Selling a race bike. Opinions?

[onearmedbandit]

From a buyers point of view, I sure as hell wouldn't be accepting just a 'blat up the street and back. I'm no racer but that isn't going to tell me what the bike responds like tipping into a high speed corner followed by heavy braking across a rutted section of track, then flicking it on it's ear left to right through a chicane. It isn't going to tell me what the suspension and brakes feel like after a number of hard laps. So I'd be expecting the opportunity to test the bike in it's intended environment.

From a sellers point of view, I sure as hell wouldn't want to be letting the bike out of my sight until the paperwork is complete. Anything from track abuse to actual stealing and replacing of parts could occur, and I'd be none the wiser. So if I couldn't convince the guy to buy it by accepting a 'blat up the street and back' then I'd draw up an agreement with the buyer and both of us would go to the track.

[Tony.OK]

From a buyers point of view, I sure as hell wouldn't be accepting just a 'blat up the street and back. I'm no racer but that isn't going to tell me what the bike responds like tipping into a high speed corner followed by heavy braking across a rutted section of track, then flicking it on it's ear left to right through a chicane. It isn't going to tell me what the suspension and brakes feel like after a number of hard laps. So I'd be expecting the opportunity to test the bike in it's intended environment.

From a sellers point of view, I sure as hell wouldn't want to be letting the bike out of my sight until the paperwork is complete. Anything from track abuse to actual stealing and replacing of parts could occur, and I'd be none the wiser. So if I couldn't convince the guy to buy it by accepting a 'blat up the street and back' then I'd draw up an agreement with the buyer and both of us would go to the track.

Ok just to add more to this......he's told me he wants to look at another bike before deciding, do I spend a day travelling and use consumables for a maybe sale?
that and if I go near the track with it, knowing my changes of heart i'll just ride it myself hahaa.

[cowboyz]

well... if it was me....

I would be taking the bike to the track.

Get him to stand in the stands while I rode the first session. if he likes what it looks like going past then he could have option to buy and he can pay up and we can swap places.

I wouldnt let a bike that has not been paid for out on the track.. or anywhere really. its just not a good idea.

(oh.. and dont bin it on the demo laps!)

[onearmedbandit]

Ok just to add more to this......he's told me he wants to look at another bike before deciding, do I spend a day travelling and use consumables for a maybe sale?
that and if I go near the track with it, knowing my changes of heart i'll just ride it myself hahaa.

How desperate are you to sell?

If you are in a position where you just want out, then you'll need to work together with the buyer to reach a compromise.

If you are in the position however where don't need the sale, tell him to go ride the other bike first then come back to you.

[wharfy]

I wouldn't buy a road bike without a test ride - But with a race/track bike all bets are off.
If you are really keen to sell it YOU take it to the track and do some demo laps for them.
But don't let them take it out before they buy it.

Will there be any paperwork ?
I paid cash for my race bike didn't even ask for a receipt - but I did get it from someone with a long history in the sport and a good reputation.

[Sensei]

Can the guy even ride / handle a big HP bike would be my first question , second I'd make him come to me at my closest track from my place & bring the full amount in cash to show he isn't just full of shit . As above do some laps yourself & then decide if you feel he is up to testing it from how he react's from what he see's you do on it . Cash up front tho if he takes it out on the track . No if's or but's

[SWERVE]

If the seller is serious he will have done some research into the bikes history and owner(s) within the race fraturnity............. lets face it its a small number of people in NZ and info wouldn,t be hard to gain.
If it were me buying i would attend a trackday that the seller was attending already (not make them do it especially) watch the seller do some sessions.......... hand over the cash and take it out on a qiuck but safe session at end of day to just feel if it was ok & there were no "awful hidden probs"
When you buy a "race" bike you do your homework - decide what you want - and dont expect any warranty.............. there are some "rogues" in the sport but everyone knows who they are!

[Tony.OK]

Now he's told me he's wanting to still look at another bike as well, I don't really want to have to pay for a track day, waste my rubber etc if its not sort of definate.

[slowpoke]

Farkin' tuff one bro, it's hard work selling race bikes these days.

I dunno what the other bike is but yours is still fresh from Ozzy layin' his luvverly soft hands on it to do the top end service, new clutch, dyno sheet showing it's plenty healthy, an HRC spec sheet as long as your arm, and some lap times by Hayden Fitzgerald that at the time only a handful of the best riders in NZ could beat.....what more needs to be proved? "Seeing how it feels" doesn't quite cut it for me as each rider sets their bike up differently anyway.

It's a Honda with a proven race history all over the world, not a ferkin' Bimota Tesi , so it's a known quantity.

The test ride may just do the trick....but it could get ugly in soooo many ways. Glad I'm not in your shoes mate.

[NinjaNanna]

Now he's told me he's wanting to still look at another bike as well, I don't really want to have to pay for a track day, waste my rubber etc if its not sort of definate.

Sounds like a tire kicker to me - tell him the bike will be there to look at when he's looked at all the others. I probably wouldn't waste my time to be a maybe in a 3 bike race.

Also the only thing you need to pay for is your time to get to the track day, you'd have $500 non refundable to cover other expenses.

[tigertim20]

being a racebike, I dont think a potential buyer would need to do any more than a quick dyno run to see how its running, and a mechanic have a go over the rest. maybe a fe laps around the block.
trackday? fuck no.

[NinjaNanna]

being a racebike, I dont think a potential buyer would need to do any more than a quick dyno run to see how its running, and a mechanic have a go over the rest. maybe a fe laps around the block.
trackday? fuck no.

good point

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Now he's told me he's wanting to still look at another bike as well, I don't really want to have to pay for a track day, waste my rubber etc if its not sort of definate.

Sounds like he's lining a load of bikes up for his track day!

If he has done his home work he really only needs a couple of laps to satisfy himself the description fits the experience. You need to work with this guy to get your sale but you still need to protect yourself mate. Take it along yourself prep it and even ride it yourself (that is your investment in the sale). If he really is keen then its his turn for a few laps secured with the agreed purchase amount in cash or bank cheque.

I did however buy my bike without even seeing it, just asked lots of questions.

Good luck Tony

[feral1]

Hi ya tony,

there is a bit of advice here that is making stuff complicated, quasi contracts, prices for consumables, agreements etc

keep it simple. Race bikes are sold as is where is. What you got there is not a crumpled up mess. its a well sorted ex NZ superbike. its going to do what its meant to do (under the CGA). It could run spectucallary well for many more seasons, or it could blow up the next time you start it. whom would know.

you need to impress upon them that its sorted and presented well as it sits. its for sale. He can give the cash and take it away (cash upon taking it away).

Don't get hung up on making someones weekend wet dream come true for free on your bike. once they're on board, they are in control. remember that.

If he want to ride it, he can simply buy it.

I am a racer, and thats how i've purchased ex-race bikes. Hearing it run and perhaps hearing it go thro the gear box on a run up and down a residential street. that is all that is required. Even if i was selling to a fellow racer that was known to me, i would be coy to give em a free go.

It won't tell them anythign anyways (handeling/flickability) etc, as this will totally come down to set up and personal preference.

My two cents worth
Don't be taken for a ride mate

Eric

[Ivan]

Well I am onto my 3rd bike and none I have tested just brought after going and having a look myself,

Ok I test rode Jay Lawrences bike but that was beforeI brought it the 125 I mean they let me just have a go on one to see what I thought but my 600 I went heard it start visual inspection brought it and yeah same with my YZF450