Selling a bike, allowing a complete stranger to roadtest ??

[J Hop]

I haven't much experience of selling motorbikes (only buying 'em), but is there a standard procedure for allowing strangers to roadtest (probably without insurance)?

Do you just get the the asking price in cash off them as a deposit first ?

[squirrelciv]

Don't know if there's a recognised format, but I for one would get something in the way of deposit, possibly the keys to whatever vehicle they arrived on/in. If anyone got upity I would suspect a problem. Mind you, bikes I've sold in the past haven't been worth nicking, let alone buying.

[Steve H]

There was a few cases in the valleys were the guy was turning up in a stolen car and leaving that. I usually take my passport along to prove my indentity.

[GB500nz]

Some dealers here take the driver's licence; that helps ensure that the tester won't be breaking any speed limits, too.

[Steve Lake]

proceed with extreme caution....If your bike can carry a pillion, take the buyer on the back for a few miles, then swop over and let him ride it back. (Making sure there is insurance cover for this exercise FIRST)

or....if you have a second bike, tag along with him/her (which I've done a few times)

Make sure they know they must bring a valid driving licence (both parts so's you can check the address) AND their insurance policy showing SAME address AND cover to ride a bike not owned by them (even if you have your own cover)

If they come with a mate on a bike or in a car, ask for the vehicle keys for the duration of the test (even if you go with him/her)

good luck

[guest27]

I am a great believer in the full asking price in used cash as a deposit.  Then if they knick or crash the bike you ave the money.  If they want the bike you can haggle - but you do not get that wide eyed look when they pull out 60% of the price in cash and you go "OK" and wonder why later.

Leaving a child may also work - unless they have stollen that.

Tend to like to meet in a carpark - so they do not know where I live and come back later to return the bike - sorry steal.  Mind 99% plus of prospective purchasers are genuine, and of the remainder most are just window shopping not looking to knick the bike.  However IF you let them ride the bike and they steal it - your insurance will probably laugh and put the phone down!

R

[Steffan]

The last bike I sold to someone I didn't know, he put the full price in cash in my hand before he put on his lid to take it for a spin.  Turned out to be a thoroughly nice fellow if somewhat persona non grata with certain elefanteers

Steffan

[Richard 0003]

The last bike I sold to someone I didn't know, he put the full price in cash in my hand before he put on his lid to take it for a spin.  Turned out to be a thoroughly nice fellow if somewhat persona non grata with certain elefanteers

Steffan

Hah! I can guess who that was ;-)

[002]

Do I know HIM !

Jethro