Selling a bike privately?

[ukusa]

It's just about time for me to sell, & I will be selling privately (upgrading soon). I haven't sold a bike for a number of years (about 15) and have a few questions that some "experienced" sellers may have some ideas on.
1. What is the best way to eliminate most joy riders (do they exist in great numbers?) Is a simple "no joyriders" in the listing enough, or is that not really going to mean anything.
2. How do you know who's serious and who's not?
3. Is charging a nominal fully refundable sum to all test riders a possible option? (this could possibly rule out those clowns with no money & no intention of ever buying, where as a serious buyer should have a little cash).
4. No photo, no ride. Is this an effective safety measure against theft? Also holding onto/photographing their licence before test riding?
5. what is a reasonable time limit for a test ride?
Finally, #6. is it best to list everywhere (eg. here, local paper, buy/sell mag/tardeme), or just one or two?
cheers

[jim.cox]

No "Joy Rides'

At all

Ever

Go the American way : They can buy the bike "subject to satisfactory test ride'

That is they can ride the bike AFTER they have paid you for it

and if they dont like it you give the money back

[crazyhorse]

We've sold a number of bikes through Trade me. Everyone I have delt with have beeen genuine - and I have not come accross any who are tyre kickers. Once sold a FXR150 to a group of 17 year olds - that was abit nervy, but they handed over the foldings, so all good.

Plus they always come in a vehicle - so you then have possession of their car or whatever, and sometimes there are 2 of them - so you can stay and chat to the other person. Not sure about insurance issues, but no one rarely takes a bike for a huge test ride - unless it is done through a bike shop.

Best thing to do is check out how serious they are before giving them your details.

Good luck

[ukusa]

Plus they always come in a vehicle - so you then have possession of their car or whatever
Hoping the vehicle they arrive in ain't nicked!


Not sure about insurance issues, but no one rarely takes a bike for a huge test ride - unless it is done through a bike shop.

I think my insurance covers un-named riders with an additional $300 excess

[vgcspares]

if your bike's insured then check their license (assuming you want to claim if they drop it) and get a photocopy 1st if you want some protection against them knicking it

if it isn't then no joy rides would be the way to go

[Maha]

1. What is the best way to eliminate most joy riders (do they exist in great numbers?) Is a simple "no joyriders" in the listing enough, or is that not really going to mean anything.
2. How do you know who's serious and who's not?
3. Is charging a nominal fully refundable sum to all test riders a possible option? (this could possibly rule out those clowns with no money & no intention of ever buying, where as a serious buyer should have a little cash).
4. No photo, no ride. Is this an effective safety measure against theft? Also holding onto/photographing their licence before test riding?
5. what is a reasonable time limit for a test ride?
Finally, #6. is it best to list everywhere (eg. here, local paper, buy/sell mag/tardeme), or just one or two?
cheers


The only people who test rode my last two sells ended up buying the bikes.
You know who is serious when they turn up for a test ride with the money.
My last sale, I met the guy half way, about an hour twenty from here, he rode the about the same distance. He took the bike for about 6 mins, came back, haggled over the price for about two mins, and he came and got it the very next weekend.
Sometimes, its all to easy if you have a good example to sell.
I advertised on here and trademe, someone on here said I was asking to much for one of the bikes, wanted $7.5K...ended up getting $8K on trademe.

[Beemer]

The only people who test rode my last two sells ended up buying the bikes.

I traded in my first bike when I bought my BMW F650CS then I sold the CS through Trade Me. First person to test ride it was a woman we knew through a bike club. She only had a learner's licence so her husband rode the bike with her on the back - but I found out later they swapped down the road, which really pissed me off as I wouldn't have been covered if she'd binned it. She reckoned I wanted too much for it and said she wasn't interested at that price. Sold it a few weeks later to a guy who came to look at it. He left me his car and two of his kids (who were real hard cases) while he took it for a ride and when he came back he said he'd take it - no haggling over the price at all. He paid half into my bank account that night and the other half a few days later, then he came with his wife and family to collect it that weekend. A totally hassle free sale.

I've got the Goose on Trade Me now - no hurry to sell it, but it's not being used. Here's hoping I have as much luck selling it as I did with the BMW.

[Maha]

I traded in my first bike when I bought my BMW F650CS then I sold the CS through Trade Me. First person to test ride it was a woman we knew through a bike club. She only had a learner's licence so her husband rode the bike with her on the back - but I found out later they swapped down the road, which really pissed me off as I wouldn't have been covered if she'd binned it. She reckoned I wanted too much for it and said she wasn't interested at that price. Sold it a few weeks later to a guy who came to look at it. He left me his car and two of his kids (who were real hard cases) while he took it for a ride and when he came back he said he'd take it - no haggling over the price at all. He paid half into my bank account that night and the other half a few days later, then he came with his wife and family to collect it that weekend. A totally hassle free sale.

I've got the Goose on Trade Me now - no hurry to sell it, but it's not being used. Here's hoping I have as much luck selling it as I did with the BMW.

The first situation?....yeah that would have pissed me off.
The second, damn you could have ended up owning the car and two kids...:gob:
When I sold my Yamaha, the guy offered me $7K when he first saw it, without even riding it. Then he offered $7.5K about 1/2 hour later, I wanted the auction to finish....he said $8K right now...the highest bidder on trademe in the end was $6.9K I think...he said he didnt care, $8K was what he wanted to pay, so I took it up to him, everyone happy.

