Looking for advice on how to sell a motorcycle

I know several of you are also bikers. I

ASK VINCE

David-your potential BIGGEST threat is insurance coverage. If some gets hurt on your registered bike, change your name to Betty.

First of all I wouldn't let them ride the bike out of the neighborhood. Second I'd ask to keep their license and car keys during the test drive. If they get pulled over and explain I'm sure the cop will be willing to follow them back to your place. I bought a bike last summer for one of my employees and that's how it went down.
(of course while I was teaching the kid to ride it he popped the clutch and ran it into the back of my 911, but thats a story for another day)

i sold two bikes on craigslist, a honda goldwing and a 04BMW 1150rt. no problems, both guys were "older" and during the test ride i had their keys to their vehicles. went smoothly and both bikes sold but if they wrecked i am not sure how that would have played out.

I've sold a few HD over the past few years. Always had the guys that wanted to take it out for a test spin which is understandable. The only ones that I let "test" the bike gave me all the cash up front for the bike & then they did their test ride. If they liked it, I kept the cash. If they didn't & they didn't dump the bike or ride off, I gave them their money back.

Personally I do not let anyone ride my bikes...I will start it and ride it down the street to show that it shifts properly.
If you let someone ride it and they crash, guess who will be paying..
but that's me...and most other Harley guys...

For once I agree with Vince. Ive sold numerous bikes over the years. I ride, they can listen, inspect, I'll even go two up if appropriate, but NO they don't get to drive it. You can tell all you need to know by visual, aural, inspection.

If the buyer questions anything mechanical and is reluctant to buy the bike for this reason, offer to allow him/her to take it to a reputable M/C shop for an inspection. Within an agreed limit, you deduct the cost of the inspection from the selling price. If the buyer does not purchase the bike, it is up to him/her to pay the bill.

I completely agree with Vince on this one. I have built over 100 custom bikes since the late '50's and have NEVER let anyone ride mine. (OK, so I am stingy, selfish and "just know you aren't as good a rider as I am"....) If they are a novice they really don't need the kind of custom I am selling and if they are not a novice they will buy with a look, listen and my reputation.

Remember ... if they ride it is YOUR insurance and LIABILITY that is at risk. 'Nuff said!

Happy Trails,
Dusty

Many thanks for all the good input.

This type of bike would probably never sell without a test ride (hell, even I bought it used). That said, I'll definitely keep the buyers car keys and I'll check with my insurance folks tomorrow. Thanks again.