Ducati Monster Forum

Hi,

Unfortunately, I have to sell my 04 620.  I haven't listed it for sale yet, but should I let prospective buyers test ride it?  The thought of a stranger riding it makes me nervous, but how else will they be able to see how it rides?

Also, what is a reasonable price to ask for a stock 2004 620 ie, with only 5200 miles.  No mods, no dents, no scratches, never been dropped, no problems, always been taken well care of and runs excellent.

Thanks in advance!
Jeff

An issue with selling a Ducati with 5200 miles is the next owner will not only have to purchase the bike, but then nearly immediately have to pay for the 6000mi service (valve inspection). This should factor into your negotiation tactics with the potential buyers (know they will likely bring this up).

Bone stock, I probably wouldn't offer more than say 4-5k, depending on various things looked (tires, chain, color)

If you allow test rides, make sure they have the endorsement on their license and provide their own helmet and proof of insurance. Not uncommon to hold a check made to a specific sum while they ride, hand 'em back their check when they return it undamaged.

Probably the same feeling many dealers have about customers test-riding new bikes and why many don't allow it, but why we as motorcycle owners hate that many dealers don't give test rides.

Just to be safe, you may want to get to "know" your customer first, get his license info and get a better idea if he is a serious buyer and a knowledgable rider before you hand him over the keys for a test ride.

If a prospective buyer seems questionable or makes you feel uncomfortable, then don't allow a test ride for that individual.

don't forget about the belts. a buyer in the know is going to mention those too...

as for test rides..
i don't think so. holding a strangers check (which they can cancel as soon as they get to a phone) doesn't make me feel too warm and IZ_. if they show up with cash, and want to test ride, i would let them once they signed a bill off sale.

Someone mentioned in another thread, about having the perspective buyer show up on their motorcycle. Swapping bikes and going for a test ride.

According to my Insurance Agent , I am responsible for anything that happens while another person is test riding my bike.

If they happen to hit a child accidentally and an kill or seriously injure the child , you being the owner of the motorcycle are responsible even though the other person was riding your motorcycle with your permission.

You might offer to let the buyer ride the motorcycle a mile up the road and back while you ride along in a car after they have paid you and if they find the bike has a problem then give them their money back ( but ONLY after they have paid you and you give them a bill of sale showing them as the new owner ).

If they change their mind after that 2 mile ride , find out why and if it is a legitimate reason try to work out a solution or if they insist , tear up the bill of sale and give them their money back and exchange pleasantries .

Can't help with the other stuff.

Dolph        :)

Cash in hand is the only way someone gets a test ride.  Solves two problems at once.  You know they are serious because they obviously have the cash, and if they crash it they bought it and you are paid.

Hi Jeff,

Don't do it.  [roll] They should only get to test ride the bike after they buy it.
Have a bill of sale and their cash in your hand before they get to put it in gear.
Trust nobody unless you know them personaly next door neighbour, co-worker, brother.
If they won't buy your bike without a test ride they won't buy your bike with one, but they will take off on it.
Thieves love it when you hand them the keys. It makes it so much more valuable to them.
If something falls off or it gets dumped and totalled it's their problem not yours.
Never let someone ride your bike, NEVER! a dealer makes someone sign a waiver for this reason
if they are hurt you could be sued for damages to your own bike, lost wages, pain and suffering and their lawyers fees to sue you.

I wouldn't do it without some stipulations.

[threadjack]
During a long ride this Saturday, the three of us switched bikes.  We have ridden so many times together and know each other enough to switch bikes.  I rode a crotch rocket bike for the first time for a long distance.  Honda CBR 600 F( something), that was a nice experience but on the high-way, all i was thinking is I got to keep this thing under 65.  The range of power was amazing.  I can not imagine how the 1000cc guys keep those things under control.

I'm going to stay out of the "You can't ride my wife bike part of this", and not tell you what you should do, but I have personally sold at least a dozen of my own bikes (at least half with test rides).