[avgas]

Keys and wallet usually do the trick.
Not a lot of people think you will take their wallet - it also stops them being dicks in your vehicle as if they get pulled over and dont have license.....:shutup:

[ukusa]

Keys and wallet usually do the trick.
Not a lot of people think you will take their wallet - it also stops them being dicks in your vehicle as if they get pulled over and dont have license.....:shutup:

I spose just the license woud do rather than who whole wallet. I still think a quick photo on the ole digicam would be benificial as well, as some license photos can be very old

[MDR2]

Keys and wallet usually do the trick.
Not a lot of people think you will take their wallet - it also stops them being dicks in your vehicle as if they get pulled over and dont have license.....:shutup:

my method also

[YellowDog]

I have never had a problem with selling a bike. You can usually tell they are genuine by the kind of questions they ask.

Jim's solution is the best one. They buy the bike subject to a test ride. If they have not ridden one before then they should go to a dealer for a free ride and then let you know if they want to buy yours subject to your riding similarly to the dealers bike.

[tigertim20]

It's just about time for me to sell, & I will be selling privately (upgrading soon). I haven't sold a bike for a number of years (about 15) and have a few questions that some "experienced" sellers may have some ideas on.
1. What is the best way to eliminate most joy riders (do they exist in great numbers?) Is a simple "no joyriders" in the listing enough, or is that not really going to mean anything.
2. How do you know who's serious and who's not?
3. Is charging a nominal fully refundable sum to all test riders a possible option? (this could possibly rule out those clowns with no money & no intention of ever buying, where as a serious buyer should have a little cash).
4. No photo, no ride. Is this an effective safety measure against theft? Also holding onto/photographing their licence before test riding?
5. what is a reasonable time limit for a test ride?
Finally, #6. is it best to list everywhere (eg. here, local paper, buy/sell mag/tardeme), or just one or two?
cheers

I would put in the ad the following
"test rides are available to serious enquiries, provided you turn up with a full set of your own riding gear, and your licence"

If they have thier own gear they are less likely to be a moron. (note "less likely")
Stating that you want to sight a licence pre-test will mean people need to be prepared to supply photo ID.

A simple you break it, you buy it clause. I have a habbit of asking for the keys to the vehicle they turned up in while they are testing. if they are sketchy on your requirements, tell them to fuck off.Also, write down the number plate of anyone who comes to view it, Just in case it gets stolen aye.

[scracha]

If the bike's worth a few bucks then meet them somewhere neutral (garage, a mates house, whatever) & check their license & piccy before heading back with them to get the bike. If something smells fishy, walk away.

[popelli]

golden rule

never meet at your place - they can suss out security

re test rides, no problem, they give you a cash deposit equal to the asking price of the bike and they can ride it as far as they like, if they drop it its theirs no problem

going on the back as a pillion when they test ride is also a no no - I made that mistake and the idiot dropped the bike - fortunately there was minimal damage and he bought the bike

[munterk6]

:stupid:

Test rides AFTER the money is handed over, has always worked for me.
In saying that, I usually keep the old bike and park it up...buy the new bike and end up with 4 or 5 bikes :scooter:

[Beemer]

If the bike's worth a few bucks then meet them somewhere neutral (garage, a mates house, whatever) & check their license & piccy before heading back with them to get the bike. If something smells fishy, walk away.

I agree - if I'd had any doubts about the people wanting to view my bike, I would have met them in town somewhere. We certainly don't want someone turning up, checking out the garage and then coming back later to continue their 'shopping'!

[ukusa]

I agree - if I'd had any doubts about the people wanting to view my bike, I would have met them in town somewhere. We certainly don't want someone turning up, checking out the garage and then coming back later to continue their 'shopping'!
reminds me of the good ole days in the 80's, no internet etc. you had to advertise in the paper. A good trick to play on some wanker who's pissed you off (or owed you money) was to advertise a Harley real cheap and put their address in the paper :devil2:

[chester]

when I sold my 250 on tard me, the guy that didnt test ride it bought it. :stupid:

[Renegade]

i sold my bike the other night, the guy saw it on trademe and called to ask a few questions and sounded keen.

He drove about 4hrs to view it, ummmed and ahhhed for 3hrs :spanking: which stressed me out to the point of being right fucked off, including us loading the bike on his ute to him changing his mind at signing the papers and us unloading the bike :nono:

in the end he bought the bike :bash:, hardest sale ever but i wanted it sold and sold it is :niceone:

Its your bike you make the rules, but ya never know with some buyers.

[avgas]

I spose just the license woud do rather than who whole wallet. I still think a quick photo on the ole digicam would be benificial as well, as some license photos can be very old

Nah take whole wallet - that way they can't fill with gas either.

[Sims]

I'm going to upgrade my ride, and am selling the current horse on trade me. After hearing about so many stolen bikes in recent times I'm feeling a little nervous about letting anyone take it for a spin!

Do you guys take down license numbers or anything like that? or do you just flat out refuse to let anyone go for a ride?

[Gibbo89]

I'm going to upgrade my ride, and am selling the current horse on trade me. After hearing about so many stolen bikes in recent times I'm feeling a little nervous about letting anyone take it for a spin!

Do you guys take down license numbers or anything like that? or do you just flat out refuse to let anyone go for a ride?

i follow behind them on my push bike.

good luck with the sale

[DEATH_INC.]

When I brought mine the guy said put the cash in his hand then I can ride it. I think quite a few people do this.
It's a pretty good idea, if nothing else it'll sort out those that are serious and those just tossing off :yes:

[crazzed]

I'm going to upgrade my ride, and am selling the current horse on trade me. After hearing about so many stolen bikes in recent times I'm feeling a little nervous about letting anyone take it for a spin!

Do you guys take down license numbers or anything like that? or do you just flat out refuse to let anyone go for a ride?

keys to car they turn up in as long as its equal or more value than bike.

[Marmoot]

I believe the term is "No test ride without proof of funds"?

