Test riding a used bike

[Kaiser Soze]

I've always wondered about this, and how the majority of people handle the sale of a used bike.

When I sold my '99 Katana 750, the first guy who showed up to buy it was a skinny 16 year old with his mom and a friend of theirs who supposedly knew about bikes. He asked me if he could test drive, and of course I was scared stiff letting this kid take my always-babied, mint-condition bike off my driveway without it being paid for.

I ended up saying that this guy could check the bike out, they could start it up and check whatever they wanted, but no test ride. I wrote on the bill of sale that if he brought the bike back within an hour and with less than 30 km put on it, I would take the bike back. This was so he was assured he wouldn't take it up to 100km/h and have it wobble like crazy or something, and of course I knew he wouldn't find anything wrong with it.

It was just something I kind of thought up when they were there, and they seemed to go for it.

The reason I ask of course, is what happens if the guy taking your bike out for a test ride drops it? It would be a pain to have to sue some guy for the damages, or maybe they'd only offer up the deductible, which would work but of course hike your insurance rates.

But then again, now that I might be on the other side of the sale, I would have a hard time buying a 3-4 year old bike without seeing that it hangles ok, and there isn't a misfire or hesitation at certain rpms, or that it wobbles like crazy over 80km/h, or something like that.

So how do you guys handle the used bike test ride? Ask for the cash up front and if they dump the bike, they just bought it? Ask for a huge deposit?

Just wanted to hear some opinions before I go check out a few used bikes I have my eye on.

Thanks!

[FlyerPhil]

So how do you guys handle the used bike test ride? Ask for the cash up front and if they dump the bike, they just bought it?

That's what I'd do.

If you're going to check out a bike, do a REALLY thorough exam of the bike before you ask to test ride it, lets the seller know you're serious and you get the chance to check that its safe to ride before hand. Also be sure to check any fluids before you take it out or even turn it on. I turned the engine on last when I checked out my bike, wanted to check the oil and coolant first.

But what do I know...my bike isn't working at the moment

[DivideOverflow]

I have test-ridden each of my used bikes (except for the one that wasn't running... but I sat on it and made "VROOM VROOM" noises for a couple minutes).

I would not buy a used bike without riding it. I would be concerned if a 16 year old kid came to buy one of my bikes, so I would probably tell him to stay where I could see him... or probably work out something like you said where they could buy it, and bring it back with less than XX number of miles if they didn't like it.

[Andrew]

I am in the process of buying a used bike. I chose to work through a dealership because I have a little more faith in their "certified pre-owned" program. They could just be fooling me, but they say they check the bikes out before they sell them.

Not always the best approach whether you're buying or selling, but it gives me more piece of mind.

-Andrew

[dieziege]

Regarding dealer used... last time I was at the local dealership that specializes in used bikes, I did two things... first, I talked to a salesperson who bragged up how they "prepped" the bikes before they sold them "and we only charge a $189 service charge for that!"....

...second, I walked up to a used GS500 with a fairing (didn't look like the stock GS500F fairing) and flush mount turn signals. I told a friend who was with me that it had obviously been down. When he asked why I thought that, pointed to the new pegs, new brake lever, the dents on the exhaust, and then I grabbed one of the bar ends and said "and the bar ends have been replaced..." then I pulled on the end and it came off in my hand... so I said "See?" It was great.

[Andrew]

I suppose that is why they say ignorance is bliss!

This is a BMW dealership and I have some faith that they wouldn't have standards like that. I've done everything short of test drive, so I don't have much choice but to have that little bit of faith.

[MontyCarlo]

Full purchase price in cash in hand, helmet, gloves, and proof of endorsement is the accepted norm for allowing test rides.

You drop it, you just bought it.

[Sev]

Full purchase price in cash in hand, helmet, gloves, and proof of endorsement is the accepted norm for allowing test rides.

You drop it, you just bought it.

I agree completely.

[MotoF150]

I sold 3 bikes in the past 5 years and I take the test ride for them, if they want a test ride I run it myself up and down the street and the guy wanting to buy it stands there and watches. People get mad and mean when they ask for a test ride and you say "NO", don't say "No" just be nice and friendy and tell them you will ride it for them, and don't open ur mouth and just answer any questions they have with less words and less information as possible, don't make it look like ur desperate to sell ur bike, make it look like you don't wanta sell it, the customer will want it more, and I write on the title " No Refund" No Return"

[onx]

about buying from dealers...

That can be so hit and miss, one of my friends a few months ago bought a "certified pre-owned" audi a4 from a dealer. He recently backed into something and took it to a BMW dealership (one that has a huge repair center for all kinds of cars etc) to get the bumper and trunk fixed, and while they were tearing it down they realized the car had major frame damage and previous botched repair jobs. Its going to be in the shop for at least another month. So much for "Ceritifed pre-owned"

About the whole hand over a cheque for the bike before a ride and drop it and buy it thing. I'd go one step further and write a little contract to that effect, specifying that if the bike isnt dropped it can be returned for a full refund. I'd be kind of paranoid about the guy selling the bike seeing the money and just saying no...