Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi everyone,

Nice forum here. I'm thinking about selling my bike. What has been done to prevent a bike from being stolen on a test ride? I want to prevent someone from taking a one way test ride.

One thing I've read was to get their driver's license and hold onto it for collateral. But a good thief would have a fake license.

Another one is no test ride until they buy the bike and have a written agreement on the bill of sale that they have one hour after purchasing it to return the bike. But that sounds like the seller has something to hide.

So, I'm looking for other ideas on how to protect your bike when selling it and offering a test ride.

Thanks in advance for your reply,

Cyclemadness

You could tell them you're a vigilantee or mercenary.....

In all seriousness, before they come over, tell them if they want to test ride, they MUST bring insurance documents to prove they're covered (incase they have a mishap on said unfamilliar bike). Also drivers license.

Make sure you are familiar with all the security markings that should be on the license, and if your not sure about them, just say no. There's always another buyer somewhere.

Finally take good quality photos of your bike beforehand, so any accidental damage can be proved/claimed.

If you're really paranoid, I suppose you could take their fingerprints, but that'd scare off the buyer.

Finally, ask a friend around to be a witness if something happens... just casual like, no need to explain their presence, they just popped round for a cup of tea

if you have anouther ride, go with him, or have a friend go with them.

A good rule is they have to have all the cash as if they were going to buy the bike and then that way if they break it they pay for it.

If they come on a bike or in a car, you get to hold their keys.

cb360 wrote:If they come on a bike or in a car, you get to hold their keys.

And if he hands you a screwdriver, the car might be stolen

Never steal the car of a guy who knows where you live..

Tell him to bring a friend and ask to hold both their drivers licenses even while his friend is next to you. Or ask him to bring a hot girl and if he doesn't come back, she at least has to satisfy you!

Cash up front. Once the price is agreed upon (subject to a test ride) hold onto the full cash amount. When he comes back, you can either sign over the paperwork or hand back his cash.

Be sure that he is licensed and experienced enough before hand. Check to see if your insurance will cover a test ride.

Keep the driver's license (check to make sure it is indeed your test rider) and perhaps even his/her wallet. They shouldn't get in trouble while on a test ride. Holding the keys to his vehicle is also handy. And I try not to let a prospective buyer come to the house if what I'm selling is the latest/greatest (R1, GSXR, Harley, etc.) or something that might be a theft target. And having as many friends on hand as back-up security doesn't hurt...neither does having a small handgun in your most accessible pocket, but this is the extreme...