In other words, only let a test ride if the sale is to go ahead subject to the test ride.
He gives you the cash, takes the bike for a spin.

Crash the bike or not coming back and the cash is yours. If he returns within the alloted time (5 minutes?) and say no, then you need to give the cash back.

Is that how it works?

I wouldn't accept the car they're in (might have been stolen), internet transfer (can be reversed) or personal cheque (can be zero-balance).
But I believe bank cheque is good enough.

[Laava]

Another option is to check with your ins company and then ask for cash to the value of your excess. Either way, if they crash it or steal it you should be covered.

[Usarka]

I was looking at selling mine after my accident last year, and I got a number of enquiries from people that were either a) thick as two pieces of dog-shit sandwhiched between a turd loaf, or b) wanted to come over so they knew where the bike lived.

Eg. "I don't have the money, but can I come and sit on it?"

[nothingflash]

But I believe bank cheque is good enough.

Nope. I sold my boat recently and asked for a bank cheque. Chucked the Westpac bank cheque in my Westpac account and was told it would take two days to clear. I asked why there is a delay and was told that the customer could cancel the cheque before it clears into my account. I was told it could be cleared faster - for a fee of course.

It seems to me their system may not be "live" or in "real time" so they impose a delay for the depositing customer to carry their interim risk.

[SMOKEU]

Another option is to check with your ins company and then ask for cash to the value of your excess. Either way, if they crash it or steal it you should be covered.

Most insurance policies would probably class that as gross negligence on your part and refuse to pay out. You have to take 'due care' or something like that to protect your assets from loss. Of course, registered motor vehicle dealers have a different kind of insurance policy, but the average private vehicle insurance policys tend to differ.

[Gremlin]

I get the seller to prove he/she has the funds to pay and sign a form stating they are taking it for a ride and will pay up in the event of an incident.

If a vehicle is left, it is in sight, not allowed to leave etc (people have pitched up then "shot up the road", no car, no bike). If I really had my doubts, I have previously met the guy at a neutral place in the city, with a mate in a car in tow. Bikes aren't registered to my house either.

Upon sale, I also get them to sign a short form saying they have purchased the bike and paid for it in full, this is to cover me in the event they don't complete the transfer of ownership forms in a timely manner.

[Mully]

I'm interested in this too - got to sell them RF now.

I'm hoping to avoid Trademe, but in the event I have to use that cesspit, my thoughts are:

Sight a driver's licence (going to do this anyway to avoid L platers) and copy the details
Cash in my paw
Their vehicle stays behind.

Not that I'm under any illusions that RF900s are on the 'most stolen' list, but still.

[Swoop]

For fuck's sake, how many times do we need to repeat this message...

Get your camera out and take a bloody photo of the person/s involved with every test ride.

Make it quite clear that you will use the photo if they attempt to leg it with the bike. Period.
The cops will get the photo, along with certain "others" who like meeting up with bike theives...

[dogsnbikes]

I agree with swoop

If they don't want their photo taken ...its says it all really


my policy is photo/funds/licence or no ride

[Ronin]

Does it wheelie Mr?

[Grasshopperus]

As a recent buyer I was turned-off by any ad that said 'No Test Pilots!'.... So I'm not allowed to come try your bike with the intention that IF I like it I might buy it? Well then screw ya.

Just the thought that the seller would be only grudgingly letting me ride his bike is some unwanted pressure/hassle that's not worth dealing with.

That's one of the nice things about dealers... they want you to ride all their bikes.

[imdying]

no cash, no ride

[duckonin]

keys to car they turn up in as long as its equal or more value than bike.

Now that would be a bad move, it could be a car off a lot taken for a test run or ra ra ra ....:yes::facepalm:

[Marmoot]

Nope. I sold my boat recently and asked for a bank cheque. Chucked the Westpac bank cheque in my Westpac account and was told it would take two days to clear. I asked why there is a delay and was told that the customer could cancel the cheque before it clears into my account. I was told it could be cleared faster - for a fee of course.

It seems to me their system may not be "live" or in "real time" so they impose a delay for the depositing customer to carry their interim risk.

But it can be traced back much easier when the police are involved. And it cost the buyer $15 just to issue the bank cheque (rather than $0 for Internet transaction), so it prequalifies the buying intent to some extent.

[aprilia_RS250]

I usually meet them at a parking lot and tell them to test ride it there. I also add that I'm a chemical engineer and I have crafted some tasty nut rockets under the seat that will explode and send your nuts to the moon if they ride further than a 100m away from me.:yes:

[nothingflash]

But it can be traced back much easier when the police are involved. And it cost the buyer $15 just to issue the bank cheque (rather than $0 for Internet transaction), so it prequalifies the buying intent to some extent.

To some extent sure - a cheque is still is no more than a promise to pay until it clears though given the person who gives it to you retians control of it.

A cheque is no less or more easier to trace than an internet payment as they both have a source account. In fact a cheque is probably more secure in this sense as the source document requires a signature, identification to verify that signature and would need to be done in a branch where the person would be recorded on at least one CCTV camera.

Still seems to be madness to me that in my situation, the guy who bought my boat was a Westpac customer who must have had available funds to withdraw the cheque in the first instance and it was being deposited into a Westpac account - so why the delay? I can understand if I deposited it into another bank as it would have to go through some sort of prcessing system before Westpac knew it had been presented...

Ah well...

[neels]

Buying my last bike I turned up in the company car, showed the guy my licence and gave him a business card, and suggested I'd like a short test ride. He suggested I might like a longer test ride and to take the bike for an hour or so. Got back, deal done on a handshake and went back to pick it up with the cash 2 days later. :2thumbsup

Selling my old bike, the guy turned up in his courier van, gave me the keys and showed me his licence with the same name as on the side of the van, I was quite happy for him to test ride the bike as I knew where I could track him down if required. Came back and got the cash out of his pocket and paid me on the spot.

