Ducati Monster Forum

Unfortunately, events have conspired against me and I have to sell the Monster.  :'(

What is the protocol for letting strangers ride it? Or not ride it?

I can make a good case for the bike's condition by producing the service records.

Any advice / opinions / experience appreciated.

It all comes down to your personal acceptance of risk.

I've seen ads with a "cash in hand" stipulation for test rides. I've seen people offer to ride the bike up and down the street for the potential buyer.

If it were me it would depend on my personal assessment of the potential buyer during a pre-test discussion.

Some things that might indicate a responsible individual include conducting a "serious-looking" inspection of the externally visible maintenance items and asking intelligent questions. Prefacing the test ride question with something like, "I brought my gear, is it okay if I take it up and down the block where you can see me?" and already wearing jeans/boots would also build my confidence.

^^^

All of those are good points. Thanks.

cash only.
more than one story of bikes being stolen on test rides.

two that I can remember.  one guy drove up, brought his girlfriend apparently, then took off on the bike.  she was just as pissed.
another, guy showed up with someone who looked like his dad.  test ride, never came back.  wasn't his dad.  just some random guy who he conned into giving him a ride.

I think the scenario also depends on your insurance situation.

Also, keep in mind the nature of those kinds of stories vs the number of bike sales that don't end up in theft... of the buyer's cash (I've heard those too) or the bike.

An "honest" buyer showing up with cash is actually taking more risk than the seller in a private transaction. It's harder to fence a bike than a pocket full of cash.

I've sold each & every one of 7 used bikes over the last 10-11 years without letting anyone test ride them.  Just sayin........

I think that this approach works for me. Thanks.

If I don't personally know the individual then all transactions go through an escrow service.

It'll chase away the riff-raff and tire kickers, so you only deal with serious buyers.  Plus it opens the door to other payment methods than cash which has it's issues like getting robbed by outright criminals or police via civil asset forfeiture.

Last one guy gave me the keys to his car and apartment for collateral. Hey new WRX for me!! Looking back I should of said cash in hand because he almost dumped it, he was very new to riding. I trusted him though so it all worked out. He was back that night with cash and a friend to ride the bike away.  Watching your first duc ride away is always the hardest.