[speeder]

I did not need to read this to know why test rides of used motorcycles are extremely problematic. It’s not like a car, where you can go with the guy and know that he’s not abusing your ride. And of course, a little sand on the road or a good old lack of riding skills can result in your scenario, or a lot worse. You are lucky that the guy bought it, you had zero leverage in that situation.

I sold a Ducati recently and a guy drove down from Santa Clarita w his wife, seemed pretty serious. He had been making offers via text and I told him that I’d only consider offers in person from people who have seen the bike, (standard procedure for me).

We look at the bike in my parking garb and then I ride it up the ramp and outside into the light for him. The bike is nearly perfect, BTW. He looks it over outside and then starts putting on his helmet, saying, “just need to go for a short ride and we probably have a deal.”

Ah...no, dude. No test rides. It had never been discussed and if he had told me that he needed to ride it first, I would have told him that it would happen only w the full purchase price in my hand in cash. That’s SOP for MC test rides from private parties, BTW.

He handed an envelope to his wife that appeared to be filled w cash and I explained that them handing money between themselves changed nothing...was I supposed to beat it out of her if he wrecked my bike? He got huffy and I asked him, “what if you drop my bike?”

“Then I’ll buy it.”

Sure you will, pal. You won’t hand over the $$ when the bike is perfect but you will once it’s destroyed...sure thing. He acted all offended and left in a huff. I told him to have a nice drive home, (20 miles each way). People are schit. You got lucky.