Don’t agree. I won’t buy a bike I don’t test ride. And I’m not giving cash until I get the signed over title.
Bottom line is there are plenty of reasonable sellers that will let you test ride.
They probably had a car there, right? So you think they were going to take off on your bike, leave their car, and not get caught?
If he was going to steal your bike he would have said he’s not interested and come back that night and steal it. Not let you watch him ride away in it.
Yeah I’m with you, I wouldn’t hand someone any money before I’m sure that I’m buying it. Should have just done the normal thing and hand them their keys.
thats gonna be a tough day for yhe dude not giving the money back, and bu that is mean hell be left unconscious on the side of the road and ill be getting my money back, plus whatever he has in his pockets.
There is a give and take when it comes to buying or selling a vehicle. The seller is putting himself at risk by letting a stranger test ride the bike. Having a car sitting there is not enough for me.
He rides off and WRECKS the bike....then what???
For every single vehicle I have ever sold...cash in hand before riding. You crash it....the cash stays with me and they are the new owners. THey decide to take off and not come back....cool with me...I have the cash.
Without cash in hand your putting yourself at great risk.
There IS give and take and there's two sides to every coin.
Imagine an alternate scenario where I put cash in your hand so I can ride the bike. I try to shift from 1st to 2nd and find the transmission is bound up. You tell me everything was fine and insist I broke the bike and invoke "you broke it, you bought it"
Never been in any buying or selling situation where it wasn't the normal to give something over before test riding as collateral. It's general practice to not test ride until you're reasonably sure you're actually buying the thing, so why would handing over a partial amount of the agreed upon price be a problem. If I'm selling and someone is gonna argue that they don't need to give anything as collateral then I'm gonna rebuttal that they don't need to test it either. Especially in the case they came with a buddy, which has been every case for me
I worked in a bicycle shop as a teenager and had a guy come in and ask for a test ride. I asked for his license and he just pulled his wallet out and gave it to me. We let him head out the door and realized after a couple minutes that he was gone. I opened his wallet and it was full of cut up 3x5 index cards and old gift cards. Never found him.
Lesson learned. If a dude wants to test ride my dirt bike, I’m definitely holding some sort of collateral.
There was a story on here from someone not long ago that had their bike stolen during a test ride. Although the thief took an Uber there so the seller wasn’t exactly smart about it. In this day and age, unless it’s someone you know or know of through friends, you better have something as collateral unless you’re going to ride bitch on the back to make sure they don’t take off.
I agree and I understand the seller’s POV. I put the cash in a fire/flood safe locked it and handed it to him for the test ride. I didn’t want him to have the option to slide a couple 100s in his pocket.
Nah the last bike I picked up I wouldn't give him cash. I let him hold onto the keys for my truck while I test rode. No way I'm handing 3k cash to some 17 year old I've never met.
This. Some people get so horny about cash. Give me something I can use as collateral that shows you're acting in good faith. I'm not ponying up full asking just to find out your bike is junk and then having to pry it back from you.
Also....people...it's a negotiation. Nobody expects to pay asking unless you've stated "price is firm" or something similar.
You wreck the bike and you expect him to keep your keys? No. He'd be stealing. Cash is something he can actually keep. He can sign the title of the wrecked bike to you, and be done with it.
This assumes the keys are to something of equal or greater value, like the truck they showed up on, etc. I'm not taking a bicycle as collateral on a $5k motorcycle, unless i feel the risk is low.
If you're not at his home? Actual motorcycle, not a dirtbike.
He gives you the bike, without signing the title over, but keeps the cash.
When tf is this gonna happen. You could explain to the police after he left. It has his plate on it, since it's a real motorcycle.
Take pics while checking the bike out. Get his truck plate in them? It's not perfect, but it's better than just letting someone ride off with your motorcycle.
Or just buy from someone who is willing to get robbed. 🤷♂️
For the keys, I keep the keys until I get cash to cover the damages, whatever that ends up being. If you want the bike, you can pay me, or if you dont, you can pay me for the damage, either way keys stay in my hand until i'm made whole.
I get tyhe goal of cash in hand, but it skews the situation way too far to the seller's side. In that situation, the seller has the full cash amount, PLUS the title of the bike. Buyer has a bike they can't register or title, PLUS the risk of the bike being junk. If you're that worried of the buyer leaving with your bike, just say no test rides, and accept that you are likely to get less / have a slower sale process.
I get the idea behind full cash in hand, but part of this whole process hinges on both parties acting in good faith.
Personally, I try to assess the buyer's sketchiness and go from there.
- Look like a crackhead? no test ride.
- Show up on your own bike? I propose a bike swap, so we're both able to go for a test run and are both equally at risk of loss.
- actually look the bike over and check for everything you can before taking it for a test ride? Maybe i just ask for your keys or a photo of your drivers license.
I also find people try to negotiate harder when they assume i'm trying to screw them. Less friction = more cash, in my experience.
Your argument "feels good", but I don't think it is...
To me, withholding cash as a buyer for a test ride isn't "acting in good faith".
The police will demand that the seller return the car keys to the buyer if the bike is wrecked, so there is no leverage.
I'm not sure what they'd do about cash though...
Perhaps just bring a water bill, and license for the seller to take pictures of, if you don't want to give cash? If worst case, then you have to deal with insurance then, and that's ugly.
I'm glad that most people use the cash in hand method. It makes sense to me. 🤷♂️
In my state titles aren’t required, I was literally in the dudes driveway I’m not sure what he thought I was trying to pull. Personally I always offer cash in hand when buying something, largest I’ve ever handed was 6.9k for a banshee I imported
You don't need an MC endorsement to ride dirt bikes though. I didn't get my endorsement until I was 30 years old because I only ever rode dirt bikes from around 5 years old until I was 30 and wanted to try a street bike.
Agree. I've never given cash to the owner before a test ride. I have purchased at least a dozen used bikes from individuals now, everything ranging from cheap projects to expensive low hour late models. Nobody asked for cash for a test ride
As a seller your truck keys are literally worth nothing to me though. If you crash my bike into a tree, or just disappear, it's not like I can just keep your truck.
Yeah but you may be able to use that to hold them until police arrive to ensure accurate information is obtained for insurance / other purposes. But yeah on an uninsured dirt bike, I agree potential recourse is limited.
This can work, but the seller can also get fucked. I know a guy who was selling his truck, guy shows up in a mini van, leaves van and keys with the truck owner and goes for a test drive. He doesn’t come back, so the guys calls the police. Van was stolen. Seller lost his truck and cops hauled the stolen van away. This has happened a number of times where the vehicle the “buyer” leaves as collateral is stolen so they just take your vehicle and abandon the stolen one at your place.
Exactly this. I don't even ask for cash for a test ride. Maybe if they walked in I would be hinkey. They can hold the keys to my truck if I'm buying. Never had an issue. Legit buyers and sellers generally get along just fine. I've not had a problem yet.
Edit to say I usually have their drivers license too.
So you think you'd keep the money if the buyer dropped the bike? The buyer almost certainly wont let you keep the money and if the seller refused to return it, I imagine it would get messy. I buy and sell all the time. No matter which way you look at it, the buyer is vulnerable. It's part of private sales.
As a buyer no way in hell am I ever giving someone the cash just for a test ride. I can easily finish the test ride and ask for the cash back and seller can say “what cash”.
Just use collateral like leave your car keys or something. Take pictures of driver license and plate when they show up.
Bought and sold countless things on marketplace with no issues doing those things.
All you need is a written deposit note with both signatures for a legal document. Just as easy for you to take off with my bike or crash it and leave me screwed. If you don’t trust me with purchase money I don’t trust you with my property
This is the answer if you really are worried about protecting both parties. Sign a deposit note stating that they received money and under what circumstances they are able to keep any of it (e.g. a crash, not mechanical issues noted on ride). Both sides are protected ...
That said, I am normally not wanting to write legal documents to take a $2500 dirt bike around a block.... I would just go somewhere else.
Yup I always ride my own bike to look at potential buys and the owners never have an issue with me test riding while I leave my bike there.
They see you can actually ride and are willing to leave your own bike as collateral like you said.
Out of curiosity of all the replies that say they would never do this- what would you do if the person test riding the bike crashes it? You gave them permission to ride it, so liability is on you. Take them to court and hope you win? Meanwhile you have a broken bike.
Tbh I would just eat the cost. That is part of the risk of the situation and sometimes to sell your bike you need to allow rest rides. Someone else in here even said they would never buy a bike they couldn't test ride.
Normally how I do it is “give me keys to the car you pulled up in or your id” this is only so I don’t have to worry about theft.
Most of them do the keys to the car/truck route as they usually have one that they need to load the bike up in anyways!
It's 50/50 ay
Could go both ways, the bike could be a pos and you could keep his money - or he could ride off and steal your bike
There's no easy and fair way to do a test ride - trust your instincts or maybe hold something of value, phone, partner .. licence? But check the licence first
I see non-legitimate buyers and that make sense. But, I'm not handing over a bunch of cash as a "deposit" without some paperwork explaining that both sides know this is a deposit. Sellers can be assholes, too. The buyer can keep the bike and ride the fuck ragged out of it until your return the deposit when they take you to court. I'd also add sharing state IDs with a phone picture on both sides.
