they come in, I'd be happy


So, iiiiffff I turn up and give you my Volvo keys... :wait:


Sent from my Volvo using safety

Point taken, actually, alot of good points taken...

Sent from 307a's sofa.

[Robbo]

If they are genuine buyers they will have the cash with them. Deal is, you hold onto the cash while they test ride your bike.
Discuss time limit on the ride, eg. 30mins etc. When the bike comes back in the same condition it left in then hand the cash
back and let the negotiating begin. If the bike does'nt come back you then have the money and then de-register it.
I would have no problem abiding by these conditions if i was the seller or the buyer.
Good Luck with your bike sale also. :msn-wink:

[Edbear]

If they are genuine buyers they will have the cash with them. Deal is, you hold onto the cash while they test ride your bike.
Discuss time limit on the ride, eg. 30mins etc. When the bike comes back in the same condition it left in then hand the cash
back and let the negotiating begin. If the bike does'nt come back you then have the money and then de-register it.
I would have no problem abiding by these conditions if i was the seller or the buyer.
Good Luck with your bike sale also. :msn-wink:

Honest buyers generally are fine with conditions like this. If they argue, you have a good idea of what kind of people they are.

[Road kill]

What a pack of rude bastards!

Put nothing in the add, if somebody wants to ride it they will ask. Its not a harley so the sons of anarchy arent going to turn up and steal it.

And if they are asian just tell them to buy one from home (japan, not howick).

Pretty much my approach as well.
Just make your decision either way on the day.

[steve_t]

If they are genuine buyers they will have the cash with them. Deal is, you hold onto the cash while they test ride your bike.
Discuss time limit on the ride, eg. 30mins etc. When the bike comes back in the same condition it left in then hand the cash
back and let the negotiating begin. If the bike does'nt come back you then have the money and then de-register it.
I would have no problem abiding by these conditions if i was the seller or the buyer.
Good Luck with your bike sale also. :msn-wink:

What if you hand over your hard earnt cash and you return the bike but the guy decides to not give you your money back? Cash is too hard to track. It's not only buyers that you have to be wary of

[Road kill]

If they are genuine buyers they will have the cash with them. Deal is, you hold onto the cash while they test ride your bike.
Discuss time limit on the ride, eg. 30mins etc. When the bike comes back in the same condition it left in then hand the cash
back and let the negotiating begin. If the bike does'nt come back you then have the money and then de-register it.
I would have no problem abiding by these conditions if i was the seller or the buyer.
Good Luck with your bike sale also. :msn-wink:

Seldom had the cash in hand when I've looked at bikes and I wouldn't expect anybody to be walking around with $8,000-$10,000 in cash if they were looking at either of mine.

[The End]

I'll trade you my Scorpio for your bike plus a box of beer (just the cheap stuff from the local dairy) and payments of 14.99 per week for 3 years?


On a serious note though, definitely hold onto their license and keys of whatever they arrived in and take note of their details. Have you thought about having them on as a pillion if it came to that?

[tigertim20]

Dont mention test rides at all. serious buyers will make contact, and you can decide based on the person who turns up how you want to deal with it.

It would pay to get in touch with the ins co and ask for specific exclusions, i.e. what if a 21 year old fully licences rider is genuinely interested but your ins. co. wont cover under 25's?

[Robbo]

What if you hand over your hard earnt cash and you return the bike but the guy decides to not give you your money back? Cash is too hard to track. It's not only buyers that you have to be wary of

Yes, that's true but i would suggest that there's more risk of somebody riding off with your bike and not returning than the other scenario. At the end of the day it's a risk that you have to calculate when you meet the potential buyer/seller.

[Smifffy]

Not speaking from personal experience at all, other than from the buying side.

Bought from a dealer and had to sign an indemnity form obliging me to pay a $2k excess if I binned or otherwise damaged. I agree it's a big call to ask someone test riding to stump up cash to the full value. However, I think at a minimum you should get cash (yes *cash*) to cover the insurance excess for a person unnamed on the policy and also hold a copy of their licence.

If they do screw up, it is going to be a headache for you, but at least your major costs will be covered (barring any primary transport worries), and if they decide not to buy, they get their cash back on safe return of bike.

If I was test riding I would expect to have to put up some kind of security. If they can't afford the excess they can't afford the bike.

[Robbo]

Seldom had the cash in hand when I've looked at bikes and I wouldn't expect anybody to be walking around with $8,000-$10,000 in cash if they were looking at either of mine.

