So some events transpired and I need to help my mom sell my Dad's motorcycles. An insurance payment is coming up, and I was wondering if we should carry insurance on the bikes while we attempt to sell them.
What is the normal process for allowing test rides, I always see "show up with cash if you want to test ride the bike" comments on CL, but when it comes to the bike being insured, is it on the test rider, or us the sellers?
Thanks in advance.
You need to have insurance on it as long as you have the plate. Turn in the plate if you want to drop the insurance.
I would keep them insured. I wouldn't buy a bike without a test ride unless it's extremely cheap. Plates on the bike tend to make test rides easier, too.
TBH I am not going to show up with a few grand in my pocket just to test ride a bike (at the end of the day, what good does it do - I'm not going to hand it over to the seller before riding the bike), but then again I'm not a spotty 17-year old who wants to test ride a crotch rocket. That said, I'm always happy for sellers to check my license and verify that I actually have motorcycle endorsement. Never had a problem, but it always was obvious I was a serious buyer.
Forgive me if my manners are poor, what are you selling?
1973 Sportster, freshly restored, and I might have the year wrong on the next one, but 2007 Springer Soft Tail. Thirdly, once insurance adjusters handle things, a 2005 Road King.
First two are in perfect shape, my Dad was always the type to keep things tidy, never put away wet, so to speak, and always properly winterized and battery-tendered.
I all way feel them out before the sale. The bike i sold earlier this summer we had taken off the road in Dec when the plate expired. It was an 07 with only 4100 miles on it and had only 1 chip in the paint. Kid showed up to look at it asked if he has MC lic got No not yet but i had a dirt bike as a kid...Strike 1. Do you have permit? No. Have cash? No i need to go to the bank for a loan.. Kid: Can i test ride it? No it has no plate and (pointing) the police chief lives next door... OH. Kid how do i know theres nothing wrong with it? I'll show you and i rode in on my lawn and got it in to 3rd for a second. He showed up 4 days latter with $100 under the price after 45 e-mail begging for a lower price.....I wasn't going to give it away I'd already priced it $700 under the others in the area on Craig's list. Insurance laws vary from state to state call the agents and ask if a test rider is covered and if not how much to add it for a month.
Get some pictures and list together and post'em here!
Sorry your in this position. It sucks, been their for friends and widows but never a relative
44.
I'd keep them on the insurance. If you're advertising something, it makes it a lot easier to steal. Thieves now know what it is, where it is, and what you think it's worth.
OK, thanks for all the replies, I will definitely let my Mom know to continue with the insurance, as well as ask specifically whether test riders are covered.
As for selling them, we will probably have all the info together, titles in my Mom's name, etc by the 2nd or 3rd week of August and will post them up with some pictures.
Even if a buyer is covered, get cash up front. Sure, go for a ride, drop it and you bought it. Call me a hardass, but it's still $___ deductable out of your pocket.
With my company, if I pay for 12 months and then sell before the year is up, I get a rebate for the difference.
Good luck with the sale.
Dan
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