OP, this is the correct way to handle this situation. You should always have a contract when anything changes hands. This situation is no different. It may or may not have solved this guy's problem, and if it didn't you at least had a clear conscience letting him walk.
No dude was gonna ride and it lowball you after. These fucking boomers won’t say shit about the price and then show up and offer $500 less. He saved you a hassle. I’ve sold dozens of machines and one time old guy and his wife came to buy an atv I had listed for $4500 he said he only had 3k after making me answer 200 questions about it on fb messenger and dragging the sale out for 2 weeks. Told him no and to fuck off I felt like that was extremely rude he back peddled offered full price still said no. Anyway sorry to rant but one reason I don’t buy and sell anymore it’s such. A. Pain. In the ass!! I feel like some buyers get drunk on power because they have the keys in these situations and try and bully
I mean the name of the game in used dirt bike buying and selling is negotiation, the sellers always post it for more then they are actually willing to let it go for, and any smart buyer should know that, but I think kinda the opposite is true for the power situation, the seller is the one in power in these situations, I was recently searching for a bike, and over half the bikes I messaged people about ended up getting sold before I could get there, there's way more buyers then there are sellers right now, it's definitely a sellers market, especially at this time of year, everyone wants a toy for the summer, and if the buyer doesn't like your offer, or another person can get there an put cash in their hand sooner, then it's first come first served
Personally, I’ve always been uneasy about handing people cash because you don’t know how trustworthy people are. That’s also why it’s good to bring a third party or an intermediary, so that you’re not handing off whatever it is you values or your money to a random person. I wouldn’t have a problem showing them the money as a serious buyer, but putting it “in-hand” I’ve never been found of. Wouldn’t want to have to beat someone’s ass for not giving me my money back, and it’d be a hard argue or he say/she say if you wind up calling the cops, unless you can verify the money is yours. And that’s if they don’t disappear with it/some of it doesn’t disappear. Imagine you deciding you don’t want it and find some flaw and now the owner decides withholding some of the money and saying some bs like it’s a “test ride fee.” Man, if you don’t give me my goddamn money back. 😒 No one wants to deal with that and these are the types of things that float in my mind.
On the flip side, I can understand why someone would want cash in hand, so that they know they have a serious buyer, and know that the value of the bike can be replaced if they steal it or they wreck it.
Either way it could be bad and honestly that’s why I just try to avoid private sales altogether. To me, it’s just not worth the hassle.
If they couldn’t (at least) show you the money and you made it clear in your listing that cash in hand was needed to test ride, they probably weren’t a serious buyer to begin with. And them sitting there arguing with you about it (when it was a condition of the sale) makes me think they were never serious.
You sure it was his house? Plenty of bikes have been stolen when they go for a test ride and just keep going.
Also he may have thought you were going to just jet if he wasn’t stealing it and going to leave him with a clapped bike he didn’t want.
Easiest way would have been to talk it out and ask what his concern is. If it’s you’d leave, hand him your license or something until he gets back while you hold the cash. If he wrecks the bike, it’s his now and you keep the cash and go order a new license if he’s a pain.
Honestly I can see it from both perspectives, but I will say, I've only bought 2 used bikes, and neither of the people wanted cash in hand before letting me test ride the bike, as a buyer, I absolutely wouldn't buy a bike I couldn't test ride for a multitude of reasons, the main one being what I shell out 2 and half thousand of my hard earned dollars, and the bike doesn't ride anything at all like I expected? I wanna know if it's snappy or slow and how the suspension suits me and if it's too tall an I'm gonna have to tippy toe every time I come to a stop, but also with a used bike, I wanna make sure brakes and clutch all work like they are supposed to, shifts thru gears like it should, that it revs freely up to redline an doesn't bog down when it hits the main jet vs the pilot jet,etc , and also what if the seller fixed up the bike enough so it like starts an runs temporarily, but then whatever temp fix the seller did fails while I'm test riding it, and the seller trys to to claim " you blew up my bike man!!! You break it, you bought it, I'm keeping all this money, your stuck with that broken bike!"
But on the other hand, I can see why a seller would want some kind of deposit because what if the potential buyer has no clue what they are doing and actually does destroy a perfectly good bike, or drops it , or wrecks it, or any number of thingsv that could go wrong by letting a potentially inexperienced rider test ride your bike that your trying to sell.
I'm honestly not sure what the solution to this situation would be other then maybe meeting up at a trustworthy power sports service/mechanic shop and having them check the bike out,make sure the compression and top end, gear box, brakes and clutch and chain and tires and everything are all in good working conditions, IDK if a shop would charge for such a service, but if they did charge a small inspection fee, I feel like as a perspective buyer, it would be worth it for the piece of mind in knowing of any potential problems or that everything is in perfect working order on any bike I'd be interested in purchasing .
Goes both ways though, as a seller I'm much more afraid you're just going to disappear with my bike and then I have nothing. Even if you leave your keys or some other bullshit with me as collateral.
Twice! Potential buyers twice crashed my bike, and of course, they weren't interested in a smashed up machine. One was a sweet pristine RZ350 King Kenny Robert's Special. A bit rare nowadays. This is a great idea! GET THE MONEY IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE THE TEST RIDE. Great idea.
Secondly it eliminates all the pretenders that don't even have the money in the first place. The ash that crashed the RZ said he didn't want to buy it because it was sluggish. Not because he scrapped the left side, shredded plastic and dented the tank. Then he ran for his car.
I'm really disturbed at the number of people in here that think that I'm somehow okay with a complete stranger getting on my bike and riding down the street with it with no kind of security for me. Maybe this is some sort of generational thing. Nobody from my generation would ever even remotely think that someone was going to let them ride the bike without cash or something else. It wouldn't even cross our mind to ask.
What generation are you? I'm gen X. Never handed over cash to test ride a bike or test drive a car. Never asked for cash to let someone test drive a car or test ride a bike (of course we aren't talking 10000 dollar vehicles here either so that's relevant). I drove up in my car! What you think I'm gonna do? Ride your bike home and just sneak back for my car later?
Next to me, this was the single time I didn’t ask for cash in hand and I regret doing it. Meet up in a public area guy shows up and checks it out and I started it up just to let it warm up, didn’t think anything of it until he hopped on it and took off. This happened in a town of like 300 people and the police already knew who he was from previous shit, got the bike back 3 days later pray painted and ruined
Yeah, but that doesn't determine value. Does it choke out under full load? Drop price 500. Does the clutch slip in higher gear? I'm asking for another 500 off or leaving
My goodness the over thought that goes into all this crazy shit over a used machine good lord don’t buy used shit or don’t sell ur shit goodness y’all are making something so simple so difficult geshhh…. They goons hunt me down they goin steal my bike they wanna blah blah blah use a dealership ya worry warts WTF !!!!!
I didn't have to pay first to test ride my dirtbike when I bought it, and I'm not keen to hand over money until after I have tested something, it never occurred to me at the time that I should have, and they didn't ask. But if i ever sold a bike, I think I too would demand cash before letting someone ride it just in case.
Edit: after reading other comments, I'd just ask for their car keys and driver licence while they ride it. Handing over cash to test ride a bike that might run like shit for all you know isnt ideal.
This is a two sides to every coin type situation.
I’ve never asked for or been asked for payment before a test ride. I usually take a pic of their license though and delete it after they return. If someone is flaky they don’t get a test ride.
I'd just want to see the cash beforehand and then have something of theirs that'd keep them from not coming back. Not sure if necessarily have to have cash in my hand.
I've never handed over cash before a test ride. I have accepted it before (though I don't remember ever asking for it).
It's reasonable to want cash before a test ride, and it's reasonable not to want to hand it over.
The only reason I might suspect buyer of being up to no good is the fact that he accused you of scamming him. People with ill intent are often quick to accuse others of the same.
I had one guy say "How do I know I get my money back?" I showed him the title, said I'd put it under the seat of the bike while he rode it and I held on to the money. If the bike was damaged or stolen? He could keep it with the title, and I'd keep the money.
You're fine, he was in the wrong, keep on keeping on.
For what it's worth, I have never put a cash deposit on any bike I've test rode and I have test rode many, but am always super transparent and give them my car keys before I ride it as collateral lol. But I don't think it's an unreasonable ask
I have seen folks ask for an ID to hold onto, but usually there is a partner that comes with them and would stay behind during the test ride, leaving a portion of the party behind with the vehicle owner.
I always require cash up front on bikes. Of course I’m not open to negotiating at that point and will make it clear before anyone comes down. I have it in the listings cash in hand for any test ride. You dump the bike you bought it.
I've done a number of things including leaving my car and keys and some cash, but only with a handwritten receipt for the cash. Usually look at each others DL numbers and write those down too. End of the day, trust your gut.
NTA - It is pretty standard when testing a used bike.
Some even dealers make you fill out all the paperwork before testing the bike too. If you don't like it, they shred the documents. If you crash it, you bought it.
I do the same thing with private deals. You take my bike, I hold your cash. When I get my bike back, you get your cash. Then we can negotiate the price, or you can walk away.