I do like the photo idea though, if anyone was dodgy it would certainly put them off.

[Gremlin]

For those looking from the perspective of buying, and not liking the conditions, demands etc, bear in mind sellers want to sell their bikes. However, with all the scum trying to steal, or find out where you are to steal later... Yeah, you have to take precautions

[BMWST?]

Good advice here but from a buyers POV i wouldnt buy a bike without at least a 20 min test ride.Carjam the plate of the vehicle they arrive in,drivers license etc

[Marmoot]

Still seems to be madness to me that in my situation, the guy who bought my boat was a Westpac customer who must have had available funds to withdraw the cheque in the first instance and it was being deposited into a Westpac account - so why the delay? I can understand if I deposited it into another bank as it would have to go through some sort of prcessing system before Westpac knew it had been presented...

Ah well...

Worst case scenario as part of the bank's customer service. In the event the cheque is missing, stolen or robbed, when reported by the customer the bank would cancel it without prejudice. Meaning that in the event further investigation proves it to be incorrect, the money may be taken back by the bank.
If I remember correctly, that would also incur a (not-so-small) cancellation fee, and a few days processing.

I agree with you though, nothing is foolproof except for cash-in-hand. Then again, the money notes could also be fakes :)

One reason why I prefer selling to Dealerships. But recently they have been twisting my balls so hard I am almost orgasmic. And when I do, I guess I would have to bite the bullet and go to TradeMe too. :(

[Marmoot]

Good advice here but from a buyers POV i wouldnt buy a bike without at least a 20 min test ride.Carjam the plate of the vehicle they arrive in,drivers license etc

What's the 20 minutes for? Is it to discover potential mechanical faults, or to know whether you like how it rides?

[FROSTY]

Nope. I sold my boat recently and asked for a bank cheque. Chucked the Westpac bank cheque in my Westpac account and was told it would take two days to clear. I asked why there is a delay and was told that the customer could cancel the cheque before it clears into my account. I was told it could be cleared faster - for a fee of course.

It seems to me their system may not be "live" or in "real time" so they impose a delay for the depositing customer to carry their interim risk.
f its a BANK cheque then thats not true.I put about 3 bank cheques a week into my accounts for sums from $2000-$20000 and the funds are always instantly cleared.
Mind you my banking is always done 9-4.30 ---ie when the other bank is open.

[nothingflash]

f its a BANK cheque then thats not true.I put about 3 bank cheques a week into my accounts for sums from $2000-$20000 and the funds are always instantly cleared.
Mind you my banking is always done 9-4.30 ---ie when the other bank is open.

True or not - that was my experience... perhaps it depends on the customers situation and of course who you deal with at the bank in terms of their understanding of the various policies. Having worked for one in the past ten years some time of which was spent in a policy/audit role I'd lean towards the latter.

[SMOKEU]

Carjam the plate of the vehicle they arrive in,drivers license etc

I wouldn't rely on Carjam for that. You'd be surprised at how many people call police saying "My car has been stolen some time over the last 24 hours". Few car thefts get reported immediately after they happen.

[Maha]

When I was selling my Yamaha, a dude came and took it for a test ride, he left his mother here....:blink:

[SMOKEU]

he left his mother here....:blink:

Was she alright looking?

[mikemike104]

Nope. I sold my boat recently and asked for a bank cheque. Chucked the Westpac bank cheque in my Westpac account and was told it would take two days to clear. I asked why there is a delay and was told that the customer could cancel the cheque before it clears into my account. I was told it could be cleared faster - for a fee of course.

It seems to me their system may not be "live" or in "real time" so they impose a delay for the depositing customer to carry their interim risk.

Working in a financial institution myself, I personally would have no issue with a bank cheque upfront, as what bank wants to be the bank that cancels bank cheques ??

Our policy is to never cancel bank cheques unless they are stale (6 months old) but like anything, its not what you know but who you know that make life easier..

[mikemike104]

wtf is up with the advert in my post....

[Maha]

Was she alright looking?

Dont recall, it was a while ago, they were from Dargaville nuff said...
Anyway, he did take her and the bike away plus paid me $1000 over the reserve price on trademe so it was a win win...:rockon:

[Mully]

We sold a cage a few years back and the bloke have us cash for it.

This was a Sunday night, so we dropped most of it in an ATM down the road, and kept some cash back.

The credit didn't appear in our account until the following Friday

It took National Bank 5 working days to clear a cash deposit.

[tigertim20]

I'm going to upgrade my ride, and am selling the current horse on trade me. After hearing about so many stolen bikes in recent times I'm feeling a little nervous about letting anyone take it for a spin!

Do you guys take down license numbers or anything like that? or do you just flat out refuse to let anyone go for a ride?

theives are more likely to steal from your shed at night, not during a ride.

when people come to veiw, i let them ask questions etc, and if I get a bad vibe off them, I tell them full cash value for a test ride.

provided they seem genuine etc, I allow a test ride, AFTER having cited ID, and I ask that they leave their vehicle and keys behind while they go.
I have often found a buyer will bring a mate, and the mate stays and has a chat while the test ride is being done.

Do note ID and rego numbers if yoy are wary. do NOT let someone test ride if you get a bad vibe off them

[Sims]

theives are more likely to steal from your shed at night, not during a ride.

when people come to veiw, i let them ask questions etc, and if I get a bad vibe off them, I tell them full cash value for a test ride.

provided they seem genuine etc, I allow a test ride, AFTER having cited ID, and I ask that they leave their vehicle and keys behind while they go.
I have often found a buyer will bring a mate, and the mate stays and has a chat while the test ride is being done.

