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?

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

garratt83_2

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_2

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_2

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

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 ) it was a big jump and I was a little un prepared for the leap in power.
Graham