A serious buyer will have the money available or access to it. If the seller states that those are his conditions for a test ride in advance and the buyer is keen on the particular bike being sold then he should'nt have a problem with those terms.
I have bought and sold many bikes using these same methods and never had a problem either way. It is purely a safety measure as i know of several bikes that went out on test rides and never came back. I would rather lose a potential sale than lose my bike.

[Tagger]

How does the actual selling go in NZ ?

Over here it is common practice that if you see a bike you like you pay a percentage you work out with the owner and they give you the paperwork, giving both parties leverage. With this you can enlist your bike and get your plates so once you know that the paperwork works out and he knows that he will get the rest of his money you finish the transaction by handing over the bike for the rest of the cash.

Is this any different over there or about the same ?

[Maha]

I am a cash buyer who has a put some money down on a brand new bike, that now has the rest of the funds to pay outright. Call to the shop yesterday to confirm this and salesman asks ''you don't want to pick it up on Saturday do you'' ...''ah yeah I do, is that not ok''? ... ''its just that Saturday is a busy day here''....:scratch:

Think I will speak to the Dealer Principal today.

[Ollie.T]

Last bike I bought, I turned up, had a yarn to the guy selling it for about half an hour. He then said "go take it for a spin, just be back before dark" (it was just after lunch at the time). I was back after about 45 min, still had a few more questions about the bikes history, it had been dropped a few times before and I wanted to know the repair history.
Anyway, the guy said "look, if you are not sure about it, just take it for the weekend, make your decision on Monday!" I asked him if he wanted to take a copy of my licence or get a deposit from me. He said not to worry about it as I look trustworthy and the bikes insured!

Most nervous weekend I have ever had on a bike, I was constantly paranoid I would drop it/it would get stolen!

[Maha]

I was looking to get my tyres changed over while the paper work was being done, not going to happen so guess I will just have go get the bike tomorrow and do the tyre swap here in town another day.

[george formby]

I'm confused. You selling your new tires with a free Yamaha?

And a new bike? Whatisit?

[Maha]

I'm confused. You selling your new tires with a free Yamaha?

And a new bike? Whatisit?

I am swapping my new tyres (the T30's) over to the new bike...http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=508050841 which I will pick up tomorrow.
The Suzuki has BT021's on it, which I have just got rid of, off the Yamaha in favour of the T30's.
The Yamaha will be sold with new 021's on it.

[SMOKEU]

Never let a random person ride your bike without the full asking price up front (assuming the asking price is reasonable for the bike in question). It doesn't matter if your insurance policy covers test rides and if you hold onto their driver license. The license could belong to a "friend" with a similar appearance, or they could be an unemployed fuckwit with no money or intention to pay the insurance excess.

I've read too many stories from NZ where people become the victim of a car crash due to the stupidity of someone else, only to find out that getting any money out of the guilty party is nearly impossible. Why would it be any different for someone binning a bike while taking it on a test ride? The cops won't give a fuck if you plead your case to them.

[george formby]

I am swapping my new tyres (the T30's) over to the new bike...http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=508050841 which I will pick up tomorrow.
The Suzuki has BT021's on it, which I have just got rid of, off the Yamaha in favour of the T30's.
The Yamaha will be sold with new 021's on it.

Aha.
That's a bit of a change. Plenty of room for your sammiches.

[Maha]

Aha.
That's a bit of a change. Plenty of room for your sammiches.

Going to turn the top box into a solar powered fridge...;)
Bike is now paid for....I feel faint...:ride:

[Edbear]

Going to turn the top box into a solar powered fridge...;)
Bike is now paid for....I feel faint...:ride:

Blood... Stone... ?

[Maha]

Blood... Stone... ?

Yeah all of that Ed, I am sure I am part Scottish...anyway, the plates are being put on as we speak, might just pop in on the way home after I pick it up in the morning....if you're home?

[Edbear]

Yeah all of that Ed, I am sure I am part Scottish...anyway, the plates are being put on as we speak, might just pop in on the way home after I pick it up in the morning....if you're home?

Possibly, depends on how much we want to sleep in... If not until later morn we should be close by anyway. Text me when u leaving shop.

[Maha]

Possibly, depends on how much we want to sleep in... If not until later morn we should be close by anyway. Text me when u leaving shop.

It'll be later, I will pick it up 10:30am...yeah i'll text ya.

[Edbear]

It'll be later, I will pick it up 10:30am...yeah i'll text ya.

