(vanity) Suggestions on best ways to let a stranger test-drive a motorcycle?

5/1/03 | Marty F.

[martin_fierro]

Hi all ~~

Mrs. Fierro and I are selling a motorcycle (NOT mine -- hers) and a few people have expressed interest in coming to see it/test drive it.

Have any FReepers ever sold a motorcycle to a stranger? If so, how did you handle the test drive issue delicately (getting the bike back WITHOUT alienating the buyer)?

[martin_fierro]

Yeah, it may come to that. <|:(~

[martin_fierro]

You realize, of course, that there's a Photo Rule in effect. <|:)~

The Suzukis tend to run a little cheaper overall, huh?

[j_tull]

Mine's a 2000 black AceT, sans Corbin. Cobra floorboards and crashbars, Honda backrest and rack, CWI lightbar, stock exhaust 8^(

[Stand Watch Listen]

One looonnggggg bungee cord

[martin_fierro]

2000 black AceT, sans Corbin.

You gotta post a photo of that sucker.

Cobra floorboards

DO those bottom out when cornering?

CWI lightbar

How much was that? Got a link to their site? I'd LOVE a lightbar! stock exhaust

Check out the sound of the Vance & Hines Dual Bagger here

[BraveMan]

[MacDorcha]

perfect response!
mine woulda been

"keep a bead on them at all times with a deer rifle, until they come back.. if they look like they are leaving your line of sight... blam"

yeah, follow B4B's... im just weird

[MacDorcha]

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAahahah..ha..hahaha... and uh..... HA! stupid hippies

[warchild9]

I once test-drove a Kawasaki 900, stopped and tipped over at a busy intersection, and couldn't right myself. That's the kind of thing you've got to look out for.

[chemicalman]

You realize, of course, that there's a Photo Rule in effect. <|:)~ The Suzukis tend to run a little cheaper overall, huh?

Just bought it 5 weeks ago, and ridden it almost 1900 miles already. Didn't have time for photos..lol.

The Vulcan Classics were a lil bit cheaper. But since the dealer came down on the price for the Vol, I jumped on it.

[martin_fierro]

Yeah, I think the best course of action is shaping up to be:

• Demand to see and retain a motorcycle driver's license
• Have the buyer sign a disclaimer before riding
• Ride along with the buyer to "answer any questions"

[warchild9]

You might be liable in case of an accident during the test-ride. That's what I'd really be afraid of.

[martin_fierro]

So which one did you go with?

[j_tull]

LOL!

[TopDog2]

I would tell them that first they can buy the bike and return it for a full refund after they ride if they don't like it. Give them an hour or so. I would never let anyone ride my bike. Too much potential for liability, not to mention the chance that they might drop it and then I would have to try to unload a damaged bike.

[sit-rep]

Don't...

[chemicalman]

Black. Shows the chrome better.

[Rudder]

You go two-up, with you in the driver's seat. I let people drive my motorcycle as often as I lend out my toothbrush.

[Cogadh na Sith]

I just bought one from a stranger a couple of years ago.

I had the cash and he had the bike. After I looked the bike over for a good while, and wanted to test drive it, he gave me the keys, wrote down some info off my license, and where I worked and I gave him the cash. He said: "If you like it, come back and I'll sign the title to you." If you don't like it, gimme the key back and I'll give you your money back.

The way I figure it, if you have the title in your name and some ID on them, it's gonna be hard for them to abscond with it.

'Sides, if they drove to your place to test ride it, you have their vehicle as collateral. Ask them to leave their car keys with you....

[longtermmemmory]

depending on the bike. holding license and keys to car. If they came with someone obviously that someone stays.

MC endoursement a must. You also can tell them which course to take and say how long you expect them to be without being offensive. ie. take a spin around the block it will take you a minute.