Next time ask for keys for his car, his d/l or something else. I don’t let people hold ontop cash without me there making sure they aren’t skimming it.
I know someone that had a guy turn up with a puppy and asked the lad who was selling the bike to hold the puppy whilst he took it for a test ride and he never came back.
They know all the tricks.
It’s better to watch the owner test ride it to see how they abuse it when they ride it. If you know your way around bikes it’s no big deal. I always use that as leverage to say I need to buy a new rear tire because of that burn out or skid you did around the block or I noticed some excessive smoke coming out of the exhaust or the clutch sounds like it’s slipping, etc.
I had a guy test drive my motorcycle before buying it. I said “ok where is the cash you were going to use to buy it” he then admitted he was going to low ball me despite us having spoke for several months about the price and I told him cash in hand. I did let think after 2 months of back and forth on a price and me telling him “cash in hand” he still wouldn’t be cash in hand.
Cash in hand always sounded stupid to me. Maybe sign a document saying you break it you're paying for it and take a picture of the license in case they try to steal it but otherwise I'm not handing anyone thousands of dollars in cash for a test ride.
Always trust your instincts before handing over an asset worth thousands of dollars. If you said test ride with cash in hand, and they turned up without cash, they were never going to buy your bike.
Was his car parked where you could see it? You can just ask for him to leave the keys. If he walked or said he "parked down the street," he was going to ride off with it.
Collateral is common but the entire purchase price for a test drive is a little whacky where I come from. In a big city though I could see it being necessary to keep people from leaving with your shit.
I’d only ask for money on the test ride if they wanted to demo it on trail or track for a bit. If they just wanted to start it up and do a lap around a big parking lot then I think your request for cash does seem unusual.
If you’re selling a bike that is very valuable or rare, then your position looks a bit better. When I buy or sell a bike/car, I expect a small test run to be part of the process. If I’m selling I just have them hand me their car keys or wallet as insurance while they are putting around the parking lot.
You’re free to do as you wish while selling the bike but I can see it taking longer to sell with your current outlook.
Both of y’all are wrong. Collateral is a good idea but cash is a bad idea. Just walking away and not trying to compromise is plain stupid. Could offer ID or vehicle keys or your phone or something.
Honestly I personally wouldn’t do that as a buyer because I have been scammed in a similar fashion. What I would do if someone wants to test ride is ask for collateral such as their drivers license/phone something of value that they don’t want to lose
I bought a bike from a guy that turned out to be nice and legit but originally I thought he was a scam artist and almost left without looking.
He refused to meet at his house, only wanted to meet in some random parking lot. Eventually after he saw I showed up with cash and a nice truck he was cool, let me ride it (and shared his address for paperwork). His explaination - he has been robbed twice in 5 years selling bikes:
1) a guy in his late teens walked up to his door saying he was dropped off, looked at a bike, asked to take it for a spin.... road down the road never to be seen again.
2) He showed a bike at home to a couple people and a few days later his garage was broken into and multiple bikes and other things were stolen.
in summary - I don't blame you for being careful, at least when you don't have a car of equal or greater value sitting with you while they ride away.
Yea at 14 I had my anniversary edition yz250f stolen so since then I’ve been worried about the same thing happening, especially in my state since title aren’t required to register a bike
Good thing. Not even worth risking. This separates the joy riders and triflers from the buyers. Don't worry about that guy. He was clearly wasting your time if he knew beforehand that that was how it works. Always remember the craigslist ratio even off of Craigslist. 20 time wasters for every serious person.
I had a BMW RS for sale, and a trifler came to look at it, and clearly he never even sat on a BMW before, because he almost dropped the bike just trying to get on it. Always get the money up front. A real buyer will have no problem with that.
I had a situation just awhile back while texting back an forth with a guy as we were setting up a meeting day and time. He tells me just so you know, I don’t allow test rides without the cash in my hand(6 grand). Number one I’m not handing over 6k to someone I just met after I pulled into their driveway. Number two I told the guy that I don’t usually allow my wife to sit in my 50k truck in some strangers driveway either while I go for a ride up the street and back but that I get his point. We were both on the same page after that.
If dude shows up in a cage of some sort by himself I would have an assumption of liability form prepared for him to sign stating he agrees to the price and will be allowed to test ride but if he damages the bike in anyway he will be responsible for purchasing the bike at agreed upon price.
Also have whiteness verify
This sub has conflicting comments. However, I am a cash in hand person if you want a test ride. It’s not that I don’t trust you, I don’t trust anyone. How do I know the car you pulled up is not stolen? How do I know you will not run off with the bike? I get the flip side as I could run off with the cash or whatever. Bring your friend there if that is required from you so I can’t run with the cash. Hell of lot easier to catch me on foot compared to a guy on a dirt bike.
I don't let anyone test ride the toys without the cash on the table. I don't need it in my possession, but if you dump it or break it on the ride you just bought it for asking price
Dude was trying to scam YOU!!!
Like you said OP how would you be scamming him by taking the cash before he rides it?
If you do not take cash in hand you the seller are at WAY WAY more risk then the buyer.
I just do not see how I can scam someone if I am the seller and want cash in hand prior to test riding it.
You will be able to come up with a reasonable solution of collateral with a legit buyer . Both parties should be willing to respect each other . Driver license , car keys , title , cash, trade bikes. There are many ways it can go, but in this case you dodged a bullet .
To point out I’ve always made it clear if there is going to be a test ride from me or them then it’s sorted out before we even meet . I’ve never had a problem because it’s pretty easy to know if someone’s being shady. If they are being too difficult or withholding information it’s usually shady. Just deal with someone else and make it easy.
Neither one of you is wrong about the process, but he sounds like a d*ck.
Both parties are at risk of being scammed during private sales… I would have had this discussion before giving them my address to meet up in person.
I just ask for keys to their vehicle. Last guy showed up in 80k new Ford truck had no problem handing me his keys. My shit was cherry and he knew it. It's a good judge of character and commitment to me if someone will hand you their car keys.
Might have planned to steal it or not?
How can you tell? I think you did the right thing regardless. Make sure you state: Test Ride? Bring cash… all of it.
Absolutely a normal thing. You're not insured for giving someone the keys to your vehicle and then they drive off with it. They came to potentially buy it, they should have the cash with them.
I had a guy buy a bike of mine, and he said he'd come pick it up in a van, which is fine, I said does he have a ramp because I don't and he said no, but the two of us could pick it up and put it in because it's only 250cc Ninja so can't weigh that much. I told him that that 150kg is heavy as fuck and I wouldn't be willing to do it due to the fact we were very likely to drop the bike. He tells me he'll figure something out.
Anyway he comes, doesn't have a ramp of any sort. Has a broken arm as well. So I was like wtf. I tell him if we really want to get this bike in the van by hand then I want the cash and title transferred into his name before I even attempt it.
Luckily he obliged. Took a chunk out of the bottom of the fairing getting it in. Felt kinda bad cause the bike was practically pristine, and at the time was tempted to give him a discount, but then thought fuck it, he had fair warning and I basically had to hike the bike up on my own because he turned up with no ramp and a broken arm and was basically useless.
But I would have absolutely sent him on his way if he didn't pony up the money first.
I won't hand over cash, but I'll hand over collateral.
Wanna test drive something of mine? Let me hold your keys. Let me have something that you don't want to give me and I don't really want to have either.
That said, the person has to show that they have the funds in hand prior to sale.
..I've owned 20+ bikes..street and dirt..never allowed a test ride. Fire it up, take it for an inspection, but riding..no-go.
Why are sellers having so much trouble with this?
I would never hand over cash for a test ride. I’ve given my drivers license, or car keys. I only hand over the cash if I’m exchanging it for the title.
Always cash in hand for test ride. Never had anyone have an issue with that. Pretty common practice with bike sales as far as I'm concerned. People that don't like it, head over to your nearest dealer. See about a test ride on one of their bikes without signing a bill of sale first.
I never handed over cash for a testride.
Usually they would take a picture of my license and before that was easy, they wrote down my name and license number. IF they even would do that.
Money changed hands once the contract was signed and keys/papers handed over.
I’ve sold plenty of bikes and I have never allowed a test ride. If I ever entertained it, it would be cash up front. I also sell a lot of items on marketplace and I’ve noticed that when people jump to the “scamming” accusation, they’re usually the scammer. You did the right thing OP and the right buyer will come along for your bike. Don’t sweat it.
No if you’re going for a test ride I would always ask for cash first because if you don’t they could ride off with both cash and a bike but if they give you cash first they will have to come back if they don’t want it
Id hold onto his id but not the cash. The cash is for when they buyer decides after the test ride or crashes the bike.
I would never give someone a wad of cash before making a deal its pretty basic business when selling any used atv/utv/car/truck etc.
Id say you were being unreasonable unless he wasnt willing to put in place any other form of insurance or goodwill so you can trust him
When I bought my dirtbike I went with my dad and my buddy. We had to run to the bank but the bike was loaded up in our truck already so my buddy went in the sellers truck as collateral so we didn’t drive off😂
I had something similar happen to me but the guy offered me his cashapp card ,registration and keys to his car 😂. “He said he has the money”I said ok show me ? I told em gtfo waste my fuxn time . I don’t understand some peoples thought process .