Cool! :2thumbsup

[Dragon]

Every bike ive looked at ive turned up with either

a. the asking price
b. the price ive discussed over the phone

In cash and stated I have cash, if people want id or to view my licence thats fine I also bring someone with me and if ive got a car with me im happy to hand over keys and my mate will stay with them while I go around the block etc

Personally im willing to pay for a bike I drop/crash to the amount agreed before the test ride

When I brought the gsx I got my uncle to test ride it as I hadnt been on a bike in 4years and knew he would find out more in him test riding it then I would.

Generally people that have never ridden before don't try and buy fast expensive bikes

[chasio]

...the new bike...http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=508050841 which I will pick up tomorrow.

I must declare that I am more than a bit jealous. Happy travels!

[nzspokes]

It'll be later, I will pick it up 10:30am...yeah i'll text ya.

Gotta watch those Bandits, front wheel pops up all by themselves. :gob:

Hoping to get mine back next week.:woohoo:

[Maha]

Gotta watch those Bandits, front wheel pops up all by themselves. :gob:

Hoping to get mine back next week.:woohoo:

Not as much HP as the Yamaha ...it's heavier also so should be ...torque is cheap...:blip:

[Maha]

Soooooooo bike didn't sell at auction which finished at the weekend...I have however had several (but not confirmed) offers since, and was holding out till maybe Saturday to relist.
Open email earlier and there's a TM notification saying ''A Trade Me member is interested in purchasing your expired auction'' so I have relisted it.
Question, is the message just a way of sucking yet more money from me (the trader?)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=593564706

[breakaway]

Relists should be free unless you paid for advertising (gallery, etc).

Really nice bike. Tough market. I had to practically give my Z750 away.

When I sold my z750, the buyers practically begged me for a test ride. Two very respectable looking men that were dressed very nicely in a late model car. Still, I said not without cash, they were pissed but they came back with cash later and test rode/bought it off me.

Real motorcyclists who understand the connection between rider and bike have no issue with this simple condition.

[Gremlin]

Open email earlier and there's a TM notification saying ''A Trade Me member is interested in purchasing your expired auction'' so I have relisted it.
Question, is the message just a way of sucking yet more money from me (the trader?)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=593564706

Different options, and I've done them all. I watch auctions as part of research on the product. Are the items selling, if they are, what are people paying, is it worth it, are my expectations realistic etc. May not want it at all, just curious.

As for relisting, sometimes you are keen, then forget about the auction and lose out. Of course, he could also be seeing if someone else is biting, or he's the only one. No-one bids, then he's still in the market while not paying more than he has to. Constant drops in prices to me, also mean the seller is desperate and more likely to work something out.

[Maha]

Different options, and I've done them all. I watch auctions as part of research on the product. Are the items selling, if they are, what are people paying, is it worth it, are my expectations realistic etc. May not want it at all, just curious.

As for relisting, sometimes you are keen, then forget about the auction and lose out. Of course, he could also be seeing if someone else is biting, or he's the only one. No-one bids, then he's still in the market while not paying more than he has to. Constant drops in prices to me, also mean the seller is desperate and more likely to work something out.

I wasn't desperate at the start, but now I want to buy some other ''stuff'' plus it's not right that I have two near new bikes in the garage when I only want to ride/own one.
Insurance/rego etc on more than one bike is taxing to say the least.

[awa355]

Re test rides, I took a cruiser from Hamilton Honda for a ride prior to buying it. I must've looked like a complete idiot. Stalled twice leaving the forecourt due to never having used a heel toe change for 40 years. I can understand a sellers apprehension seeing someone who has never ridden his particular model before, ride off on a bike that has a different feel to the clutch, footrest position, steering etc to what the buyer is used too.

[st00ji]

you might want to check with your insurance about what happens if someone does ride off and never come back too - have heard of issues getting insurance when you have willingly handed over the keys.

PS i want your bike

[Maha]

you might want to check with your insurance about what happens if someone does ride off and never come back too - have heard of issues getting insurance when you have willingly handed over the keys.

PS i want your bike

It's yours for.......check your bling....opps for the price. :rolleyes::laugh:

[Oakie]

I'm happy for someone to take a test ride. The deal is though that I hold their drivers licence for them while they are away ... assuming that the photo on the licence is obviously them.

[Road kill]

Relists should be free unless you paid for advertising (gallery, etc).

Really nice bike. Tough market. I had to practically give my Z750 away.

When I sold my z750, the buyers practically begged me for a test ride. Two very respectable looking men that were dressed very nicely in a late model car. Still, I said not without cash, they were pissed but they came back with cash later and test rode/bought it off me.