Do note ID and rego numbers if yoy are wary. do NOT let someone test ride if you get a bad vibe off them



Cheers some good advice there, and in this thread in general.

The reason I am concerned about test rides is a direct result of this forum! I remember reading about someone letting there bike out on a test ride after the thieve handed over the keys and thieves friend waited with them. After a while the friend gapped it, and he was left with a stolen car in his driveway.

I have gone with the no cash no ride stance, and will stick with that to be safe.

[fuknKIWI]

I'm going to upgrade my ride, and am selling the current horse on trade me. After hearing about so many stolen bikes in recent times I'm feeling a little nervous about letting anyone take it for a spin!

Do you guys take down license numbers or anything like that? or do you just flat out refuse to let anyone go for a ride?
100% deposit refundable on successful completion of test ride:violin:

[Forest]

Working in a financial institution myself, I personally would have no issue with a bank cheque upfront, as what bank wants to be the bank that cancels bank cheques ??

Our policy is to never cancel bank cheques unless they are stale (6 months old) but like anything, its not what you know but who you know that make life easier..

Banks aren't obliged to honour fraudulent bank cheques.

It isn't unknown for crims to request a bank cheque from a teller before reaching over the counter and running off with the entire book of blank bank cheques.

A bank cheque is no guarantee that you'll get paid. You shouldn't trust a bank cheque unless you also trust the person giving you the bank cheque.

[klyong82]

When I was selling my honda the bloke came over to test ride pop the amount I was asking for in my hands for me to count while he took it for a 10 minute ride.
Came back and told me he wanted the bike .....2 hours later I came home with my new bike

both happy parties for the day :yes:

[Conquiztador]

-My cars or bikes are never registered to my home.
-Bikes over $1K are not shown to prospective buyers at home.
-License to be seen before test ride. I will hold on to money. Bikes over $1K I always have mate with me.

But when I buy bikes I dont think I have had a test ride yet? Start the motor, check that things work. (If it is a bike that is supposed to run) If I am happy I pay and I am off.

[bsasuper]

After selling a few bikes, you get to know who is serious and who are just tyre kickers.A lot of buyers have already made up their minds to buy your bike before they have even seen it in the flesh.
My rules for test riding are I keep your licence, If I think you are dodgy I ask for the CASH.You are letting a complete stranger take your pride and joy for a ride, if you get the feeling something is not right, dont be afraid to ask for the cash first, like I said a lot of buyers have made up their minds to buy it, so bringing the cash with them is easy.

[MarkH]

As a recent buyer I was turned-off by any ad that said 'No Test Pilots!'.... So I'm not allowed to come try your bike with the intention that IF I like it I might buy it? Well then screw ya.

So the seller not wanting tossers to turn up to go for a blat on the bike with no intention of buying it put you off? I would never let that statement put me off - if I was seriously going to buy the bike subject to a test ride then I would just explain that to the seller. Maybe I'd even have the cash on hand and let him hold it while I went for a ride.


My rules for test riding are I keep your licence

Do you offer to pay their fine if they are pulled over & ticketed for riding without having their license on them? Surely if the license is genuine then noting the license number and full name is enough for the police to track them down?

[breakaway]

As a recent buyer I was turned-off by any ad that said 'No Test Pilots!'.... So I'm not allowed to come try your bike with the intention that IF I like it I might buy it? Well then screw ya.

Your loss :yes:

You'll have to excuse me if I won't let some random off the street ride my bike valued at $8000 without any security. And no, your car doesn't count as security because it could be stolen, and neither does leaving your dodgy looking friend.


That's one of the nice things about dealers... they want you to ride all their bikes.

Ah okay, nevermind that you pay many (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports//auction-118541453.htm) thousands (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports//auction-163044966.htm) more buying from stealerships, and not to mention their bikes are insured so if you prang it, you will have to pay. Privately insured bikes are only insured for the person who's name is on the contract.

After evaluating all the facts, can you really still be bitter that you were denied a test ride without cash?

[Her_C4]

I get the seller to prove he/she has the funds to pay and sign a form stating they are taking it for a ride and will pay up in the event of an incident.

If a vehicle is left, it is in sight, not allowed to leave etc (people have pitched up then "shot up the road", no car, no bike). If I really had my doubts, I have previously met the guy at a neutral place in the city, with a mate in a car in tow. Bikes aren't registered to my house either.

Upon sale, I also get them to sign a short form saying they have purchased the bike and paid for it in full, this is to cover me in the event they don't complete the transfer of ownership forms in a timely manner.


As a recent buyer I was turned-off by any ad that said 'No Test Pilots!'.... So I'm not allowed to come try your bike with the intention that IF I like it I might buy it? Well then screw ya.

Just the thought that the seller would be only grudgingly letting me ride his bike is some unwanted pressure/hassle that's not worth dealing with.

That's one of the nice things about dealers... they want you to ride all their bikes.

Interesting perspectives... the first bike I sold myself I made it clear on the phone that if he came around he would need to sign a waiver and handover his licence. He laughed and said that was fine - came around and gave me his wallet (with his licence in it), and when he came back he pulled his police ID out of his back pocket and commended me on my approach. Then he came back and bought the bike!

The second one was the 1098 and a number of you will recall that I was flamed on here for stating 'no test rides'. I had it for sale for 4 weeks and a guy flew up from the South Island to ride it back after putting the money in my account the week before - sight unseen.

I have no problem with either scenario above as a buyer or a seller.

[BMWST?]

