I've been offered test rides at the local shop I go to.

They know I ride fairly often though, and I know the Parts / Equipment girl () and one of the salesmen.

They've offered to let me ride a Ducati. It was in I was in the market for a new bike. I was afraid I would buy it!

 

I didn't know you swang both ways nate.. salesmen and parts girl huh

 

if i cant test ride i wont buy it. Ill bring cash and am endorsed though. If someone wants to buy my bike they bring cash, you can tell if they are serious or just want to rip it around the block.

 

Cheap parts/gear AND cheap bikes.

What more could you want?

 

All of the bikes I have sold and purchased have been cash in hand. You wad it, you bought it.

 

Trust no one.

As a Buyer YES, I expect a test-ride. No test ride = no buy for me.

Dealerships: If new bike, a same-model demo test-ride will suffice. If used bike, I expect to test-ride that specific bike. Dealership test-ride requirements vary, if allowed at all...M endorsement, photocopy of DL, sign release of liability, security deposit, etc.

(Last year, I attended a Ducati test-ride event. Only requirement was having a M endorsement. Ducati accepted all responsibility for any damages that might occur. Ducati rep rode along w/ test-riders.)

Private Sellers: By the time I get to the test-ride point, I've already asked as much about the bike's history as possible & visually inspected it as well. Then I test-ride. If that goes well, then negotiation & possible purchase. Private Sellers typically want...M endorsement & cash-in-hand, etc.

As a Seller, I will allow a test-ride w/ the following requirements...

* M endorsement
* Cash in hand
* Bill of Sale - completed & signed (torn up if test-ride goes ok)

If they want to buy, we go to bank, do the transaction, & transfer a notarized title & bill of sale. I get a photocopy of the title & keep the original BOS (buyer gets copy).

Prospective buyers understand/agree up front, if they crash it, they've bought it. The same bank visit, as above, applies.