With that being said.
I have been working at and running dealerships since 97
(4 at Ducati/Triumph), and only had one issue with a demo. The guys ID and all his info were
bogus.  Fortunately crooks are dumbasses, and the guy that stole the bike spray painted it & rode by the store the next day...No shit.  A sales guy spotted him (He owns the same model, D675), jumped in his 300Z & chased him down.  
 
Independent selling is a whole other deal. Just make sure to cover the bases these guys are talking about.

And for the record: That rattle can paint job = Total.  09 with 210mls.
  

ab, my 1098 R is the easiest bike to control.

Not the most comfortable, but very easy to control.

Weighing a claimed 364 lbs. dry makes it easy to control.

Not easy to keep under 100 mph on familiar roads though.

Good thing it has arguably the best brakes on any street legal homologated race bike.

Dolph            :)

I had an experienced older motorcyclist (Honda Goldwing) test ride a '95 Ducati 900CR two days before I had to move many years ago.  I had a lot of people inquiring about it. (I had to sell 2 of my 5 motorcycles) Guy seemed legit and endorsements/etc.  He made it 200yards and did a wheelie and flipped it through a redlight.  Ultimately in the end, I ended up with a wadded Ducati that I then had to make arrangements to ship crosscountry.  Didn't even get a "sorry".  Estimated damage was @$7K. 

Since then I only will let someone wanting to ride one of my personal bikes is: a) motorcycle endorsement w/current insurance AND 2) cash or money order / cashier's check for full amount with a sales agreement. 

Otherwise they can watch me riding it down the street or in the parking lot.  If they want it inspected via a dealership/mechanic, they arrange and pay for the service.  Make sure it is in writing before you drop the bike off -- else you might get stuck with the bill if they decide not to buy the bike.

I apply the same rules for selling my personal cars.  Never a problem in ten years since with this set of rules. (they can ride in the car with me --but they won't drive otherwise)  Never lost a sell with the above rules as of yet.

FWIW just bought a bone stock '03 800 w/ 1700 miles for $4300 and without a test ride would NOT have done it.  The seller wasn't wild about the idea but I left my car at his place and ended up following him on a short loop in his car with the agreement that if I dropped the bike I'd buy it or pay for repairs..this worked fine for me, just wanted to see if the bike felt good and see if anything serious and obvious was wrong with it.  Saw a few ads where people insisted on cash in hand for a test ride and didn't even bother replying, if the seller refused to return the cash after a non eventful test ride here would be little recourse outside of violence or a lawsuit.  Test rode a new Triumph the same day and that involved signing a waiver and following the sales guy on a short loop too.  So I dunno, could you maybe borrow a friends bike and escort potential buyers that have convinced you they have a clue about riding??

I would let people test ride a bike I was selling if they had an endorsement and cash in hand. I'd consider waiving the second requirement if they had just pulled up on a bike of their own.



I've test ridden all the used (running) bikes I've bought. Sure, you can offer to ride it for them, but that won't tell the buyer how it feels. How would I know you're not just ignoring a fork wobble that I would be able to feel? Or a pull to the right? If it's a used bike, I would insist on test riding it, so I can only recommend you allow test rides.


Also, I assume you have the original tires on it. Even if they look good, in theory, they're due to be replaced. You should factor that in to the asking price as well.

I agree. I would never buy a bike or car without test riding/driving myself. I've seen it happen, partsd rubbing or grinding that you can't hear, but could feel. Having the cash or money order on hand should allow a test ride.

I agree.  I have never bought a bike that I did not take for spin first.  I either show up on a bike, or with the cash in hand, or with my family as a sign of good faith (as I did when I bought my Monster).  If the seller treats me like a crook, then I will not deal with them (this usually can be determined over the phone).  I understand that people have had bad experiences selling bikes in the past, but you are trying to sell something.  That being said, I have never gone to look at a bike that I was not going to buy (unless it was not as advertised or didn't feel right).  I don't have that kind of time to waste.  I think it all comes to personal preferences on how quickly you want to sell the bike.

Also, when selling the bike, make sure to date the title or bill of sale along with writing down the TIME of the sale as well.  This was a tip from the DMV when I called about selling a car to someone.  This way, there is no dispute of ownership when the new owner rides/drives away. 

