reading this thread I realized that I was lucky. Years ago, when I sold my sport bike, the guy got on it to test drive, then got off right away before he even start the engine. He admitted that was afraid

I missed that thread...

When I was in the 5th grade (~12 yrs old), a neighboring family that lived on the cul-de-sac had 3 boys - about 15, 12 and 9. The mom entered her name in a drawing at the local grocery store for a street bike motorcycle. I don't recall the make - probably a Honda (def not a Harley). Well, she won it. The next weekend they get it delivered and I don't even remember if the Dad knew how to ride it. The neighbor dad came over to "look"at it with everyone else, and he asks if he can take it for a spin. I guess they didn't think much of it. He got on and it rode it about 20 feet right there in the cul-de-sac and drops it. Bent up the mirror, scraped some of the other stuff. He got it upright and walked it back over - said he was sorry, and then just walked away.

So recently I bought a used Ducati Hypermotard, 2008 with 17K miles. I stopped by a week earlier, it was in Hollywood area and i am in San Diego but returning from a trip North so took the chance. Bike looked good so set a meeting a week later with cash in hand, but in my pocket, for another once over and test ride. The guy had another bike and rode with me. Done deal, cash traded, bike loaded up and off I went.

I have purchased 2 used MC in the last 20 years. One was perfect in every way and no disappointments. The other had warped front disks, pitted head tube races, and a couple other issues I did not know of until I rode it home. That one cost me another $1500 to make right...

I will not buy a used MC without a test ride period. I am good the previously mentioned parking lot confinement, but never again without riding b4 cash is handed over. YMMV.

I say good on the guy. He could have said "There's something wrong with it and it caused an accident - don't want it." but he did the right thing.

I remember when I was a kid I heard about a guy who took a bike for a test ride and didn't kick the sidestand back up. It went over a bump and it was enough to send him into the path of an oncoming car and died :(

I do see both sides of this issue. Mebbe a deposit to cover a test ride?

I ain't buyin' or selling anymore bikes :D...

A lot depends on the quality of the person...when buying or selling. I’ve allowed test rides or not based on my gut. A responsible, mature person who rides their own bike to see mine that seems ethical and intelligent will probably get a test ride.

Also when buying...anything...I’m often just as attentive to assess the seller as I am the vehicle. Use common sense and much headache can be avoided. So far, never an issue.

well aware i was stupid and got lucky.

times have changed.




still selling the road king. you could fly up. buy it cheap and ride back down the allan.

Mike let me take his SL560 home on a promise many years ago. Long story. I tried to bone him but...

Zero issues in ownership, off to a new very appreciative home.

I have sold three cars here on Pelican, all at a very good price, represented as honestly as I could. I told all three I'll buy them back for the same price if you are not happy. Getting the car back here is my only stipulation.

I hate selling things to the general population.

usually by the time I'm done with a motorcycle its burning at the bottom of a cliff. or its perfect and i sell it to someone in the circle of trust.

dealing with randoms off the internet is relatively new to me.

Mr. varmint, you got lucky and were dealing w a stand-up dude, even if he wasn’t a very good rider. This story could have had a lot of worse endings. Don’t let anyone ride the RK unless they put the $$ in your hand AND sign some type of waiver. Just tell them that you had a bad experience in the past without giving details.

Wait....the guy dropped a Sporty?

All jokes aside---sounds like he did the right thing in the end, and perhaps everyone learned a valuable lesson.

Girly man drops a girlz bike :D

Move along.... nuthin' to see here....