So I'll be selling my 2014 one of these days, I hope. In fact I'm "selling" it now, but so far no calls. But when I get a call, I expect somebody will want to try it out instead of handing me a wad of cash. I have a couple misgivings about that, and an appreciation for the no-test-rides rule most dealerships stick to. Nobody wants to buy sight unseen--almost anything, let alone a used motorcycle. So of course you have to show me your motorcycle-endorsed license, which I'll copy, and probably in my case ride along with you for a reasonably short ride, since I at least have another FJR, but what other precautions have you used or heard about? Guess I should contact my agent to see about coverage. Can't think of much else. Thanks.
Ive sold a number of bikes over the years as probably many here have as well.
I have two.ways of handling this:
First - no test rides is the first option. Most understand this and don't fuss about it. They can come look an poke.around the bike in my presence, but that's about it.
Second - buyer insists on a ride. Well, I offer my deal: Handover the payment in full, no negotiated amount just as if you have purchased the bike for the asking price, and with the required release and 'as-is' documents signed - hold off on title and title signature. I take a picture of the driver's license which must have an endorsement. At this point they have purchased the bike. I take my plate off (in FLA the plate belongs to the owner, not the vehicle). Whatever happens at this point is not my responsibility - including riding the bike without a plate. It's their risk, and if they happen to get stopped and the bike gets impounded, which is not likely to happen, they own the bike.
I allow a 5~10 test ride in which I will accompany the buyer on one of my other bikes. If they change their mind, and the bike is in the exact same condition as when they took off, I'll take it back less a $50 fee for my time, fuel and risk. The only reason for me to accompany the person is that if I'm going to get the bike back, I want to make sure it was not abused in the process.
Only one has taken this offer - he bought the bike.he other just buy the bike without a test ride.
This gives the buyer a good feel that if I'm willing to do that, I must be confident about the bike.
I would never ever let anyone ride one of my motorcycles if it's not somebody that I know well, and I'm confident of their riding skills and financial stability to be able to pay the bike back if something would happen.
