Topic: requirements before test ride cbr600rr

[DH]

I hate to consider it, but the time may be at hand to sell my 600rr. It's an '08, all original except tires, and has been well cared for.
That I know of the front tire has never left pavement, even under full throttle bursts. No squidding ever, and I'm the only owner ever.  my plan is to get top blue book value. What is the best way to go about allowing test rides to potential buyers? And I'm
about 99.9% sure that request will come up.
How do you all handle it?

[FunJimmy]

Hopefully anyone considering your bike will be an experienced rider and require little assurance that the bike is solid. Potential buyers should have a pretty good idea of the bike they're looking for and shouldn't be using your bike as a test bed to short list a selection of bikes. That being said a substantial cash deposit and their drivers licence should give you confidence that the bike will return post test ride.

Might also be prudent to call your insurance provider and ask about liability and coverage. This happens every day in the auto world and I would think there is coverage should something happen.

[brewsky]

Just say NO to test rides on a rocket!

Your insurance won't cover the potential liability!

Best reply......"I'll be glad to take you for a test ride, but my insurance doesn't cover another rider"

I sold at a dealership and know what can happen!

And then they will say.... "but I have insurance"

And then you say..... "insurance follows the tags, not the person, and my agent said absolutely not to allow another rider"

Also, after the sale, write on the bill of sale the date, time of day, and mileage, and make sure he signs it.

[calj737]

It's easy; Once the sale price is agreed, write a "Conditional Bill of Sale". Then, the test ride can occur. If the bike does not behave as advertised, the sale is terminated. If the Buyer rides it and damages it, its his. If no damage occurs, then you have the option to terminate or conclude the Sale.

Your insurance probably does cover another licensed driver to operate your bike. But you can/should call them to explain the potential of Test Riders and verify your coverage. At a minimum, the Test Rider/Buyer pays the deductible in the event of damage. Take pictures before he rides away obviously.

[MikeZ]

Even easier.  Get full asking price in cash from buyer.  If they wreck it the sales final and you keep the cash.  If it comes back in 1 piece and they don't want the bike hand the cash back.  If they want it you keep the cash.  Cash is king.
 

[brewsky]

It's easy as long as there is no wreck.

Ask yourself what are the chances a rider, unfamiliar with your bike, can wreck.

There are too many lawyers to make it easy if there is a wreck!

Just ask yourself what level of risk you are comfortable with.

How much do you think a severed leg, paralysis, brain injury etc is worth in a lawsuit?

Not worth the chance for me.

[Stev-o]

I discourage test rides when I'm selling a bike, I explain that if they drop it and walk away, I am screwed. 
However, I have allowed a couple test rides, I accepted a refundable deposit of $500. 
It's a fine line, you don't what to say no and lose a potential sale but obviously you don't want your bike damaged either.

Good luck. 

[J-Rod10]

No test rides without cash in hand for the agreed upon price. Write out a conditional bill of sale, have it signed, with a DL number prior to the test ride. They wreck it, it is theirs.

[DH]

Thank you folks. There were some things I didn't consider and your posts brought them up. I definately know more now as a result.

[jaguar]

Personally I will not bother dealing with a seller that is that hung up on a test ride.
I assume they are antsy about something, not really the condition of the bike as much as how they deal.  Just avoid them.

Just like the buyer should be able to qualify the seller to have a good feeling about things so should the buyer of the seller.  A good seller will know a serious buyer and deal with them.

[Stev-o]

Personally I will not bother dealing with a seller that is that hung up on a test ride.

Just curious Jag - do you test ride the bikes you buy? [that are riders]

Most of the bikes I buy are shipped to me so I do not.

[jaguar]

I do try to ride everything I can.

[FunJimmy]

Personally I will not bother dealing with a seller that is that hung up on a test ride.
I assume they are antsy about something, not really the condition of the bike as much as how they deal.  Just avoid them.

Just like the buyer should be able to qualify the seller to have a good feeling about things so should the buyer of the seller.  A good seller will know a serious buyer and deal with them.