What's the 20 minutes for? Is it to discover potential mechanical faults, or to know whether you like how it rides?

get a bit used to it,let it warm up properly,ride it in variuos situations(a bit of urban a bit of openroad) try out brakes ,in short a TEST ride

[Marmoot]

get a bit used to it,let it warm up properly,ride it in variuos situations(a bit of urban a bit of openroad) try out brakes ,in short a TEST ride

OK, so you're a Test Pilot.

[NZM0NK3Y]

Hi,
Sorry I know this is in the wrong forum page but don't know how to move it into Buying/Selling without it being an ad ??

Anyway - am thinking about selling my bike, 2013 KTM Duke 390 - 6,600kms ish, good condition, full KTM service history, larger screen and 10ltr KTM pillion seat bag

Just wanted to get some tips on selling second hand and allowing test rides etc. A lot of ads state "no test rides without proof of funds / licence / insurance" etc

Do people generally follow the bike etc when out on a test ride ? Hold back a credit card etc ?

Thanks for any advice about best way to proceed and if someone could move this to the right section then thanks very much !

Cheers

[NZM0NK3Y]

Thanks to whoever moved this !:)

[haydes55]

Hold their license if you allow a test ride. Talk to your insurer about what they will cover. Clean the bike. Polish it, take good photos. Don't expect to get as much money as a new one would cost.

[nodrog]

its now standard practice to go out on the back when somebody test rides your bike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTsL7tAzbDI

[Big Dog]

Instinct. If you have none get someone else to size up the buyer.
Vet the buyer as a bike shop would.
Can they buy the bike if they like it?
Do they need someone else's approval? If so can they come and look first? Or better still wait with you while the bike is ridden?
What was their timeline on buying something? they will probably lie here but you will get a sense pretty quick. Some will say they want to buy immediately because they want a ride, some will say in 2-3 weeks so they don't seem to eager. It will usually be pretty obvious which way round. Some will tell the truth when they provide one answer or the other. They should be obvious who they are.
If they like the bike on the ride what other impediments are there to a sale?
Do they have a valid license?
Does your / their insurance cover this activity?
Is your bike legal? Reg? Wof?

If you feel confident and are happy to wear the loss I you are wrong go for it.

Regarding security:
If they are keen to leave a vehicle as security make sure they own it clear. Else repo men will turn up, or possibly the police if the rider does not return.
People are usually good security but they also cannot be detained by you and can wander off.
Credit cards are not security. Nor are phones.
Always sight the drivers license and check it is real and it matches. If possible get a photocopy. If not possible note down numbers and details.
Cash is king.

Red flags. How many you accept is up to you:
Lies.
Talking up their riding ability.
Talking about crashes.
Talking about wheelies etc.
Skater shoes and shorts on a test ride? Really?
Wanting to borrow your gear.
Appearance does not reflect the kind of financial freedom needed to buy what you are selling.


The final word is yours. You cock it up there is no insurance and good luck getting it back.
Don't be bullied into letting them go. If it feels wrong to probably is.



Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[n3Xro]

Hold their license if you allow a test ride. Talk to your insurer about what they will cover. Clean the bike. Polish it, take good photos. Don't expect to get as much money as a new one would cost.
All of the above, sold my 250 about a month ago, be realistic about price if you want to sell any time soon, I set my by now at the starting price for all the other matching Ninja's on TM at the time, had 3 offers within 5 days.
For test rides I figure at some point you have to trust people but definitely get their ID to hold at the least. I'd be a bit dubious of showing up somewhere with 6k+ in hand for a test ride especially after the Facebook sale recently just out of Hamilton that ended with the guy being robbed at gunpoint.

[Big Dog]

The flip side is no demo likely means no sale.

If you don't have the smarts or stomach to allow a test ride having read my earlier post either trade it in or find a dealer who will buy it or sell it on behalf.
You will get less money but for less risk.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Mike.Gayner]

The flip side is no demo likely means no sale.

If you don't have the smarts or stomach to allow a test ride having read my earlier post either trade it in or find a dealer who will buy it or sell it on behalf.
You will get less money but for less risk.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

Just call your insurance - odds are they will cover you for test rides if you take due care. Then you don't have to think about it any more, just sight ID and let them at it.

I wouldn't buy a bike without riding it, nor would I turn up to view with thousands in cash sitting in my pocket. So those who say "cash in hand or no test ride" will never get a sale from me.

[f2dz]

Just call your insurance - odds are they will cover you for test rides if you take due care. Then you don't have to think about it any more, just sight ID and let them at it.

I wouldn't buy a bike without riding it, nor would I turn up to view with thousands in cash sitting in my pocket. So those who say "cash in hand or no test ride" will never get a sale from me.

My insurance company usually says that test rides are covered but they also suggest taking copies of their license, holding onto their car/bike keys while they're gone, etc.

When selling my last bike I just followed them on my new bike to make sure they didn't do a runner or bin it. Not all will have that luxury though.

When test riding a bike away from home I gave the guy my car keys for him to follow me around after I showed him my bank balance on my phone.

So there's a couple things you can do to get around this - and I agree with the above, ain't no way I'm bringing wads of cash to a bloody test ride.

[JimO]

i would say a lot of bikes sold on TM wouldnt have been test ridden

[rustyrobot]

I wouldn't buy a bike without riding it, nor would I turn up to view with thousands in cash sitting in my pocket. So those who say "cash in hand or no test ride" will never get a sale from me.

Absolutely would not turn up with cash - I agree this is a odd thing to say, although I have in the past offered to show my bank balance -this could probably be faked though.

Don't want to end up like this guy:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/173577-Cash-stolen-off-motorcycle-buyer-at-gunpoint-by-phoney-seller

I've always been allowed test rides and allowed test rides when buying/selling bikes - but I have to admit to being a little nervous when they disappear round the corner on your bike, even if you do have their car keys.