Real motorcyclists who understand the connection between rider and bike have no issue with this simple condition.

Ah I get it now.
Your "real motorcyclists" love and connection to your bike was just so great,,,you sold it.

Thanks for the best laugh this week you "real" biker you :killingme

[Gremlin]

I'm happy for someone to take a test ride. The deal is though that I hold their drivers licence for them while they are away ... assuming that the photo on the licence is obviously them.
Only problem with that is that you're meant to carry your licence. I check the photo and let them know I'm taking a copy.

[Ender EnZed]

I wasn't desperate at the start, but now I want to buy some other ''stuff'' plus it's not right that I have two near new bikes in the garage when I only want to ride/own one.

You're selling it cheap already.

If my bike got written off tomorrow I'd snap it up at $8k and giggle for months.

The question of how long to hold on vs. how soon to get rid of is a tricky one but I'd hold out a bit longer if you weren't about to be paying interest on some debts or similar.

It's a tasty and desirable bike. I'd be all over it if I wanted it, you've just gotta wait for a real buyer.

[McFatty1000]

Only problem with that is that you're meant to carry your licence. I check the photo and let them know I'm taking a copy.

Kinda opens up another question (sorry if its been asked before) but how long is an acceptable test ride? I know its likely to be bike dependent too but 10kms? 50?
Might be easier to just ride without it and take the risk?

[Ender EnZed]

There are plenty of stories of things going wrong.


Bu; if you think they look trustworthy enough and they hand over enough collateral to convince you that they can afford the bike then your best chance in selling it lies in convincing then that want want to buy.

Personally I think the establishment of sale and the actual sale in this day and age are two quite separate points.

A man like yourself Maha is infact in a fairly advanced position. As soon as a potential purchaser starts checking things out he'll see that you're a verifiable good cunt and he'll wan't your bike no matter what. He'll be right, $8k for an '11 FZ8 is MEAN VALUE.
I'd go hard If I was after a new bike.

But even given best market valuation, on KB I'm going to get a range of options. That's the wonder of the porn of the Internet.

[st00ji]

im not convinced i understand this bling stuff, but if i could justify 8k on a new bike i would be knocking on your door right now - not fucking around in this thread. seems like great value for money to me!

possibly not the best time of year to be selling though?

[Gremlin]

possibly not the best time of year to be selling though?
Any time of year, you always need a buyer that wants what you are selling, so even though the price is fantastic, if it's not what people want, then to a certain degree, the price is irrelevant (ignoring that some may switch because it's a freaken bargain).

Often you'll try to sell something for x, not sell, but a little while down the track you sell it for more, simply because of timing.

[Oakie]

Only problem with that is that you're meant to carry your licence. I check the photo and let them know I'm taking a copy.

Rather hold the licence myself. On the off chance they are asked to produce it I'm sure Police would be reasonable given that I would confirm the circumstances.

[Maha]

You're selling it cheap already.

If my bike got written off tomorrow I'd snap it up at $8k and giggle for months.

The question of how long to hold on vs. how soon to get rid of is a tricky one but I'd hold out a bit longer if you weren't about to be paying interest on some debts or similar.

It's a tasty and desirable bike. I'd be all over it if I wanted it, you've just gotta wait for a real buyer.

I hear what you're saying, serious buyers are few and far between it would seem. First auction there were 28 watchers and three bidders, this auction there are 27 watchers and 1 bid...:rolleyes:
Sent a fixed price offer to 14 of the 27 watchers and it has been accepted...one phone call from way outside the area who was willing to come up and buy the bike next week.

[Smifffy]

So how did/are you handling the test ride situation?

[Maha]

So how did/are you handling the test ride situation?

Have yet to, but the bike sold last night, buyer has been in touch and will arrange a view. The rego is on hold, I could leave it on hold until I see the money, that way I can say no to a test ride because the insurance (still being paid) will be void if something goes wrong and not rego'd right?

[Ender EnZed]

Have yet to, but the bike sold last night, buyer has been in touch and will arrange a view. The rego is on hold, I could leave it on hold until I see the money, that way I can say no to a test ride because the insurance (still being paid) will be void if something goes wrong and not rego'd right?

Is it finalized? Pm sent.

[Maha]

Is it finalized? Pm sent.

Buyer wants to see the bike and has no problem putting the money into my account on Wednesday, well shall see, I still have not spoken to the buyer, email only, which is kinda weird but, each to their own.