Looking for tips to sell my 89 fj1200. Sometime this spring I wanted to let her go. Its in cherry cond with 40k original miles and wanted to get a 610/630/650 instead. I have just heard horror stories about scammers or idiots revving it when bike is still cold or whiskey throttle idiots taking for test ride.... ? I figured no test ride without cash. But should I simply not let them ride it unless they buy it? How do I word the add to filter out scammers and tire kickers? Any advice is appreciated-thx
My advice as a guy that has successfully sold a number of bikes on CL. Do NOT post an email - put only a phone number. That will eliminate 90% of the scams. Advertise up front that any test rides require proof of insurance and a motorcycle license - no exceptions. A buyer with no current motorcycle (and thus no bike insurance) can have someone ride the bike for you. You do NOT want some kid that got his license on a Rebel and looking for his first bike to take your 1200 for a ride. Cash or bank wire only. The bank wire is actually VERY easy to do and usually the charge is only about $20. If the buyer is getting a lan, they can usually get it done for free. When your receiving and their sending banks are in touch, you both have quite a bit of honesty and integrity added to the exchange. Those few tips will save you a ton of drama.
Just be prepared to be patient. You have to wade thru the crap to find the real buyer no matter how many steps you take, really hit or miss. Good luck but it is a necessity.
I agree with the no email and I always spell out a couple of the numbers in my phone number. I also put cash only, no trades wanted or you will have people trying to trade all kinds of junk with you. Finally, when they are coming to see the bike, I always had the bike already outside and the garage closed. I don't want them casing my place and always have my son or neighbor with me. Don't be alone. Sounds a little paranoid but you never know....
Some very good tips here already. Like you already mentioned, make sure they have a valid license, insurance and cash in your hand prior to them turning the key on. I couldn't imagine the feeling of watching your baby riding off into the sunset and the sinking feeling of being taken to the cleaners. I sold my DR650 last spring on CL and didn't have any issues but I am vigilant and paranoid. Definitely have some company with you too. Another option is try listing it on ADV rider. I have had good luck selling bikes over there.
You can always ask them to leave you their licence while they ride around the block. To test the bike they just need to put it through the gears, don't let them do a WA tour.
Plus 1 on the phone number. You will get more responses. There are a lot of "whistlin gophers" out there so dont get frustrated. I have sold a couple bikes, bicycles, furniture, all kinds of random stuff on CL. Be careful with locations for meet up. Im wary of bringing anyone to my home. Regardless, Im always armed haha. I once posted a bike on a thursday night, got a response the next day, sold it that saturday, and bought a bike on CL the next day haha.
Follow these good points above and you should be fine. I have sold and bought many used bikes on CL and really have had little issues. 95% of the time it is EZ and all goes well. It's just a resource for people and can work well. Make sure your ad is full of info, has great pix, that you know all about scams, don't want trades, cash only, adult seller, etc.
Walk around it and take a video you can link it on CL. I sold a boat just because they got a walk thru first, came from 2 states away.
Make sure your sidearm is clearly visible when you meet the potential buyer. Cold blue steel makes most folks think twice about doing anything stupid. I wouldn't give my home address to anyone I wasn't totally trusting of. Make sure the meeting place is public and busy. Walmart parking lots work great and have plenty of video surveilence.
