09-17-2019, 02:57 PM
(09-16-2019, 12:57 PM)pekingduck_imp Wrote: As a seller, you are in an awkward position in allowing test rides. A few years ago, a 30-something potential buyer parked his late model Saab across the street to see my Triumph Bonneville. Everything seemed okay, he left me his cluster of keys, and proceeded to take a ripping test ride through the neighborhood, back and forth, through the gears, having a blast.
I felt pretty stupid, as I walked across the street and could see that the guy was clearly living in his car. He finally came back after about 20 minutes, said thanks, but no, gave me the keys, and took his, and left. Absolutely nothing I could do or say, all legal on his part.
Now I am much more careful, and will give a test ride only with cash in hand, with the clear understanding that the bike is his if the bike functioned as it should, not how he expected or hoped. The test ride is the last step if everything is working properly.
I understand the need to protect yourself as an owner, but I would never agree to the test ride if only granted "with the clear understanding" that the bike is mine if it functioned as it should.
Of course you as seller have the right to sell under the conditions you want, and if the bike is an easy one to sell, offered at a good price, you'd probably find a taker soon enough...it just wouldn't be me. There have been a few bikes that I was positive that I would like, and then once I test rode thought..."ugh, no way does this work for me".
[/quote]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is hard for a buyer to know what to expect of a bike, especially if he or she hasn't ridden a lot of different ones - "this bike doesn't have any low-end torque", or "this one doesn't turn easily" or "this one feels heavier than I thought it would be".
I get it, you don't know until you actually ride it. But you would have to look to your friends or a dealer for that. It's not my job to provide test rides for someone to figure out what they want, only to make sure what I'm selling is safe and operating as it should be. Lately, I've left my bikes on consignment at a dealer and lose a little rather than put up with the risk and inconvenience.