OldGeezer

Okay, I want to sell my current road bike. A perspective buyer contacts me and wants to ride the bike. We agree to meet in a shopping center parking lot, mid-day. What steps can I take to insure the guy doesn't just ride off into the sunset? Would it be reasonable to ask him to allow me to hold his driver's license or something like that?

FPSDavid

That's what I did. Held onto keys+license and also made 2 receipts (one for each of us) with both of our signatures on it saying I sold him my bike for the price I sold it for.

polobreaka

put pegs on the rear and stand behind holding his shoulders.

it is absolutely find to hold his driver's license or car keys (if he drives there). also bring a friend if you're feeling iffy.

danmc

Plant a remote-controlled grenade under the saddle. If he rides off, it will be the last bike he ever swipes!

Ghost Ryder

Ask for the cash up front, if he likes it, deal is done, if not you give him the cash back.

getaklug

When in doubt, C4.

PhotoJoe 

Personally, I prefer to meet at the local police station parking lot. I think they only show up if they're legit then. I guess I could be wrong. I also take a picture of them on my phone first. And know what vehicle they came in. If they are the passenger and they have a driver with them, I'd be nervous that they'll ride off with your bike, and the driver will follow.

st3venb

Holy **** there are a lot of vaginas on this site.

When the guy comes up, is he nervous? Does your gut say something is off? If so, call off the deal.

If not, ask for his license; or the cash up front and let him ride the bike. If he doesn't like it, give him his cash back, etc.


It's really not that hard.

bikerjp

Good plan. Even if he doesn't like it - you've got the case. Deal done.

Ghost Ryder

Yup, you can never tell by the way a person looks.
There's a girl who is notorious for pull this sort of scam in our area. She asks for a test ride, & doesn't come back.
If the buyer objects to handing over the cash upfront, just explain you're protecting yourself from scams you've hear of from friends.
I find this the best way to "weed out" the shady types.

bike4fun12

I would only get cash up front. dont ask for ID cause it could be a fake. sure, it has his picture on it and looks real. but then, he takes off and you later find out there is no john johnson from tokyo, japan.

or take a picture of his license plate and car.

Crappymonkey

If you have a second bike go for a ride with them. That way the bike is always in view and if they have any questions you'll be there to answer them.

rebel1916

I would NEVER give cash up front. It removes all my ability to bargain and what if the bike is a dog and I come back n your gone. You could hold my keys or something.

STP

Anything is reasonable to ask. Everyone, including you, could be a criminal. Meet at a local bike shop and let the guy pay the mechanic to check out the bike for defects or damage. If the guy's looking at your bike brand and model specifically, he should have done his homework beforehand and therefore shouldn't need a "test ride."

If you're that nervous about a possible sale, just say "no test rides, period."

st3venb

Having sold numerous high dollar items (firearms, and bikes)... I make the deal through email / correspondance before the actual exchange goes.

If someone tries and bargain with me at the exchange, I simply up my price. Screw people who try and use cash as a bargaining chip.

Juan Foote

This. Any time I have ever had people test ride a motorcycle I was selling it was money in hand before test ride. You crash it, you buy it.

Ghost Ryder

Same goes for keys, he could fork over a fake set of keys.
Money talks, you either have it or you don't.
Nobody is going to cover you @$$ from scam except yourself, do what you think it's going to make safer for yourself.

Ghost Ryder

+1!!!

STP

Yes, but I don't trust you with my cash any more than you trust me with your bike.

St_Pete_Speed

First, I would never do the deal from my home. So, if you actually sell the bike - how are you getting home... your car? Just follow the test rider in your car. You can always run them over if they seem like they are going to bolt.

Seattle Forrest

This is the best answer, but it's the one least likely to find its way into a movie with explosions, car chases, and the hero getting the girl at the end. But, if you're not James Bond, this is what you should do.

If the buyer doesn't have the cash on hand, they probably aren't terribly interested in buying. Unless you take checks or IOUs.

st3venb

Personally, I would never take a check for anything over $50. Too many people use fake checks these days. :X

colombo357

Bring a 2nd bike and ride with him. If this makes you uncomfortable, sell on ebay to a non-local.

colombo357

Yup.... BOING.... and then YOU get charged $30.