The dangers of someone testing before buying

111Robin · Post by **111Robin** » Sat Oct 12, 2013 5:48 pm

I stopped to help a biker at the side of the road, bike lying on it's side, think it was a Transalp, panniers and top box. Anyway we managed to get it upright then he told me he was just out on a test ride, he was gutted. The damage wasn't bad, just scuffs, but had it been my bike I wouldn't have been best pleased. Hope his insurance would have covered it.

j2 lot · Post by **j2 lot** » Sat Oct 12, 2013 6:18 pm

Bike insurance often covers riding bikes not owned by you, hopefully that will be the case here

sendmyusername · Post by **sendmyusername** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 5:12 pm

It only covers you third party for other vehicles, even if you have fully comp. It's the same as car insurance.
If he dropped it he bought it, that's the only way I gave test rides, and the cash was in my hand before they drove off. Sounds like he's lost any right to haggle now.

flyingscot68 · Post by **flyingscot68** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 5:59 am

It happened to me many years ago. Test ride by a friend of a friend. Said he had the cash to buy the bike so I reluctantly let him out on it as my mate said I could trust him. He crashed it right in front of me on the way back from the test ride but assured me he'd pay up for the damage, around £400.
After chasing him for a few days I ended up at his door to be met by his very large and angry wife. She basically told me F off, it was her money not his and she would call the police if I appeared at their door again. Turned out she used to beat him up!
I gave up, too much hassle. You live and learn!
Now if anyone wants a test ride, it's full payment in cash before they leave. If they don't like the bike they get their money back. If they crash it they now own it.
Never had any problems since that one.

woody · Post by **woody** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:21 am

A former work mate has his ~400bhp Supra written off in East Kilbride on a test drive quite a few years ago. The potential buyer ignored the advice not too plant his right foot coming off roundabouts and did on the exit of the first & last one of the test drive.

Scottish Elises