How to sell a motorcycle???

[ADbassman]

Wow, that's a hell of a bike. I second the motion of no test rides.

 

[BassXgirl]

Thanks everyone! I'm hearing you all loud and clear...NO TEST RIDES! hahah Got it!
This is exactly what I needed to know. I am not familiar with motorcycle sale protocol. I've sold a car before but this is no car! It's a mean machine. I'll admit i'm going to miss hearing it rev up once it's sold. It sounds so badd@ss!

Btw... if anyone is curious to see it. I've just posted it for sale here.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8405064#post8405064

Thanks again everyone!

 

[geeza]

Nice! Can I take 'er for a test ride?

 

[Pilgrim]

My suggestion: take it to a motorcycle dealership and sell it on consignment. Let THEM deal with test rides.

Get CASH.

 

[BassXgirl]

Sell it through cycle trader.

I suggested this to her a couple of days ago. She wanted to try free listings first. I also posted on CL :/ No responses yet. Not even any "Nigerian business men" have offered to over pay me yet

 

[RED5]

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. .

Not a bike you would want a novice to ride off on,seriously! I was a service tech for a Suzuki dealer and we wouldn't let some of our own boys test one of them missles. The possibilty for mayhem is enormous on that bike. I don't want to get too far into scaring you but, even during break-in keeping the bike below a certain RPM as suggested by the Owner's Manual? meant you'd be doing 125 MPH even at low revs in top gear. How ever you can?, establish that the prospect has the capability to handle that thing or tell them to keep walking. This is for your own liability. A Hayabusa is not a perky lil' scooter for fun runs.

 

[your idol]

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!

what ive highlighted is exactly what you should do. its how i sell any motor vehicle and ive never ever been burned

 

[your idol]

Not a bike you would want a novice to ride off on,seriously! I was a service tech for a Suzuki dealer and we wouldn't let some of our own boys test one of them missles. The possibilty for mayhem is enormous on that bike. I don't want to get too far into scaring you but, even during break-in keeping the bike below a certain RPM as suggested by the Owner's Manual? meant you'd be doing 125 MPH even at low revs in top gear. How ever you can?, establish that the prospect has the capability to handle that thing or tell them to keep walking. This is for your own liability. A Hayabusa is not a perky lil' scooter for fun runs.

get proof of insurance and its under the "you break it you buy it" rule