How to sell a motorcycle???

BassXgirl · #1 12-17-2009, 09:58 PM

Hi TBrs

I need some advice on selling a motorcycle.

My friend and neighbor recently passed away. His wife has asked me to sell his motorcycle for her. This is no trouble for me and I'm happy to help her, but I'm a little nervous of the potential for being ripped off.

So I'm curious about a couple of things:
1) If the potential buyer wants to take it for a test ride, I was thinking I might ask for their car keys and license as some sort of collateral. and maybe proof of insurance? Does this sound reasonable? I'm very uneasy about letting anyone ride it but it seems fair if someone's considering buying it. :/ How would you guys handle the "test drive"?

2) How would you handle the money aspect of a sale? Would you only accept cash or a postal money order? Would you meet the buyer at the bank and have them transfer to your account? I am not sure of the best way to handle this. Paypal is not really an option.

Any suggestions on how i can make it as smooth a transaction as possible? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!

bassteban · #2 12-17-2009, 10:14 PM

1. Sounds reasonable.
2. I'm in the dark here- I'd likely ask my wife, who is much smarter than me.

What kind of bike are we discussing?

cassanova · #3 12-17-2009, 10:18 PM

You could always hop on the back of the bike and go for the test drive with them. Making them hand over their car keys or some form of ID is a pretty good idea though, the only drawback I can see to holding their license is if they should get pulled over or in an accident while test driving it. They'd need to provide it to the police.

As for the money transfer I'd only take cash. Checks bounce and they could put a stop payment on a money order before the owner of the bike is able to get to the bank.

stevetx19 · #4 12-17-2009, 10:34 PM

i'd just meet them at a parking lot. They can't leave with the bike because their car is still there. unless it's a performance bike they can do all their testing in the lot. Also, it's got to be cash. Anyone who doesn't have the full cash for it right now- well, you're doing them a favor.

BassXgirl · #5 12-17-2009, 10:37 PM

Thanks guys!
Maybe I'm on the right track afterall

Bassteban, its a 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX 1300R. It has an upgraded Yoshimura carbon fiber exhaust. Its really nice.
He had many extras for it that we're including at no charge. She just wants it to go to someone who will appreciate it (if that's possible) helmet, gloves, gaurdian cover, saddlebags, cushioned back rest.

Know anyone

? I might list it here on TB just for the heck of it.

bassteban · #6 12-17-2009, 11:00 PM

Monster bike- monster. Yeah, I'd list it here- you're a supporting member, so why not?

RWP · #7 12-18-2009, 05:31 AM

I would worry about the potential liability of allowing a test drive. If they crashed and were killed I am sure the bikes owner would be sued. I know, seems crazy but hey, this is America.

If it were me it would be cash and I would drive the bike around a parking lot so they could see it runs.

playinpearls · #8 12-18-2009, 05:44 AM

with a 2005 busa that has never been down, i wouldn't offer test rides. The bike is too new, and powerful. If they show up with cash in hand and give it over during the ride, then fine, but a bike that powerful...no way. You'll have little Johnnys or D'andres everywhere wanting their dad to buy it for them and expecting a test ride without ever being on a bike. then like RWP said you'll have a law suit when they flip it on their backs with the first rev.

geeza · #9 12-18-2009, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playinpearls

with a 2005 busa that has never been down, i wouldn't offer test rides. The bike is too new, and powerful. If they show up with cash in hand and give it over during the ride, then fine, but a bike that powerful...no way. You'll have little Johnnys or D'andres everywhere wanting their dad to buy it for them and expecting a test ride without ever being on a bike. then like RWP said you'll have a law suit when they flip it on their backs with the first rev.

^ This. At the very least, no test ride without a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license.

Absentia · #10 12-18-2009, 06:45 AM

1. you need to have a little trust in people
2. cash money

Steve · #11 12-18-2009, 07:47 AM

NO TEST RIDES. EVER. Not with a valid motorcycle endorsement on the license. Not even if he puts 100% of the cash money in your hand to hold first. Loose the sale first. The only exception to that would be if you carry the same zillion dollar liability insurance against rider stupidity that a dealership does.

Sell it through cycle trader.

karrot-x · #12 12-18-2009, 08:16 AM

I always offer test rides with cash in hand.

But, this is a hayabusa, every squid within 200 miles will be calling you up. I would not offer test rides on this bike unless the person could show some type of competency.

DeaconK · #13 12-18-2009, 08:38 AM

As a biker for the last 45 years..NO TEST RIDES...EVER!!!! Especially on a bike of that caliber. I'm a Harley rider and even *I* know how much trouble you can get into with a 'busa. That is a motorcyle for someone with a LOT of miles under their wheels, it's way too easy for something like that to get away from an inexperienced rider. I also agree with "cash" or certified/cashier's check at the very least.

RWP · #14 12-18-2009, 08:48 AM

Someone suggested getting on the back and go for a little ride with the prospective buyer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs0CvRcLFl4

iamlowsound · #15 12-18-2009, 09:28 AM

I have never test ridden any of the bikes that I have owned. Forget the test ride. Plus, with that bike I would want to know rider history before I sold them that bike. I have 5 years riding experience and I wouldn't want to ride that bike. If the person has never owned a bike before, refuse to sell it to them.

lowsound

kasanovakarl · #16 12-18-2009, 10:43 AM

I've never known anyone to let a potential buyer test drive a bike. There is too much risk involved. I would suggest against it like a lot of the other posters. I never rode on my bike before purchasing it.

**Thor** · #17 12-18-2009, 10:52 AM

Last weekend's news - Cranston, Rhode Island.

"Local motorcyclist in fatal crash, < insert video of overturned
bike in wooded area >, police say the rider was out for a
'test ride' on the bike. "

I think the owner has two issues. Crumpled bike and dead
rider.

Might want to avoid that.

Philbiker · #18 12-18-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playinpearls

with a 2005 busa that has never been down, i wouldn't offer test rides. The bike is too new, and powerful. If they show up with cash in hand and give it over during the ride, then fine, but a bike that powerful...no way. You'll have little Johnnys or D'andres everywhere wanting their dad to buy it for them and expecting a test ride without ever being on a bike. then like RWP said you'll have a law suit when they flip it on their backs with the first rev.

Absolutely. If someone is buying a 'Busa they should know what they're getting into. They can test ride it once they've paid for it and the title has been signed over.

nortonrider · #19 12-18-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playinpearls

with a 2005 busa that has never been down, i wouldn't offer test rides. The bike is too new, and powerful. If they show up with cash in hand and give it over during the ride, then fine, but a bike that powerful...no way. You'll have little Johnnys or D'andres everywhere wanting their dad to buy it for them and expecting a test ride without ever being on a bike. then like RWP said you'll have a law suit when they flip it on their backs with the first rev.

I agree with this! NO RIDES! anyone who would be serious about buying a bike like a Busa knows what it is already.

This thing ain't a Crown Vic, it's a Corvette.

MakiSupaStar · #20 12-18-2009, 11:03 AM

You're a chick. Selling a motorcycle should be a snap. Chicks and motorcycles go together like milk and honey.