I tend to agree. There's a relationship between the buyer and the seller.
It doesn't have to adversarial. When I drove 10 hours with 8K cash in my pocket to purchase my Triumph Tiger the seller insisted I test ride it. He didn't ask for the cash prior to or produce a promissory note either. After the test ride the deal was done and I handed him the little envelope the bank teller put the cash in. He didn't even open it or count the cash!

Another act of trust came from my local Kawasaki dealer. After purchasing a used ZX9 from them I'd meet there for regular Wednesday evening rides so I was no stranger but this one Friday while chatting the owner tosses me the keys to a brand new ZRX1000 and says to bring it back on Tuesday. He even scored me $20 for gas. That was the start of an amazing weekend.

A little trust goes a long way in this world.

[jaguar]

I try to offer the same respect when selling.
Key is to qualify your buyer.  Doesn't take long to have some idea if they know what's what.
Have refused to meet some people because they are just asking the wrong questions or just "not getting it"

[DH]

I agree that the seller will know a serious buyer. You can sift thru the e mails and usually tell who the screwballs are
by reading their responses. I try to make the ad very explicit, and word it so it requires a certain kind of reaction.
That can tell a lot and eliminates wasted time.

[ekpent]

 Lots of good suggestions. Cash in hand first etc.  On the couple bikes I have sold when I feel they actually know how to ride,have an endorsement  and are serious with the cash I have seen I fire up a bike to ride and give them an escort ride while they check out the bike I am selling. Its never out of my sight 
  One story from many years ago in the 1980's I was selling a GT750 and a guy that I knew a little bit said he was interested in it and would like to take a test ride.  Off he went and he did not return for more than 4 hours. When he came back I was extremely pissed off and found out later that he had just used it for a trip over to Lake Michigan and to run some errands and what not and have some afternoon fun. That pretty much ended our association.

[Stev-o]

On the couple bikes I have sold...

SHOCKING, you actually have sold a bike??!

Funny story about the four hour test ride.

[brewsky]

What could possibly go wrong???

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

or:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DH]

What could possibly go wrong???

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

or:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



This is what I fear, and if the guy gets hurt....I don't want to think about it.. Glad that I decided to ask the question.

[grcamna2]

Trust helps on both sides and when I buy a bike I need to know it 'tracks' straight and a short ride down the street within sight of the seller is good.

[brewsky]

What could possibly go wrong???

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

or:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



This is what I fear, and if the guy gets hurt....I don't want to think about it.. Glad that I decided to ask the question.

Yeah.....years back I sold my Sportster to my younger brother.....he now has one leg.....Still carrying that with me to this day.
It's not always about the money.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I've tested almost every bike I've purchased (at least all of those in running condition), but I also have shown up with cash and offered my truck keys.  That said my test rides have been very short just and in close proximity to test engine, trans and brakes.

[DH]

The most important thing , The thing that really stands out is the type bike it is and what its capable of. A little throttle goes a long way. I will admit to being reluctant to sell it to just anyone, and will discourage first timers. Its been said that a public place like the local police dept. parking lot is a good meeting place. I'll probably go that route as well. Another thing is that you never want anyone you don't know to know where you live. Maybe some of this is overkill, but an ounce of prevention..well you know

[DH]

What could possibly go wrong???

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

or:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



This is what I fear, and if the guy gets hurt....I don't want to think about it.. Glad that I decided to ask the question.

Yeah.....years back I sold my Sportster to my younger brother.....he now has one leg.....Still carrying that with me to this day.
It's not always about the money.

Very tragic. Hope all is well, for, and between you guys.

[brewsky]

What could possibly go wrong???

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

or:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



This is what I fear, and if the guy gets hurt....I don't want to think about it.. Glad that I decided to ask the question.

Yeah.....years back I sold my Sportster to my younger brother.....he now has one leg.....Still carrying that with me to this day.
It's not always about the money.

Very tragic. Hope all is well, for, and between you guys.

Yes, thanks.....That was over 40 years ago....he now has a computer controlled prosthesis which does pretty well!
Good luck on your sale!

[Duke McDukiedook]

Cal's Conditional sale sounds like the way to go if you want to do it by the book.
If you have another bike I would recommend a ride-along and discuss beforehand how long the ride should last.
4 hour long test ride with running errands would piss me off.