I don't see any reason why you couldn't write up a legal agreement similar to the one used by bike shops when you are taking test rides. Take a photo of their ID and make sure they sign it. Yes, it would be a hassle to have to follow up on it, but it could give some peace of mind in the case of a crash. Last time I took a test ride it was a crazy high excess too ($3500 I think).

[The End]

Apart from asking for cash in hand before a test ride, do what the dealers do:

Print out a document/contract which says the test rider will pay for any and all issues (read: damage) arising from the test ride.

Have them sign it as per a dealership would while also taking a copy of their drivers license.

Not sure if it is legally binding? Dealerships seem to get away with it.

[Akzle]

A lot of ads state "no test rides without proof of funds / licence / insurance" etc

Do people generally follow the bike etc when out on a test ride ? Hold back a credit card etc ?
and the card and or license could be stolen.

as dawg: get some intuition.
as theend: do up a not-quite-sale-and-purchase-agreement.

shit, i've bought and sold vehicles on less, driven away without paying anything up front.
comes down to being a good cunt.


Do they have a valid license?
I dont care about this.

If they are keen to leave a vehicle as security make sure they own it clear. Else repo men will turn up, or possibly the police if the rider does not return.
People are usually good security but they also cannot be detained by you and can wander off.
Credit cards are not security. Nor are phones.
Always sight the drivers license and check it is real and it matches. If possible get a photocopy. If not possible note down numbers and details.
Cash is king.
yup


Red flags. How many you accept is up to you:
Lies.
Talking up their riding ability.
Talking about crashes.
Talking about wheelies etc.
Skater shoes and shorts on a test ride? Really?
again, makes fuckall difference to me. if you haven't crashed, you're probably a bitch, if you can't wheelie, same. and i'll ride in jandals or bare feet even, if i feel like it.


Wanting to borrow your gear.
like... your bike?
if they don't have their own helmet the gtfo.


Appearance does not reflect the kind of financial freedom needed to buy what you are selling.
...If it feels wrong to probably is.
this.


Apart from asking for cash in hand before a test ride, do what the dealers do:

Print out a document/contract which says the test rider will pay for any and all issues (read: damage) arising from the test ride.

Have them sign it as per a dealership would while also taking a copy of their drivers license.

Not sure if it is legally binding? Dealerships seem to get away with it.
yurp.

[NZM0NK3Y]

Hi All
Thanks for the responses - pretty much what I figured. Good idea to draft up a document like dealers do and get them to sign before any test ride

OK - who wants to make me an offer for the bike ? Change in circumstance means it probably needs to go. Reluctant sale - only used for fine weather commuting and occasional weekend fun rides

Cheers

[Big Dog]

Just call your insurance - odds are they will cover you for test rides if you take due care. Then you don't have to think about it any more, just sight ID and let them at it.

I wouldn't buy a bike without riding it, nor would I turn up to view with thousands in cash sitting in my pocket. So those who say "cash in hand or no test ride" will never get a sale from me.

Most insurance will cover if you have called them and asked the question and followed any advice from them.
I have however hear from a few sources that there is no payout or a limited payout if you have not pre arranged.
When I was selling a bike, admittedly last century and state was my insurer that's a premium change of $50 per year. With Kiwibike now and had no hassle. Just reminded to get license info and registration of the vehicle they arrived in.


My earlier no insurance comment was more you are not insured if not organised. Cos my post was already very wordy.

Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Big Dog]

Hi All
Thanks for the responses - pretty much what I figured. Good idea to draft up a document like dealers do and get them to sign before any test ride

OK - who wants to make me an offer for the bike ? Change in circumstance means it probably needs to go. Reluctant sale - only used for fine weather commuting and occasional weekend fun rides

Cheers

Sight unseen, not even pics, with no test ride?
$5 and a bag o chips?
Throw in a can I coke if you can sort it tonight.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Moi]

Sight unseen, not even pics, with no test ride?
$5 and a bag o chips?
Throw in a can I coke if you can sort it tonight.

I'll up the bid to two cans of diet coke...

and a cup of coffee when you deliver it... :yes:

[Big Dog]

I'll up the bid to two cans of diet coke...

and a cup of coffee when you deliver it... :yes:
Top up the tank first and that would make it $20, a bag of burger rings and a can of coke... I reckon I probably make a better cup of coffee too!

[Moi]

Top up the tank first and that would make it $20, a bag of burger rings and a can of coke... I reckon I probably make a better cup of coffee too!

Full tank at $25, big bag of Kettle chips - your choice of flavour - three cans of 'full strength' coke and an espresso...

[Akzle]

Full tank at $25, big bag of Kettle chips - your choice of flavour - three cans of 'full strength' coke and an espresso...

i'll be around shortly.

what was the original question?

[Big Dog]

i'll be around shortly.

what was the original question?
Stand down Akzle.
He means coca cola not Bolivian marching powder.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[mossy1200]

2013 ktm390 will attract learner riders.
Put it on trade me and sell it with no test rides. Allow viewing only.

[Moi]

Stand down Akzle.
He means coca cola not Bolivian marching powder.

It could be a bottle or two of the very early stuff...

[NZM0NK3Y]

Thanks for the generous offers - was pretty tempted by the burger rings but was really hanging out for 2 large jars of UK Marmite and a Guinness 4 pack :yes:

[Moi]

... was really hanging out for 2 large jars of UK Marmite and a Guinness 4 pack :yes:

That's out of my league...

I'd go with Mossy's suggestion - sensible start price on TradeMe and viewing only or you start it and ride it to demonstrate it.

