How can you safely offer a test ride when selling a used motorcycle?

Answer

Here's the answer given in Timberwoof's Motorcycle FAQ:

In the sales contract, give the buyer the right to return the motorcycle in its original condition within one hour of the sale. If the buyer likes it after the "test ride" he can take off on it and never see you again. All you have to do is sign the title and send it to the DMV. If the buyer brings it back, you inspect the bike and if everything is okay, give back the money.

Do not accept some other vehicle as collateral. What will you do with someone else's $1k truck?

Do not accept some small cash "deposit."

If your motorcycle is a good bike for a beginner, then expect a beginner to buy it.

If this is going to the buyer's his first bike, he should have a friend who is an experienced rider to do the test riding. Make sure the buyer or his friend has a license with a motorcycle endorsement as well as full riding gear.

If you think the buyer is a squid who's going to kill himself with your old motorcycle, you have the right to refuse to sell it to him.

If you think the buyer is a hoodlum and his buddies in the truck are shady-looking, tell him to go home.

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