I just let someone ride my bike last Saturday.

I was at a demo day at the local harley dealer and one of the workers had been bugging me all summer that he has never rode a ducati before.  So this time I thought I would let him have his chance.  It was pretty neat having about a dozen of us testing out new harleys and him riding right with the group on the monster.  After our short ride everyone was more interested in the ducati then any of the harleys.  The questions went like -

Wow, why does the bike sound so different than other sport bikes? (referring to the deep exhaust sound, I can't imagine what it would have been like having a dry clutch  [roll] )

That thing must be really fast.  It has about 170-180 hp, right? (It's a 696  :D )


Granted I do know this guy and trust him with my bike.  However, if I was selling it and didn't know the person I would have a hard time letting them test ride it.  I would probably want cash up front and make a copy of their drivers license.

I agree 100% with Motocreations post.

Test rides allowed with an endorsement AND cash for full purchase price. Otherwise, no way. An exception would be if it was your buddy wanting to buy the bike, and you knew how they rode.

A local guy (ex-DMFer) sold his M900. The guy claimed to have moto experience. Handed him the cash and signed the bill of sale/title...then got on his new bike, popped the clutch, rode over the sidewalk and neighbors lawn, and crashed. Bike wadded. Seller would have been SOL if that was a test ride.

The guy who bought my 848 had a friend selling an R6 allow a test ride without cash in hand. The potential buyer hopped on, pulled a wheelie down the street...and the bike was never seen again.  [bang] The license he showed the seller was fake.

Those who said they'll only buy a used bike if they get to test ride it will likely be buying from dealers, which have insurance for this type of thing...or very trusting private parties. I've bought 3 used bikes from people...never once asked to ride them, but did watch the seller ride them. I've also sold 3 bikes...never been asked for a test ride.

As a buyer, I wouldn't buy a bike I hadn't ridden.  I've bought two used bikes from individuals and in both cases we were able to work out an agreement that worked for both of us.  In one case, the guy left the bike behind his apartment building with the keys in it and told me over the phone where it was :o  That might be a little too trusting.  When I bought my monster, the guy made sure I knew how to ride and had my "M" endorsement then let me take a spin after we shook hands on the deal.  Needless to say, after 100 yards I knew that I NEEDED that bike.

I bought my bike and rode it after I paid the seller.

When I get ready to sell it, I will let the person ride it after signing the bill of sale and giving me cash. If they ride it around and don't like it, I will give the cash back and tear up the BOS.

Its not like I can take their money and run, they know where I live.

I just bought a used Monster at a very reasonable price, knowing that it would require the valve/belt service.  The buyer had adjusted the price accordingly and he had new tires on the bike (receipt to prove it).  He agreed to ride it to Valley Ducati Service (over 60 miles from his location)..he got bonus points for that...and Nick looked it over for me.  I then gave the seller the money (cash) and took it for a brief test ride.  Prior to meeting the seller, I had arranged for my insurance policy to include the bike and only needed a call to my agent to activate it once I had the milage and Nick's blessing to ride it.  Had I decided not to purchase, it would have cost me $35 to cancel the policy, but I thought that was reasonable.

My local Suzuki dealer had a couple of used bikes I was interested in, but they would only let me test ride if I "bought" it first.  They had a complete contract ready to go, with financing in place.  IfI decided not to buy, they tear up the contract.  If I had crashed it, it was all mine =)

Good luck with the sale.  FYI, it is a buyer's market out there...a lot of folks are selling off their toys because of the economy so there is a lot of product competing for scarce dollars.

Cheers!

