Selling a bike. How to avoid being ripped off?

[aliasojo]

OH is going to sell his motorbike and we're wary of being ripped off. Might sound a daft question, but if someone wants to test drive it, what's to stop them just keeping going and not coming back? :confused:

What do people usually do when selling bikes? Any advice welcome. :o

[garratt83]

If they ask for a test drive ensure they have insurance, when you test drive a car its easier but if say you usually ride a 250cc and yours is a 600cc and he he drops it thats fairings smashed.

If your not that bothered about them having insurance then ensure you get their driving licence and a 2nd proof of address. Also he prob will have a car, take the key off him for it.

[neet87]

Im not sure about what is generally accepted as a good way of keeping peopple from riding of into the distance and not coming back but if he could hold on to it until the summer he is likely to get a bit more for it as bikes tend to go up in value when the weathers nice :)

When my OH got his new bike a few months ago, the owner didnt let him test drive it for insurance purposes as its the bikes owners responsibility if they are uninsured and have an accident. Obviously it was started up and thoroughly looked over, if the buyer is genuine I dont think demanding a test will be a problem if you would prefer them not too.

[aliasojo]

I never even thought about the insurance aspect. OH's bike is a 600cc and has been well looked after, he'd be purple if someone dropped it, lol.

Thanks.

[aliasojo]

neet, we did think about waiting, but the MOT and road tax are due and we thought it might be better to sell soon, with a full year of each rather than waiting till summer.

[david69]

1.do not give them a test ride unless you have the full amount in cash in your hand
2.dont assume that by them giving you their car keys a deposit is good either the car could be stolen
3. I've owned alot of bikes over the years and you need to be very careful what information you give out over the phone as bikes are easy to steal and the wouldbe buyer could be a bike thief

[negg]

I personally would not allow a test ride, that was a condition when I sold my bike last year. Bikes are not like cars. In fact, not many motorbike garages allow you to test drive either, unless the manufacturer is promoting their bike.

[aliasojo]

Well looks like the 'no test drive' thing is the way to go. I have to say I'm happier now, knowing this is what other people do also. One worry ticked off the list.

Actually OH didn't get a test drive from the garage he bought it from either come to think about it.

Thanks for your advice guys.

[garratt83]

Yeah I didn't get a test drive, when I asked he said not unless you have insurance. I'd also wait a few weeks, the bike season is just about to get started but its harder to sell when the weather is crap. Check weather reports before you advertise, sunny weekend is a must.

Have fun selling

[Jockrock]

Not allowing someone to take a test ride is a bad idea, as folk will think you are hiding something. I wouldn't spend money on a bike without riding it first.

Any bike I've bought, the seller has asked for the full amount up front before I take it out, so the haggling is done up front, simple as that, you break it you buy it. As long as you tell them this up front, I would consider this the norm, my mates have had the same experience buying a bike.

But if they don't ask for one, don't offer.

Just my 2c

[alzar]

Not allowing someone to take a test ride is a bad idea
Agreed - I wouldnt buy a bike without riding it. There is a whole list of things that can be wrong with a bike. So offer a test ride BUT!!
Haggle the price first. Take the payment and check the notes ALL OF THEM!
As said above dont take keys as a deposit and do not take a deposit at all! Full payment or no test ride...NOW
on the other less cautionary side, selling a bike is relatively easy. Someone who wants your bike will take no offence at you making these checks. If you are still unsure after agreeing the price, checking the insurance details and licence, checking hes not paying you with notes hes made himself then tell him if he wants to take the bike a run "smile for the camera" this might sound ridiculous but a lot of bike shops do this now...Do all these things correctly and you can actually enjoy the selling process. Also someone is going to have years of joy with your old machine. GO FOR IT!!!

[Indout96]

Why cant your OH just take them out on pillion? He is still in control and buyer gets to see all is working OK and if they get to feel the power under controled conditions (ie an experienced rider) rather than for the first time. I know when I went from 250 to 650 (1980 :o ) it was a big jump and I was a little un prepared for the leap in power.
Graham

[Keith]

As above I'd not buy a bike without a testride, and when selling I'd hold the sale price before allowing them to ride off. That doesn't stop them putting the bike in a van and then beating the money out of you though or protect you from them then speeding through a camera.

[aliasojo]

Need more thoughts please? Bike isn't generating much interest unfortunately. Bike dealer has offered £2500 as a trade in price against a car he is selling and we are interested in. (Point of selling the bike in the first place was to raise funds towards a car.)

We had advertised the bike at £3000 but it has high mileage for a bike (27K - 03 plate) so we're wondering if we're not being realistic and should accept the dealer's offer?

The bike has been well looked after and has a new chain, been newly serviced and MOT'd.

[zappahey]

What kind of bike is it? What are similar bikes finishing at on ebay?

The mileage is a bit higher than average and there seems to be an irrational aversion to bikes like that, so it needs to be priced a fair bit cheaper than bikes with average miles.

[aliasojo]

It's a CBR 600F. Haven't seen similar mileages on eBay...all seem to be much lower.