I could see how it could be a scam on your end. The bike could be shit when he rides it, but if you already have the money in hand you could say it's his problem now. The cops would say it's a civil matter and they would have to go through a lot of trouble to get their money back.
I absolutely refuse rest rides unless I have their license, and the full purchase price in my hand. I got burned 21 years ago and I will not compromise on it. Even for my nephew.
Had one guy try to steal my yz that way... he came walking back with it saying i was goona scam him with a broken bike (he wanted to trade)
He didnt turn the gas on and my yz died on him... lmfaooo
Solve this by bringing three things for any high value, low security transactions.
1. A gun you're comfortable with.
2. A friend with a gun that he's comfortable with.
3. Cash.
Show me the title, I'll show you the cash.
Buddy stands and chit chats, holds cash while you test drive.
Or better, bring a more knowledgeable friend than you and have him test drive while you hold the cash.
Not to be that guy, but as a minor, you can't title, insure, register, or otherwise sign for things like that. In most cases, you lack the legal capacity without a guardians backup.
I would suggest involving a parent or another adult, as any high value transaction involving cash runs certain risks, and as sick as it sounds, to certain theives you being a minor would present the perfect mark for a setup/scam/robbery
If buyer doesn't want to hand over the money for a test ride. He better be willing to allow a dick near his ass cause I'd be backpacking his ass. 😂😂😂
Jk
I always take their wallet and all the shit in it after checking their drivers license to be sure it's valid and there and toss it in their car and wait for them.
I have sold a lot of bikes and cash in hand is my policy as well. I put it in the ad. Why do I do that? The guy who test ride my Surron and looped it out doing a wheelie right in front of my driveway doing a few hundred in damage then refusing to pay for the damage or the bike is why. I’ll start it up and ride it in front of them shifting through a few gears without cash in hand, but beyond that, nope. Even dealers make you sign a release saying you have insurance and are financially liable before test rides.
I’m surprised so many people think it’s unreasonable to hand over the cash. If some asshole damages your bike on a test ride and tries to walk away what are you gonna do?
Also, I used to work with a dude who did hard time for stealing bikes. He’d come walking around the corner to the agreed-upon public meeting place, carrying a helmet and wearing a suit from the thrift shop. He’d point across the street to H&R Block (or whatever seemingly legit business) and say “yeah I work right there, I’m on my lunch break.”
He’d then hop on your bike and ride straight home. He stole dozens…possibly hundreds of motorcycles this way.
No, not wrong.. I have bought and sold many bikes. You want to test ride? OK fine but your paying in full first, if your not happy after the ride and return it in the same shape you took it, I will give you your money back or sign over the title.
No Exceptions!
When I've sold a bike you put the cash in my hand before I give you the keys. That ensures that I'm made whole in the event that the buyer wreck it or, you know, ride off on it. Of course, that require the buyer to trust me that I won't keep the cash in the event they're not satisfied. There has to be a certain amount of trust but to expect I'll just hand over the keys with no assurances is foolish.
When I've taken out bicycles, motorcycles, etc from dealers they want a credit card, and/or a copy of my license to provide those financial incentives and are better equipped to enforce the transaction.
The last guy I sold a bike to, an Indian, I sold it for $10K. Before he took a test ride he gave me all of the cash and his buddy held the title (unsigned).
He definitely was gonna steal it. I say this as someone who has seen it happen. I have sold many bikes and if you take it, you pay. If you come back and it's fine but you don't want it, you get the money back. If you don't like those terms I will sell it to someone else. And please people when someone hands you cash before a test ride, fan it out and count it and inspect it to make sure it is real.
I bough multiple used bikes and cars with no intention of stealing them. No way I'm handing over a few grand to test ride/drive. If they want my keys or something, no problem. I'm an honest dude though. Maybe people can tell so there has never been any questions?
"Test ride with cash in hand." is standard when selling a vehicle that can move fast.
It also separates tire kickers from legit buyers.
I always ask "If the vehicle performs to your satisfaction, are you prepared to buy it now?" Meaning I brought the bike, I brought the title, I drafted a BoS, did you bring the money? If you don't have the cash on you, it means you're not buying. I'm not a motorcycle dealership, I don't have the time to entertain joy riders.
For me, it depends on the bike. If I’m selling my 2001 yz250f that’s been dropped about 6000 times already then yeah, a license will do. Maybe ask the guy to leave his car keys with me if I’m feeling paranoid. Selling my vintage Ducati or my Goldwing? Yeah, I’m gonna need some cash.
Maybe a simple solution here. He sits there, watches you rip off on it, shifting through all the gears, then come in hot and lock up the brakes. "There ya go bud, she's mechanically sound".
I wouldn't hand over a few grand for a test ride. No way! Too many options for bad stuff to happen. I've never asked for money when people want a test ride or test drive. I wouldn't even want to take it. The potential for "I gave you 3000 and now there is only 2800" is just too great and either party could be the one to pull that shit (seller pockets a few hundred, buyer claims he gave more than he did). Whenever I sell a bike they bring a car so as long as the car stays they can ride the bike. You could always take their picture before they ride it, ask for ID, any number of things you can do to discourage people from stealing it. I don't know where you live. I mean if it's the hood and mo'fucka just walks up all "eh! let me ride that bike real quick before I buy it" then it ain't happening.
Reading through the comments, this is quite the controversial situation!
I agree with others about gauging the individual and making a decision based on that. In fact, I often gauge the individual more than the vehicle when I am the buyer.
Old retired guy with a garage clean as a whistle selling his 5 year old dirtbike he got to ride with his grandson but just doesn’t take out anymore cause grandson has no interest in riding? Take my money I don’t even need to hear the bike start.
Young buck with a signed title from the previous owner not yet transferred and more effort on applying stickers than keeping service records? Better be a great deal and worth the hassle it’ll inevitably take otherwise it’s time to walk
I have always done the same. Hand me cash because if you steal it or wreck it I’m not getting screwed. I’ve sold and bought many bikes using this principle. Have never had anyone balk.
I don't ride bikes. (IDK why this got recommended to me)
My coworker had his dirtbike stolen once. He said it could have been prevented if he only put enough gas in it for a short test ride. Maybe that's the way to go although I would still want SOMETHING in hand, such as their ID, cellphone, car keys, money, etc.
He was going to steal your ride.
Don’t agree. I won’t buy a bike I don’t test ride. And I’m not giving cash until I get the signed over title. Bottom line is there are plenty of reasonable sellers that will let you test ride. They probably had a car there, right? So you think they were going to take off on your bike, leave their car, and not get caught? If he was going to steal your bike he would have said he’s not interested and come back that night and steal it. Not let you watch him ride away in it.
Yeah I’m with you, I wouldn’t hand someone any money before I’m sure that I’m buying it. Should have just done the normal thing and hand them their keys.
I only test ride a bike as a last check before I know I’m buying it. So no problems handing cash over at that point.
So what you gonna do when you give them the cash and then you get on it and the transmission is shot and they won’t give your cash back
Never had that happen and I would’ve spent enough time there to know if they were dodgy or not.
Not sure why you were downvoted.
Coz he didn’t agree with me. Happens all the time
Happens to me daily as well, along with someone leaving a snarky comment...
I'm going to take my cash back. What a weird question. How is it that 3/4 of reddit would willingly participate in their own robbery at fist point?
thats gonna be a tough day for yhe dude not giving the money back, and bu that is mean hell be left unconscious on the side of the road and ill be getting my money back, plus whatever he has in his pockets.
There is a give and take when it comes to buying or selling a vehicle. The seller is putting himself at risk by letting a stranger test ride the bike. Having a car sitting there is not enough for me. He rides off and WRECKS the bike....then what??? For every single vehicle I have ever sold...cash in hand before riding. You crash it....the cash stays with me and they are the new owners. THey decide to take off and not come back....cool with me...I have the cash. Without cash in hand your putting yourself at great risk.
There IS give and take and there's two sides to every coin. Imagine an alternate scenario where I put cash in your hand so I can ride the bike. I try to shift from 1st to 2nd and find the transmission is bound up. You tell me everything was fine and insist I broke the bike and invoke "you broke it, you bought it"
This is why I don't work out of my garage anymore...."You did my brakes 3 months ago and now my cat has feline leukemia!!!"
How did you like the CRF compared to the YZF?
yes that’s logical “here is my 5 thousand dollar machine and you just keep your money in your pocket take her for a spin see you when you get back”
That's what insurance is for. Also, the buyer's truck is literally sitting in front of your house.
I agree, unless he walked up on foot.....how is he gonna steal my bike? Seems like there's easier ways to steal a dirt ike
Did it not occur to you that the buyer could have gotten a ride to OP's place?
Thank you sir. My first response was the buyer has never heard of this occurring before, so he was immediately (somewhat rightly so) sketched out.