R

personally i bought a used 03 620 off someone on craigslist.  went to meet the guy with my friend with a pickup, he rides bike for years. i was new.

owner saw that we were not a bunch of joy riders and basically let me take it out for a short spin, i basically went around the block and was back in 5 minutes, said i wanted it after that.  if he would have said go up the block and back that would have been fine too.

i only had 100 dollars on me that day  was just going to see if i hated the bike.  rode it 300 ft and i was sold, it wasnt' the speed that sold me, it was the brakes.

agreed to pay the guy cash the next day and do the deal, he was good with it gave him the 100 to hold for me for the day.

honestly if the guy didn't let me ride it i woudlnt have bought it.  if i broke it i would have bought it, bu tthat is just me.

use your best judgement, its one of those things, where you use your gut, if have a hunch the guy is going to wad it up even if he has ridden for 10 years don't let him do it wihtout cash in hand, if you the guy is new and you have a hunch that they wont' wad it up you can probably let him ride it up the block and back and things will be fine.

use common sense.

Really great info. that I will use – thanks!  Since I just, coincidentally, listed my '04 620.    ;)

In the past I've required CASH deposit for the full price of the bike, NOT A CHECK.  I tell them, let's do this deal and you can then ride the bike.  IF after the ride you change your mind, then fine, the deals off.

DO NOT take a check (unless it's a cashier's check; maybe).

If can't ride the bike, would you let the potential buyer ride pregnant dog?   [puke]

Hey! Its big-hug-buddy!

If they crash the bike you may be held responsible for damage and any injuries depending how insurance works in your state.  Keep that in mind.

When I sold my 650 cruiser to a new rider he brought his more experienced friend along to test ride it.  I checked his license and got a good vibe so I let the experienced guy ride it.  It worked out and he bought the bike.  I also sold my Kawasaki ZR-7 but that was to a good friend who I took the MSF course with. 

For selling sport bikes to strangers I feel a bit different.  With a powerful engine, brakes, and aggressive handling even an experienced rider can make a small mistake and drop the bike if they're not familiar with it.  The most common damage to Monsters with metal tanks in a parking lot tipover is a tank ding.  A new tank costs around $1000.

The nicest solution I've seen proposed is sale with full price paid in cash up front.  Additionally write up a little contract that if they don't like the bike and bring it back undamaged in half an hour, you'll buy it back for the same price.  You may get fewer people interested since it's cash up front but if someone is serious it will work out.

Scott

Not too much point, you can't really feel how it handles from back there.

Plus if they fall off you'd have other issues.

I wouldn't even consider buying (used or new) without a test ride.  Rode my S4RS for 45 miles before I went back & bought it.  Little putt around the block twice to get the feel of brakes, throttle & clutch - then out to the highway for 100+ mph cruising.

It's a buyers market so you have to accommodate the buyer.

When I was selling my FZ1 a couple years ago, I allowed test rides. The first guy was gone almost an hour, long enough for me to get worried. The second guy took a shorter ride. Both said they would, "Talk to their bank." never heard from either one. The guy that finally bought the bike didn't even ride it. He started it up and listened to it run, gave it a walk around, then handed me cash.

I'm the guy that ruined it for everyone...

I found my current M900 on Craigslist.  I contacted the seller, got directions, and showed up as arranged.  The bike was outside in the driveway and appeared to be very much as advertised, and when the seller started it up it turned right over and ran like a top.  I was sold at that point, but when the seller offered a ride I couldn't resist.

So, in perfect squid fashion, I hop on this performance machine wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes.  I head out for a nice slow spin through his subdivision, and naturally, underestimate both the accel and decel of the bike.  I pull away from a three-way stop too quickly, panic when I realize I'm pointed at a mailbox, try to lean to go around and grab a huge fistful of front Brembo...

And I lowside on my test ride.

I bang the crap out of the tank and put the requisite doughnut-sized ding in the right flank, snap off the bar-end mirror, scuff the pegs, bar, and cans, cut the bejeebers out of my hand and wrist on the gravel, bruise the crap out of my knee and elbow, ring my own bell when I bounce my nugget off the pavement, and have to push the bike back to the sellers house. After the seller got me some paper towels for my wounds, the conversation went like this:

Me: “Well, we’ve got three options.  You can kick my ass, I can pay to fix the damage, or I can buy the bike and make it my problem.
Seller: “ I’m not gonna fight with you.  The damage is about $1,800, plus the time it will take for me to get it ready for sale.  If you wanted to buy it, I wouldn’t be too worried about  coming down from $2900… I figure I could take $2500.”
Me: “Good, there’s no way I could pay you the whole $2,900 you’re asking – someone’s obviously dropped this bike.”

