I'm gonna sell my bike.

Thought I might try privately first, though I've had a fairish offer from a dealer.

However, selling privately seems fraught with pitfalls. Presumably the prospective buyer will want a test ride? Will he be insured, will he bugger off with it... There must be cowboys out there to watch out for?

What advice do ye have fer me?

Will be getting a VFR btw

i never liked the idea of test rides, just because someone comes on a bike or in a car doesn't mean they own it! i know someone who got a GSXR stolen that way, and got a stolen Seat in return
i mean, really you can see if a bikes ok, if the person wants the bike, been refused a test ride wouldn't matter, or get the cash off them first!

Private for more money, simple as that.
Advice?

Clean it like youve never cleaned it before. Admit minor faults but keep schtum about major faults unless asked ( its illegal to lie but not to declare if youre a private seller).

Test ride if the rider leaves the full asking price in cash - his licence - insurance certificate ( should be arranged over the phone so no excuses if he turns up without it).

also write up a brief thing for the buyer to sign to say he is taking the bike out at a certain time on a certain day ( speed cameras!)

never wheel the bike out of your lock up - that way they'll see the bike - where its kept - how its secured etc.

Wear your poker face for the negotiation - if they offer low just stare blankly at them. If they dont offer higher then just tell em youre not interested. When they ask why youre selling it just laugh - its a fecking stupid question anyway - if pressed tell them youve bought a bigger bike.

Dont negotiate the price over the phone. Leave them to gawp at the bike ontheri own but not with the keys.

check it first to make sure itll start when they get there.


Check prices to make sure youre not over or under pricing the bike.

Be honest ibn describing the bike and remember subjectiivty - if you think its mint they might think it isnt etc.

if they derrogate your bike before talking money tell them to do one.

This is usually frowned at by buyers but if you can meet away from youre home go for that.

have all documents and proof of what you claim ready for inspection and offer it before asked - disarm people with honesty.

If you have an amputated leg remove it before their visit - people trust the disabled!
Dont lie and get the best price possible - never feel lucky thet they want to buy the bike.

A dealer will always offer about a grand less than private but is a quick sell - bear it in mind.

Darn good advice Zombie. You've obviously done this before

I would ask to borrow the leg but I've plumped for a part-ex deal

I have sold loads of bikes and mostly private coz you get more money. TBH, if youre not bothered about a few quid and can narter for something like tax and new tyres or maybe a jacket/lid etc then trade is good and a lot less hastle.

I am the king of giving advice that i learned whilst not listening to others advice and regretting it bitterly!

Surely they'd have to prove that you knew about it before you sold it?