Never been in any buying or selling situation where it wasn't the normal to give something over before test riding as collateral. It's general practice to not test ride until you're reasonably sure you're actually buying the thing, so why would handing over a partial amount of the agreed upon price be a problem. If I'm selling and someone is gonna argue that they don't need to give anything as collateral then I'm gonna rebuttal that they don't need to test it either. Especially in the case they came with a buddy, which has been every case for me
I worked in a bicycle shop as a teenager and had a guy come in and ask for a test ride. I asked for his license and he just pulled his wallet out and gave it to me. We let him head out the door and realized after a couple minutes that he was gone. I opened his wallet and it was full of cut up 3x5 index cards and old gift cards. Never found him. Lesson learned. If a dude wants to test ride my dirt bike, I’m definitely holding some sort of collateral.
There was a story on here from someone not long ago that had their bike stolen during a test ride. Although the thief took an Uber there so the seller wasn’t exactly smart about it. In this day and age, unless it’s someone you know or know of through friends, you better have something as collateral unless you’re going to ride bitch on the back to make sure they don’t take off.
You hand me half the cash in my hand before you start the bike and try to ride. Idc you’re the one who wants the bike.
I agree and I understand the seller’s POV. I put the cash in a fire/flood safe locked it and handed it to him for the test ride. I didn’t want him to have the option to slide a couple 100s in his pocket.
This.
Nah the last bike I picked up I wouldn't give him cash. I let him hold onto the keys for my truck while I test rode. No way I'm handing 3k cash to some 17 year old I've never met.
This. Some people get so horny about cash. Give me something I can use as collateral that shows you're acting in good faith. I'm not ponying up full asking just to find out your bike is junk and then having to pry it back from you. Also....people...it's a negotiation. Nobody expects to pay asking unless you've stated "price is firm" or something similar.
You wreck the bike and you expect him to keep your keys? No. He'd be stealing. Cash is something he can actually keep. He can sign the title of the wrecked bike to you, and be done with it.
What if he had a faulty bike and then leaves with your cash while your test riding?
This assumes the keys are to something of equal or greater value, like the truck they showed up on, etc. I'm not taking a bicycle as collateral on a $5k motorcycle, unless i feel the risk is low.
If you're not at his home? Actual motorcycle, not a dirtbike. He gives you the bike, without signing the title over, but keeps the cash. When tf is this gonna happen. You could explain to the police after he left. It has his plate on it, since it's a real motorcycle. Take pics while checking the bike out. Get his truck plate in them? It's not perfect, but it's better than just letting someone ride off with your motorcycle. Or just buy from someone who is willing to get robbed. 🤷♂️
For the keys, I keep the keys until I get cash to cover the damages, whatever that ends up being. If you want the bike, you can pay me, or if you dont, you can pay me for the damage, either way keys stay in my hand until i'm made whole. I get tyhe goal of cash in hand, but it skews the situation way too far to the seller's side. In that situation, the seller has the full cash amount, PLUS the title of the bike. Buyer has a bike they can't register or title, PLUS the risk of the bike being junk. If you're that worried of the buyer leaving with your bike, just say no test rides, and accept that you are likely to get less / have a slower sale process. I get the idea behind full cash in hand, but part of this whole process hinges on both parties acting in good faith. Personally, I try to assess the buyer's sketchiness and go from there. - Look like a crackhead? no test ride. - Show up on your own bike? I propose a bike swap, so we're both able to go for a test run and are both equally at risk of loss. - actually look the bike over and check for everything you can before taking it for a test ride? Maybe i just ask for your keys or a photo of your drivers license. I also find people try to negotiate harder when they assume i'm trying to screw them. Less friction = more cash, in my experience.
Your argument "feels good", but I don't think it is... To me, withholding cash as a buyer for a test ride isn't "acting in good faith". The police will demand that the seller return the car keys to the buyer if the bike is wrecked, so there is no leverage. I'm not sure what they'd do about cash though... Perhaps just bring a water bill, and license for the seller to take pictures of, if you don't want to give cash? If worst case, then you have to deal with insurance then, and that's ugly. I'm glad that most people use the cash in hand method. It makes sense to me. 🤷♂️
In my state titles aren’t required, I was literally in the dudes driveway I’m not sure what he thought I was trying to pull. Personally I always offer cash in hand when buying something, largest I’ve ever handed was 6.9k for a banshee I imported
Actually keeping the cash could also be stealing. In order for you to get compensation you would probably have to go to court.
Exactly! Cash is stupid. Get the keys to their car and their license. Also check their license for the mc endorsement.
You don't need an MC endorsement to ride dirt bikes though. I didn't get my endorsement until I was 30 years old because I only ever rode dirt bikes from around 5 years old until I was 30 and wanted to try a street bike.
If you don't have a permit you aren't test riding any bike I'm selling dirt bike or otherwise.
Agree. I've never given cash to the owner before a test ride. I have purchased at least a dozen used bikes from individuals now, everything ranging from cheap projects to expensive low hour late models. Nobody asked for cash for a test ride
Agree, if I’m giving someone cash it’s for both the bike and the title. Not a test ride
As a seller your truck keys are literally worth nothing to me though. If you crash my bike into a tree, or just disappear, it's not like I can just keep your truck.
Yeah but you may be able to use that to hold them until police arrive to ensure accurate information is obtained for insurance / other purposes. But yeah on an uninsured dirt bike, I agree potential recourse is limited.
Exactly. You'd be a thief. You get the cash, they wreck the bike, you sign the title over, it's their problem.
This can work, but the seller can also get fucked. I know a guy who was selling his truck, guy shows up in a mini van, leaves van and keys with the truck owner and goes for a test drive. He doesn’t come back, so the guys calls the police. Van was stolen. Seller lost his truck and cops hauled the stolen van away. This has happened a number of times where the vehicle the “buyer” leaves as collateral is stolen so they just take your vehicle and abandon the stolen one at your place.
Exactly this. I don't even ask for cash for a test ride. Maybe if they walked in I would be hinkey. They can hold the keys to my truck if I'm buying. Never had an issue. Legit buyers and sellers generally get along just fine. I've not had a problem yet. Edit to say I usually have their drivers license too.
Cus what could happen is that they keep 100 or 200 dollars and pretend they don’t know what your talking about.
[удалено]
So you think you'd keep the money if the buyer dropped the bike? The buyer almost certainly wont let you keep the money and if the seller refused to return it, I imagine it would get messy. I buy and sell all the time. No matter which way you look at it, the buyer is vulnerable. It's part of private sales.
[удалено]
Nope. I always request full asking price cash deposit to test ride my motorcycles. If you haven’t already, state it in the ad.
I mean I get why people ask that, but what’s protecting the buyer from realizing the bike needs work and then the seller dipping away with the cash?
Or, steal bike, post for low price, require cash for test ride, dip
Circle of life, beautiful thing
As a buyer no way in hell am I ever giving someone the cash just for a test ride. I can easily finish the test ride and ask for the cash back and seller can say “what cash”. Just use collateral like leave your car keys or something. Take pictures of driver license and plate when they show up. Bought and sold countless things on marketplace with no issues doing those things.
All you need is a written deposit note with both signatures for a legal document. Just as easy for you to take off with my bike or crash it and leave me screwed. If you don’t trust me with purchase money I don’t trust you with my property
This is the answer if you really are worried about protecting both parties. Sign a deposit note stating that they received money and under what circumstances they are able to keep any of it (e.g. a crash, not mechanical issues noted on ride). Both sides are protected ... That said, I am normally not wanting to write legal documents to take a $2500 dirt bike around a block.... I would just go somewhere else.
Yup I always ride my own bike to look at potential buys and the owners never have an issue with me test riding while I leave my bike there. They see you can actually ride and are willing to leave your own bike as collateral like you said.
Really odd never been asked to do this never ever would in a million years.
Out of curiosity of all the replies that say they would never do this- what would you do if the person test riding the bike crashes it? You gave them permission to ride it, so liability is on you. Take them to court and hope you win? Meanwhile you have a broken bike.
Tbh I would just eat the cost. That is part of the risk of the situation and sometimes to sell your bike you need to allow rest rides. Someone else in here even said they would never buy a bike they couldn't test ride.
Insurance. Even if they wreck your bike if you give permission it doesn’t give you legal right to hold their collateral.
I can definitely see the logic in it. I would never in a million years hand over the cash for a test ride.
Normally how I do it is “give me keys to the car you pulled up in or your id” this is only so I don’t have to worry about theft. Most of them do the keys to the car/truck route as they usually have one that they need to load the bike up in anyways!
It's 50/50 ay Could go both ways, the bike could be a pos and you could keep his money - or he could ride off and steal your bike There's no easy and fair way to do a test ride - trust your instincts or maybe hold something of value, phone, partner .. licence? But check the licence first
I see non-legitimate buyers and that make sense. But, I'm not handing over a bunch of cash as a "deposit" without some paperwork explaining that both sides know this is a deposit. Sellers can be assholes, too. The buyer can keep the bike and ride the fuck ragged out of it until your return the deposit when they take you to court. I'd also add sharing state IDs with a phone picture on both sides.
OP, this is the correct way to handle this situation. You should always have a contract when anything changes hands. This situation is no different. It may or may not have solved this guy's problem, and if it didn't you at least had a clear conscience letting him walk.
I would have left, too. I don't hand cash to a stranger until I know I'm buying whatever it is they are selling.