So get the money up front.

Funny story.  Even funnier when I read the 'mods' in your signature:

'96 M900
Stage One - K&N filter -open airbox - cored pipes -
Thrashed paint - dented tank
Oberon bar-ends (adios, bulky Napoleons!)

Scott

I wouldn't.


Dealers have a bit more protection. You sign a contract, give them insurance, etc.

They will come after you.

As a buyer, the sellers of the four bikes I've bought over the years let me take them out for test rides with nothing more than a handshake. Maybe I've got an honest face? I appreciated it, but didn't really expect it. And it was fun with the Monster to ride back into the seller's driveway with three other prospective buyers lined up, lift the visor & say "Sorry, boys, this one's sold."   [cheeky]

Before I had an M endorsement, I hauled along a licensed friend to test ride a handful of prospective first bikes, and again didn't encounter any questions -- a good thing, too, because one fairly nice, very inexpensive SV650 turned out to have either a tweaked frame or a bent fork that wasn't evident by visual inspection. Since then, I've done the same test riding drill for a couple of friends before they were M licensed.

As a seller, I have to admit I'd have real trouble being that trusting. My first bike (yeah, a Buell Blast) was bought sight-unseen for my full asking price by a guy for his girlfriend -- on the stipulation that I ride it up to him, which turned out to be 150 miles, at night, in a rainstorm, on a superslab highway. On a Buell Blast. I guess I did sell a Yamaha XT350 and let the buyer ride it first without anything changing hands, but it was pre-beaten and wasn't that big a risk. With either of the Ducatis, I imagine I'd ask for cash up front.

For those who do cash AND a bill of sale before anyone rides, do you do all your price negotiation beforehand, or does that come after a test ride, and if the latter, do you revise the bill of sale accordingly?

I've bought 3 used Monsters. None of them would have come home with me if I couldn't have test-ridden them. I rode some others, including one that looked good and was a great price, that I didn't like after the ride.

I recently sold my 620. Both serious lookers were women. Both had endorsements but no bikes of their own. Both came with a guy who rode (one an Aprilia Tuono, the other a Hypermotard). In my judgment, the test riders seemed capable and likely to be careful. The eventual buyer also brought her sister, who rides a 620. Nobody crashed the bike. They left hostages at my house so I knew they weren't simply going to disappear.

I had decided I wouldn't let anyone ride who wasn't familiar with Ducatis (I figured the Aprilia was similar enough), who was young (both test riders were in their late 30's/early 40's), inexperienced, showed up alone, or gave me bad vibes (as vague as that is). I put the bike up on the rear stand when people came so they could sit on it, start it, run through the gears, etc.

The test ride sold the bike. The buyer's brother-in-law came back gushing about how he'd expected a bike 4 years old to feel "less tight."

I was probably just lucky. I really don't know what I could have done if someone had driven into the granite post at the end of my driveway.

Leaving someone with you while the other is test riding doesn't really mean much.  I mean you can't really keep them hostage if the test rider takes off.  All they have to do is dial for  [leo].  As for the bike, they can simply deny that. That would simply be kidnapping and you would be in a whole lot of trouble.

Ok, I admit that I am reaching here.

hmmmm   

When I sold my starter bike (Suzuki GS500F) I had a few people come and look at it, only one asked about a test ride.  One other person asked to watch me ride it.

The one guy brought an experienced buddy along, I decided that they seemed trustworthy enough and held onto the rider's driver's license and car keys while he rode.  He came back after a few minutes, gave it a thumbs-up and told the other guy to buy it.  The buyer didn't feel comfortable taking it on the freeway and bridges (his first bike) so I delivered it for him a few days later.

Some of the other people that came by I would have turned down for a test ride if they had asked (unless they gave me cash in hand first), I just didn't get a good vibe from them.

now that I think about it........I did let someone test ride my first bike, 73 Honda 350.


I took his driver's license and car keys.

See, that's a fair trade. If he crashes your bike, you get his car(hopefully not a beater).