No test rides

Bet this guy is plenty gutted...


You guys have good policies when dealing with prospective buyers? Cash in hand first? Leave both 4th and 5th fingers behind as deposit?

Cash in hand, and they don't get the keys until I've checked every last bill to not be counterfeit.

Ouch...that's just pains me to read the article.

i worked for a dealer years ago a couple came
in took a used corvette for a test
ride
the next morning the vet was gone they
left the stolen car they came in with the day
before with no plates on it
we got the vette back was left at a porsche
dealer 4 states away lol

Years ago a mate of mine was selling his GSXR750 as he just put a deposit down on a duc.
Some people showed up, after a few conversations on the phone, by car to have a test ride.
They had cash in hand which made it look good.
One chap took off for the test while the other one waited in good faith so "his mate wouldn't run off".

15min in to this the chap waiting with the car asks my mate if there is a shop nearby to get some cigarettes.
My mate points him to the corner shop and the chap tosses my mate the key of his car "again to show good faith" while he goes and grabs a pack.

Non of them ever returned and the car left behind was stolen also.

No test rides till I have folding stuff in hand and it has been under the blue light.

I keep it simple - unless it's someone I know well personally (and in that case, they've probably already had a go on whatever I'm selling), there are no test rides. All there is to it.

Money in hand, or not - until the title is transferred over to them, liability is entirely on you (the owner). And few have insurance coverage for 3rd party operation of their motos (while common for cars, in that it's substantially lower risk).

I don't care if the buyer even has a driver's license, or motorcycle endorsement. I don't care if they're legally in the US or not. When I have their money and the title is signed over - they can do whatever they want with the bike.