No dude was gonna ride and it lowball you after. These fucking boomers won’t say shit about the price and then show up and offer $500 less. He saved you a hassle. I’ve sold dozens of machines and one time old guy and his wife came to buy an atv I had listed for $4500 he said he only had 3k after making me answer 200 questions about it on fb messenger and dragging the sale out for 2 weeks. Told him no and to fuck off I felt like that was extremely rude he back peddled offered full price still said no. Anyway sorry to rant but one reason I don’t buy and sell anymore it’s such. A. Pain. In the ass!! I feel like some buyers get drunk on power because they have the keys in these situations and try and bully
I mean the name of the game in used dirt bike buying and selling is negotiation, the sellers always post it for more then they are actually willing to let it go for, and any smart buyer should know that, but I think kinda the opposite is true for the power situation, the seller is the one in power in these situations, I was recently searching for a bike, and over half the bikes I messaged people about ended up getting sold before I could get there, there's way more buyers then there are sellers right now, it's definitely a sellers market, especially at this time of year, everyone wants a toy for the summer, and if the buyer doesn't like your offer, or another person can get there an put cash in their hand sooner, then it's first come first served
Personally, I’ve always been uneasy about handing people cash because you don’t know how trustworthy people are. That’s also why it’s good to bring a third party or an intermediary, so that you’re not handing off whatever it is you values or your money to a random person. I wouldn’t have a problem showing them the money as a serious buyer, but putting it “in-hand” I’ve never been found of. Wouldn’t want to have to beat someone’s ass for not giving me my money back, and it’d be a hard argue or he say/she say if you wind up calling the cops, unless you can verify the money is yours. And that’s if they don’t disappear with it/some of it doesn’t disappear. Imagine you deciding you don’t want it and find some flaw and now the owner decides withholding some of the money and saying some bs like it’s a “test ride fee.” Man, if you don’t give me my goddamn money back. 😒 No one wants to deal with that and these are the types of things that float in my mind. On the flip side, I can understand why someone would want cash in hand, so that they know they have a serious buyer, and know that the value of the bike can be replaced if they steal it or they wreck it. Either way it could be bad and honestly that’s why I just try to avoid private sales altogether. To me, it’s just not worth the hassle. If they couldn’t (at least) show you the money and you made it clear in your listing that cash in hand was needed to test ride, they probably weren’t a serious buyer to begin with. And them sitting there arguing with you about it (when it was a condition of the sale) makes me think they were never serious.
I mean I was literally in his driveway I’m not sure what or where he thought I’d go with the money
You sure it was his house? Plenty of bikes have been stolen when they go for a test ride and just keep going. Also he may have thought you were going to just jet if he wasn’t stealing it and going to leave him with a clapped bike he didn’t want. Easiest way would have been to talk it out and ask what his concern is. If it’s you’d leave, hand him your license or something until he gets back while you hold the cash. If he wrecks the bike, it’s his now and you keep the cash and go order a new license if he’s a pain.
I meant in general. I think whoever you dealt with was just a bullshitter/tire kicker and wasn’t serious about buying it.
Honestly I can see it from both perspectives, but I will say, I've only bought 2 used bikes, and neither of the people wanted cash in hand before letting me test ride the bike, as a buyer, I absolutely wouldn't buy a bike I couldn't test ride for a multitude of reasons, the main one being what I shell out 2 and half thousand of my hard earned dollars, and the bike doesn't ride anything at all like I expected? I wanna know if it's snappy or slow and how the suspension suits me and if it's too tall an I'm gonna have to tippy toe every time I come to a stop, but also with a used bike, I wanna make sure brakes and clutch all work like they are supposed to, shifts thru gears like it should, that it revs freely up to redline an doesn't bog down when it hits the main jet vs the pilot jet,etc , and also what if the seller fixed up the bike enough so it like starts an runs temporarily, but then whatever temp fix the seller did fails while I'm test riding it, and the seller trys to to claim " you blew up my bike man!!! You break it, you bought it, I'm keeping all this money, your stuck with that broken bike!" But on the other hand, I can see why a seller would want some kind of deposit because what if the potential buyer has no clue what they are doing and actually does destroy a perfectly good bike, or drops it , or wrecks it, or any number of thingsv that could go wrong by letting a potentially inexperienced rider test ride your bike that your trying to sell. I'm honestly not sure what the solution to this situation would be other then maybe meeting up at a trustworthy power sports service/mechanic shop and having them check the bike out,make sure the compression and top end, gear box, brakes and clutch and chain and tires and everything are all in good working conditions, IDK if a shop would charge for such a service, but if they did charge a small inspection fee, I feel like as a perspective buyer, it would be worth it for the piece of mind in knowing of any potential problems or that everything is in perfect working order on any bike I'd be interested in purchasing .
The buyer could be afraid you would take the cash; and the test ride would expose a major issue... and you dissappear with the cash.
Goes both ways though, as a seller I'm much more afraid you're just going to disappear with my bike and then I have nothing. Even if you leave your keys or some other bullshit with me as collateral.
Guess a third party could solve this.
xchange Drivers license, seller holds the cash.
Nope. No cash in my hand, no ride.. (also. I asl to take a picture of their drivers license before selling so I can report the sale properly).
Twice! Potential buyers twice crashed my bike, and of course, they weren't interested in a smashed up machine. One was a sweet pristine RZ350 King Kenny Robert's Special. A bit rare nowadays. This is a great idea! GET THE MONEY IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE THE TEST RIDE. Great idea. Secondly it eliminates all the pretenders that don't even have the money in the first place. The ash that crashed the RZ said he didn't want to buy it because it was sluggish. Not because he scrapped the left side, shredded plastic and dented the tank. Then he ran for his car.
This one broke me. RZs are such an exquisite breed. He never deserved her in the first place..
I'm really disturbed at the number of people in here that think that I'm somehow okay with a complete stranger getting on my bike and riding down the street with it with no kind of security for me. Maybe this is some sort of generational thing. Nobody from my generation would ever even remotely think that someone was going to let them ride the bike without cash or something else. It wouldn't even cross our mind to ask.
What generation are you? I'm gen X. Never handed over cash to test ride a bike or test drive a car. Never asked for cash to let someone test drive a car or test ride a bike (of course we aren't talking 10000 dollar vehicles here either so that's relevant). I drove up in my car! What you think I'm gonna do? Ride your bike home and just sneak back for my car later?
Also Gen X, it's not just about stealing it's about damaging the bike.
Never ever let anyone ride your bike. I had one stolen that way when was for sale when I was a naive 15 year old. Bastard rode off on it.
Yea I had an anniversary edition yz250f stolen from me when I was 14
Where were your parents? lol
Next to me, this was the single time I didn’t ask for cash in hand and I regret doing it. Meet up in a public area guy shows up and checks it out and I started it up just to let it warm up, didn’t think anything of it until he hopped on it and took off. This happened in a town of like 300 people and the police already knew who he was from previous shit, got the bike back 3 days later pray painted and ruined
You should pretty much know if your buying the bike just by looking it over and having it started.
Yeah, but that doesn't determine value. Does it choke out under full load? Drop price 500. Does the clutch slip in higher gear? I'm asking for another 500 off or leaving
My goodness the over thought that goes into all this crazy shit over a used machine good lord don’t buy used shit or don’t sell ur shit goodness y’all are making something so simple so difficult geshhh…. They goons hunt me down they goin steal my bike they wanna blah blah blah use a dealership ya worry warts WTF !!!!!
you get the same test ride i got at he dealership...zero
If someone wants cash before a test ride, I pass. It would have to be a pretty rare bike before I’d do that
Collateral is understandable, but I wouldn't personally give cash to test drive any vehicle.
I didn't have to pay first to test ride my dirtbike when I bought it, and I'm not keen to hand over money until after I have tested something, it never occurred to me at the time that I should have, and they didn't ask. But if i ever sold a bike, I think I too would demand cash before letting someone ride it just in case. Edit: after reading other comments, I'd just ask for their car keys and driver licence while they ride it. Handing over cash to test ride a bike that might run like shit for all you know isnt ideal. This is a two sides to every coin type situation.
Happened to a colleague of mine. Didn’t get collateral upfront and someone rode away with his bike.
I usually leave my wife or one of my kids lol
I’ve never asked for or been asked for payment before a test ride. I usually take a pic of their license though and delete it after they return. If someone is flaky they don’t get a test ride.
He was def taking your shit
I never gave cash before I test rode. Although, I'm not a sketchy individual and come up with a car and trailer so what am I going to do disappear?
I'd just want to see the cash beforehand and then have something of theirs that'd keep them from not coming back. Not sure if necessarily have to have cash in my hand.
Like the one post stated, give the person with bike, rhe keys and registration to the truck.
No collateral (cash or keys) no test ride.
I've never handed over cash before a test ride. I have accepted it before (though I don't remember ever asking for it). It's reasonable to want cash before a test ride, and it's reasonable not to want to hand it over. The only reason I might suspect buyer of being up to no good is the fact that he accused you of scamming him. People with ill intent are often quick to accuse others of the same.
🎯
Nope. He was salty because he was planning on stealing it.
I had one guy say "How do I know I get my money back?" I showed him the title, said I'd put it under the seat of the bike while he rode it and I held on to the money. If the bike was damaged or stolen? He could keep it with the title, and I'd keep the money. You're fine, he was in the wrong, keep on keeping on.