[Let us know when it goes on TradeMe... so Big Dog can make a sensible offer of Marmite - yuck!]

[Big Dog]

Oh, I can get you UK marmite.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Akzle]

y'all pussies with your marmite shit. you want the hard stuff? i've got some bovril i can hook you up with. pin of that and you're in lala land for days mate!

[G4L4XY]

Hey all,

You see the term "no test rides without cash in hand" on trademe auctions. Do potential buyers hand over 5, 10, 20k while they test ride your bike? If they don't have the cash do you let them test ride your bike?

I've only sold 1 bike before so I don't have this experience.

Thanks in advance

[Scubbo]

take their phone/wallet/carkeys and a photo of their drivers license -- if they don't have car (or with a second person who is not willing to stay with you while they go test) then don't let them ride.

positively check the drivers license ID too --- and the attitude test helps a lot / chat for a bit to get a feel of the person etc --- this will all minimise the risk / loss of $$$$

but there is always a risk

[tigertim20]

This topic has been done a few times, and youll get various responses

ive never asked for, or been asked to hand over cash for a test ride. As for taking a photo of licences - well, a lot of people simply wont do that as a photo of ones licence can be used for a number of nefarious purposes.

My preference is generally if they look like a shady cunt, they're not taking my bike anywhere - go with your gut.
I prefer an exchange of keys and names, and I ask to sight their licence so I know who they are, and I know if Im covered insurance wise if they drop it on a test ride (the you break it you buy it rule is great in theory, but a cunt to actually enforce)

You can normally tell if someone is legit or not, for starters, people that actually bother to ask a few questions, and make the time to come and take a look, are usually genuinely looking to buy something.

I cant imagine many people go to view a bike with the full asking price in cash on them (though I have once or twice for lower-priced stuff) but another option is to ask for a deposit equivalent to your insurance excess in case something happens.

I think most people take it all on good faith and go with their gut.

[Metastable]

I'm not too keen on test rides, unless I know who they are. I'll take them on a ride, I will ride around in front of them. If they are truly interested in buying the bike, we go to their bank, they take out a draft, hand it over to me. I give them the keys. They test ride the bike. If they like it, they keep it, if they don't I hand over the draft.

All parties are protected.

[Maha]

Ask to take a photo of their license at the very least, if that makes them uncomfortable then they can just stand there and look at it.

[neels]

As for taking a photo of licences - well, a lot of people simply wont do that as a photo of ones licence can be used for a number of nefarious purposes.


Ask to take a photo of their license at the very least, if that makes them uncomfortable then they can just stand there and look at it.

And there are the two extremes right there.

I subscribe to the go with your gut theory, and to be honest if I'm selling bottom end of the market crap I'm more concerned with people taking an interest in the other stuff in my driveway, and they never get to see the contents of my garage.

I'm never going to hand over a few thou in cash just for a test ride, but I would expect someone to allow me to photograph their licence before they go for a ride, and have in the past had them sign an agreement that they are allowed the car/bike for 1/2 an hour for a test drive/ride and after that it's deemed stolen.

A couple of years ago my brother sold his bike, the guy gave him the licence details and the asking price in cash and told him if he didn't come back from the test ride consider it sold, last seen heading out the driveway and never saw him again.

[Burnie]

I get the seller to prove he/she has the funds to pay and sign a form stating they are taking it for a ride and will pay up in the event of an incident.

If a vehicle is left, it is in sight, not allowed to leave etc (people have pitched up then "shot up the road", no car, no bike). If I really had my doubts, I have previously met the guy at a neutral place in the city, with a mate in a car in tow. Bikes aren't registered to my house either.

Upon sale, I also get them to sign a short form saying they have purchased the bike and paid for it in full, this is to cover me in the event they don't complete the transfer of ownership forms in a timely manner.
I have always handled the change of ownership papers myself - buying and selling. That way I know that they get done .


Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[G4L4XY]

So I guess the cash in hand thing isn't well practiced by the sounds of it.

Thanks for the input and sorry for the duplicate post. I got some reputation, no idea if it was good or bad haha.

[Voltaire]

So I guess the cash in hand thing isn't well practiced by the sounds of it.

Thanks for the input and sorry for the duplicate post. I got some reputation, no idea if it was good or bad haha.

I've sold two older Ducati's and my Sons Toyota levin in the last year, all were taken for a test ride/drive based on said gut feeling.

The guy who took the Levin for a test gave it a good thrashing my Son said, but he had left his Mum as security...... :facepalm:

What I find hard at the lower end of the market is the vehicle breaking down soon after the sale, I adopt a full refund if returned as purchased

and that works as the buyer is usually " in love":love: with said vehicle. Learned that trick off Haldanes a few years ago :brick:

If using TM, I go for Classified as I can't be arsed with " sup bro, swp u sickas mazda 323 wif mags 4 it" texts, real buyers will call you and

turn up to view at agreed time.

I've also used TM Safe Trader too, thats good for long distance sales.

[Maha]

My wife thinks I am too trusting when it comes to people test riding any bike I sell.
A guy and his mum turned up to look at the Yamaha I had for sale.

When I sold the 98' YZF600 in 2006 a 'buyer' offered me $7,000 when he first saw it. I think the TM reserve was $7000. He Then he offered $7500 a short time later but I wanted the auction to finish. Then he said ''I'll pay $8000 right now''...the highest bidder on TM was $6900 I think...I told the guy that but he said he didn't care, $8000 was what he wanted to pay, Money was in my back account that over night so I took it up to him to him the next day.

Similar story when I sold my Triumph Sprint, wanted $7500. Buyer left me with a god awful BMW of sorts, Anne said ''what if he doesn't come back''...:corn: He did and paid $8000.