Do you let people test ride your Monster?

[usabiker]

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

[junior varsity]

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.

[Duki09]

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.

[herm]

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.

[kopfjäger]

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

[DoubleEagle]

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        

[Chchadder]

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.

[Nakedsuperbiker]

Hi Jeff,

Don't do it.  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.

[ab]

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.

[kingbaby]

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.
  

[DoubleEagle]

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.

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           

[MotoCreations]

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.

[victor441]

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??

[Popeye the Sailor]

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.

[Scotzman]

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.