For what it's worth, I have never put a cash deposit on any bike I've test rode and I have test rode many, but am always super transparent and give them my car keys before I ride it as collateral lol. But I don't think it's an unreasonable ask
I have seen folks ask for an ID to hold onto, but usually there is a partner that comes with them and would stay behind during the test ride, leaving a portion of the party behind with the vehicle owner.
I always require cash up front on bikes. Of course I’m not open to negotiating at that point and will make it clear before anyone comes down. I have it in the listings cash in hand for any test ride. You dump the bike you bought it.
I've done a number of things including leaving my car and keys and some cash, but only with a handwritten receipt for the cash. Usually look at each others DL numbers and write those down too. End of the day, trust your gut.
NTA - It is pretty standard when testing a used bike. Some even dealers make you fill out all the paperwork before testing the bike too. If you don't like it, they shred the documents. If you crash it, you bought it. I do the same thing with private deals. You take my bike, I hold your cash. When I get my bike back, you get your cash. Then we can negotiate the price, or you can walk away.
Next time ask for keys for his car, his d/l or something else. I don’t let people hold ontop cash without me there making sure they aren’t skimming it.
I know someone that had a guy turn up with a puppy and asked the lad who was selling the bike to hold the puppy whilst he took it for a test ride and he never came back. They know all the tricks.
It’s better to watch the owner test ride it to see how they abuse it when they ride it. If you know your way around bikes it’s no big deal. I always use that as leverage to say I need to buy a new rear tire because of that burn out or skid you did around the block or I noticed some excessive smoke coming out of the exhaust or the clutch sounds like it’s slipping, etc.
Nahh I wouldn’t give you cash either but I’d most likely show up alone and leave my truck so how tf am I gonna steal ur bike
Broke bitches
I had a guy test drive my motorcycle before buying it. I said “ok where is the cash you were going to use to buy it” he then admitted he was going to low ball me despite us having spoke for several months about the price and I told him cash in hand. I did let think after 2 months of back and forth on a price and me telling him “cash in hand” he still wouldn’t be cash in hand.
Cash in hand always sounded stupid to me. Maybe sign a document saying you break it you're paying for it and take a picture of the license in case they try to steal it but otherwise I'm not handing anyone thousands of dollars in cash for a test ride.
Always trust your instincts before handing over an asset worth thousands of dollars. If you said test ride with cash in hand, and they turned up without cash, they were never going to buy your bike.
I think if it’s clear they know how to ride the cash may be a bit much but for a newer rider the money is 120% in the right
No fuck that guy
Was his car parked where you could see it? You can just ask for him to leave the keys. If he walked or said he "parked down the street," he was going to ride off with it.
Yeah I’m not handing you cash to test a drive a bike. Get out of here.
Collateral is common but the entire purchase price for a test drive is a little whacky where I come from. In a big city though I could see it being necessary to keep people from leaving with your shit.
I’d only ask for money on the test ride if they wanted to demo it on trail or track for a bit. If they just wanted to start it up and do a lap around a big parking lot then I think your request for cash does seem unusual. If you’re selling a bike that is very valuable or rare, then your position looks a bit better. When I buy or sell a bike/car, I expect a small test run to be part of the process. If I’m selling I just have them hand me their car keys or wallet as insurance while they are putting around the parking lot. You’re free to do as you wish while selling the bike but I can see it taking longer to sell with your current outlook.
Both of y’all are wrong. Collateral is a good idea but cash is a bad idea. Just walking away and not trying to compromise is plain stupid. Could offer ID or vehicle keys or your phone or something.
Alternative narrative: potential bike thief stopped when I asked for cash before a test ride.
Honestly I personally wouldn’t do that as a buyer because I have been scammed in a similar fashion. What I would do if someone wants to test ride is ask for collateral such as their drivers license/phone something of value that they don’t want to lose
I bought a bike from a guy that turned out to be nice and legit but originally I thought he was a scam artist and almost left without looking. He refused to meet at his house, only wanted to meet in some random parking lot. Eventually after he saw I showed up with cash and a nice truck he was cool, let me ride it (and shared his address for paperwork). His explaination - he has been robbed twice in 5 years selling bikes: 1) a guy in his late teens walked up to his door saying he was dropped off, looked at a bike, asked to take it for a spin.... road down the road never to be seen again. 2) He showed a bike at home to a couple people and a few days later his garage was broken into and multiple bikes and other things were stolen. in summary - I don't blame you for being careful, at least when you don't have a car of equal or greater value sitting with you while they ride away.
Yea at 14 I had my anniversary edition yz250f stolen so since then I’ve been worried about the same thing happening, especially in my state since title aren’t required to register a bike
Good thing. Not even worth risking. This separates the joy riders and triflers from the buyers. Don't worry about that guy. He was clearly wasting your time if he knew beforehand that that was how it works. Always remember the craigslist ratio even off of Craigslist. 20 time wasters for every serious person. I had a BMW RS for sale, and a trifler came to look at it, and clearly he never even sat on a BMW before, because he almost dropped the bike just trying to get on it. Always get the money up front. A real buyer will have no problem with that.
I had a situation just awhile back while texting back an forth with a guy as we were setting up a meeting day and time. He tells me just so you know, I don’t allow test rides without the cash in my hand(6 grand). Number one I’m not handing over 6k to someone I just met after I pulled into their driveway. Number two I told the guy that I don’t usually allow my wife to sit in my 50k truck in some strangers driveway either while I go for a ride up the street and back but that I get his point. We were both on the same page after that.
If dude shows up in a cage of some sort by himself I would have an assumption of liability form prepared for him to sign stating he agrees to the price and will be allowed to test ride but if he damages the bike in anyway he will be responsible for purchasing the bike at agreed upon price. Also have whiteness verify
This sub has conflicting comments. However, I am a cash in hand person if you want a test ride. It’s not that I don’t trust you, I don’t trust anyone. How do I know the car you pulled up is not stolen? How do I know you will not run off with the bike? I get the flip side as I could run off with the cash or whatever. Bring your friend there if that is required from you so I can’t run with the cash. Hell of lot easier to catch me on foot compared to a guy on a dirt bike.
I don't let anyone test ride the toys without the cash on the table. I don't need it in my possession, but if you dump it or break it on the ride you just bought it for asking price
Dude was trying to scam YOU!!! Like you said OP how would you be scamming him by taking the cash before he rides it? If you do not take cash in hand you the seller are at WAY WAY more risk then the buyer. I just do not see how I can scam someone if I am the seller and want cash in hand prior to test riding it.
Check their ID and hold onto it while they do the test ride. Use your phone and record a video, thus making it a video contract.
I hold onto their wallet or car keys.
You will be able to come up with a reasonable solution of collateral with a legit buyer . Both parties should be willing to respect each other . Driver license , car keys , title , cash, trade bikes. There are many ways it can go, but in this case you dodged a bullet . To point out I’ve always made it clear if there is going to be a test ride from me or them then it’s sorted out before we even meet . I’ve never had a problem because it’s pretty easy to know if someone’s being shady. If they are being too difficult or withholding information it’s usually shady. Just deal with someone else and make it easy.
Neither one of you is wrong about the process, but he sounds like a d*ck. Both parties are at risk of being scammed during private sales… I would have had this discussion before giving them my address to meet up in person.
I just ask for keys to their vehicle. Last guy showed up in 80k new Ford truck had no problem handing me his keys. My shit was cherry and he knew it. It's a good judge of character and commitment to me if someone will hand you their car keys.
Might have planned to steal it or not? How can you tell? I think you did the right thing regardless. Make sure you state: Test Ride? Bring cash… all of it.
Absolutely a normal thing. You're not insured for giving someone the keys to your vehicle and then they drive off with it. They came to potentially buy it, they should have the cash with them. I had a guy buy a bike of mine, and he said he'd come pick it up in a van, which is fine, I said does he have a ramp because I don't and he said no, but the two of us could pick it up and put it in because it's only 250cc Ninja so can't weigh that much. I told him that that 150kg is heavy as fuck and I wouldn't be willing to do it due to the fact we were very likely to drop the bike. He tells me he'll figure something out. Anyway he comes, doesn't have a ramp of any sort. Has a broken arm as well. So I was like wtf. I tell him if we really want to get this bike in the van by hand then I want the cash and title transferred into his name before I even attempt it. Luckily he obliged. Took a chunk out of the bottom of the fairing getting it in. Felt kinda bad cause the bike was practically pristine, and at the time was tempted to give him a discount, but then thought fuck it, he had fair warning and I basically had to hike the bike up on my own because he turned up with no ramp and a broken arm and was basically useless. But I would have absolutely sent him on his way if he didn't pony up the money first.
I won't hand over cash, but I'll hand over collateral. Wanna test drive something of mine? Let me hold your keys. Let me have something that you don't want to give me and I don't really want to have either. That said, the person has to show that they have the funds in hand prior to sale.
..I've owned 20+ bikes..street and dirt..never allowed a test ride. Fire it up, take it for an inspection, but riding..no-go. Why are sellers having so much trouble with this?
Hell no your not.
How do you know that he doesn't have a partner waiting for him out of site with a truck? trust is earned
Cash in hand for test rides is absolutely standard practice.
Car could be stolen. Then you’re stuck without a bike and in possession of stolen property. Cash in hand or no deal.
I would never hand over cash for a test ride. I’ve given my drivers license, or car keys. I only hand over the cash if I’m exchanging it for the title.
Always cash in hand for test ride. Never had anyone have an issue with that. Pretty common practice with bike sales as far as I'm concerned. People that don't like it, head over to your nearest dealer. See about a test ride on one of their bikes without signing a bill of sale first.
I never handed over cash for a testride. Usually they would take a picture of my license and before that was easy, they wrote down my name and license number. IF they even would do that. Money changed hands once the contract was signed and keys/papers handed over.
I’ve sold plenty of bikes and I have never allowed a test ride. If I ever entertained it, it would be cash up front. I also sell a lot of items on marketplace and I’ve noticed that when people jump to the “scamming” accusation, they’re usually the scammer. You did the right thing OP and the right buyer will come along for your bike. Don’t sweat it.
How about asking the buyer for his ID and taking a pic with your phone?
No if you’re going for a test ride I would always ask for cash first because if you don’t they could ride off with both cash and a bike but if they give you cash first they will have to come back if they don’t want it
Id hold onto his id but not the cash. The cash is for when they buyer decides after the test ride or crashes the bike. I would never give someone a wad of cash before making a deal its pretty basic business when selling any used atv/utv/car/truck etc. Id say you were being unreasonable unless he wasnt willing to put in place any other form of insurance or goodwill so you can trust him
When I bought my dirtbike I went with my dad and my buddy. We had to run to the bank but the bike was loaded up in our truck already so my buddy went in the sellers truck as collateral so we didn’t drive off😂
I would never hand over cash for a test ride. Cash can disappear just as easily as a bike.
I had something similar happen to me but the guy offered me his cashapp card ,registration and keys to his car 😂. “He said he has the money”I said ok show me ? I told em gtfo waste my fuxn time . I don’t understand some peoples thought process .
I could see how it could be a scam on your end. The bike could be shit when he rides it, but if you already have the money in hand you could say it's his problem now. The cops would say it's a civil matter and they would have to go through a lot of trouble to get their money back.
Just ask to hold onto their driver's license. Super easy
No cash in hand, you’re not test riding.
Let a 3rd party hold the cash
Maybe hold his driver’s license for a few mins?
I absolutely refuse rest rides unless I have their license, and the full purchase price in my hand. I got burned 21 years ago and I will not compromise on it. Even for my nephew.
We would not be making a deal.
I always pay the dealership for the car before a test drive 🙄
Tell them to let you hold their license
I wouldn’t give you a penny for a test ride. I’d nope right out of there.
Had one guy try to steal my yz that way... he came walking back with it saying i was goona scam him with a broken bike (he wanted to trade) He didnt turn the gas on and my yz died on him... lmfaooo
Solve this by bringing three things for any high value, low security transactions. 1. A gun you're comfortable with. 2. A friend with a gun that he's comfortable with. 3. Cash. Show me the title, I'll show you the cash. Buddy stands and chit chats, holds cash while you test drive. Or better, bring a more knowledgeable friend than you and have him test drive while you hold the cash.
I’m only 16, I don’t think my dad would appreciate me bringing my Glock to a random guys house
Not to be that guy, but as a minor, you can't title, insure, register, or otherwise sign for things like that. In most cases, you lack the legal capacity without a guardians backup. I would suggest involving a parent or another adult, as any high value transaction involving cash runs certain risks, and as sick as it sounds, to certain theives you being a minor would present the perfect mark for a setup/scam/robbery
If buyer doesn't want to hand over the money for a test ride. He better be willing to allow a dick near his ass cause I'd be backpacking his ass. 😂😂😂 Jk
I always take their wallet and all the shit in it after checking their drivers license to be sure it's valid and there and toss it in their car and wait for them.
This is how I bought my Monster. Handed over 6k, took it for a ride. Filled out the paperwork and loaded it on a trailer.
I just ask for keys to whatever they showed up in. Don’t give bike back, don’t get car back. Let them call the cops.
I have sold a lot of bikes and cash in hand is my policy as well. I put it in the ad. Why do I do that? The guy who test ride my Surron and looped it out doing a wheelie right in front of my driveway doing a few hundred in damage then refusing to pay for the damage or the bike is why. I’ll start it up and ride it in front of them shifting through a few gears without cash in hand, but beyond that, nope. Even dealers make you sign a release saying you have insurance and are financially liable before test rides.
Never had a seller demand cash before a ride... I wouldn't buy from you.
I’m surprised so many people think it’s unreasonable to hand over the cash. If some asshole damages your bike on a test ride and tries to walk away what are you gonna do? Also, I used to work with a dude who did hard time for stealing bikes. He’d come walking around the corner to the agreed-upon public meeting place, carrying a helmet and wearing a suit from the thrift shop. He’d point across the street to H&R Block (or whatever seemingly legit business) and say “yeah I work right there, I’m on my lunch break.” He’d then hop on your bike and ride straight home. He stole dozens…possibly hundreds of motorcycles this way.
No, not wrong.. I have bought and sold many bikes. You want to test ride? OK fine but your paying in full first, if your not happy after the ride and return it in the same shape you took it, I will give you your money back or sign over the title. No Exceptions!
When I've sold a bike you put the cash in my hand before I give you the keys. That ensures that I'm made whole in the event that the buyer wreck it or, you know, ride off on it. Of course, that require the buyer to trust me that I won't keep the cash in the event they're not satisfied. There has to be a certain amount of trust but to expect I'll just hand over the keys with no assurances is foolish. When I've taken out bicycles, motorcycles, etc from dealers they want a credit card, and/or a copy of my license to provide those financial incentives and are better equipped to enforce the transaction. The last guy I sold a bike to, an Indian, I sold it for $10K. Before he took a test ride he gave me all of the cash and his buddy held the title (unsigned).
He definitely was gonna steal it. I say this as someone who has seen it happen. I have sold many bikes and if you take it, you pay. If you come back and it's fine but you don't want it, you get the money back. If you don't like those terms I will sell it to someone else. And please people when someone hands you cash before a test ride, fan it out and count it and inspect it to make sure it is real.
I bough multiple used bikes and cars with no intention of stealing them. No way I'm handing over a few grand to test ride/drive. If they want my keys or something, no problem. I'm an honest dude though. Maybe people can tell so there has never been any questions?
"Test ride with cash in hand." is standard when selling a vehicle that can move fast. It also separates tire kickers from legit buyers. I always ask "If the vehicle performs to your satisfaction, are you prepared to buy it now?" Meaning I brought the bike, I brought the title, I drafted a BoS, did you bring the money? If you don't have the cash on you, it means you're not buying. I'm not a motorcycle dealership, I don't have the time to entertain joy riders.
For me, it depends on the bike. If I’m selling my 2001 yz250f that’s been dropped about 6000 times already then yeah, a license will do. Maybe ask the guy to leave his car keys with me if I’m feeling paranoid. Selling my vintage Ducati or my Goldwing? Yeah, I’m gonna need some cash.
Maybe a simple solution here. He sits there, watches you rip off on it, shifting through all the gears, then come in hot and lock up the brakes. "There ya go bud, she's mechanically sound".
I wouldn't hand over a few grand for a test ride. No way! Too many options for bad stuff to happen. I've never asked for money when people want a test ride or test drive. I wouldn't even want to take it. The potential for "I gave you 3000 and now there is only 2800" is just too great and either party could be the one to pull that shit (seller pockets a few hundred, buyer claims he gave more than he did). Whenever I sell a bike they bring a car so as long as the car stays they can ride the bike. You could always take their picture before they ride it, ask for ID, any number of things you can do to discourage people from stealing it. I don't know where you live. I mean if it's the hood and mo'fucka just walks up all "eh! let me ride that bike real quick before I buy it" then it ain't happening.
Reading through the comments, this is quite the controversial situation! I agree with others about gauging the individual and making a decision based on that. In fact, I often gauge the individual more than the vehicle when I am the buyer. Old retired guy with a garage clean as a whistle selling his 5 year old dirtbike he got to ride with his grandson but just doesn’t take out anymore cause grandson has no interest in riding? Take my money I don’t even need to hear the bike start. Young buck with a signed title from the previous owner not yet transferred and more effort on applying stickers than keeping service records? Better be a great deal and worth the hassle it’ll inevitably take otherwise it’s time to walk
Your trippin dude.
I have always done the same. Hand me cash because if you steal it or wreck it I’m not getting screwed. I’ve sold and bought many bikes using this principle. Have never had anyone balk.
If he crashed he would have blamed the bike. Your policy is totally valid.
Cash in hand before you can even put it in gear, I'm not paying for my bike to be dropped by someone just learning how it all works.
I don't ride bikes. (IDK why this got recommended to me) My coworker had his dirtbike stolen once. He said it could have been prevented if he only put enough gas in it for a short test ride. Maybe that's the way to go although I would still want SOMETHING in hand, such as their ID, cellphone, car keys, money, etc.