I'm having a guy come over tomorrow morning to test-ride, and hopefully ride away with, my ZX-12. I will have cash in hand ahead of time, and want to put together a short document that lays out the specifics of the test-ride. I.E., you break it you bought it. Before I write this out from scratch, does anyone have a good example of this that they've used before?

- Alex

Always the trickiest part of a private sale. I've done everything from taken a chance to getting a check (or deposit) up-front before the test. Of course, I always ask to see an M1 license. Sometimes I take that, though why, I'm not sure.

There's nothing you can really do to protect yourself legally that you can enforce in a realistic way. Most likely your insurance company would cover collision or comprehensive, and probably liability, in the worst case.

Tool

Sold. Everything worked fine. Here's an example Bill of Sale if folks would like to use it as a template for their MC sales:

BILL OF SALE – MOTORCYCLE

May 7, 2005

For the consideration of $X,000.00 I, Joe Blow, of Anywhere, CA (“Seller”), hereby sell, assign and transfer to Jane Doe, of Nowhere, CA (“Buyer”), the following described motorcycle (“Vehicle”).

Make: XXX
Model: XXX
Year: XXX
VIN: XXXXXXXXXX

Seller states that the mileage reading on the Odometer at time of sale is x,xxx miles. Seller certifies that to the best of Seller’s knowledge, this reading reflects the actual mileage of the Vehicle. Further, the Vehicle’s odometer has not been altered, set back or disconnected while in Seller’s possession, nor does seller have knowledge of anyone else doing so.

Buyer acknowledges the above odometer statement:

_______________________ (Buyer’s Acknowledgement)
Buyer Name

Seller warrants that the Vehicle is free and clear of any liens or encumbrances.

The Vehicle is being transferred on as “AS IS” basis, with no warranties, express or implied, as to the condition of the Vehicle.

Seller certifies the statements made in the Bill of Sale are true, to the best knowledge of the Seller.

TEST RIDE INFORMATION: If Buyer returns vehicle to Seller within 1 hour of purchase, in its original condition (save for additional mileage), Seller will fully refund the sale price and Seller will retain title to the vehicle. Seller’s insurance may not cover the buyer after the purchase/during the test ride. Buyer, as the owner of the vehicle is responsible for insurance coverage from the point of purchase.

________________________Start time of test ride


________________________Buyer’s acknowledgement of test ride conditions
Buyer Name

________________________Seller’s acknowledgement of test ride conditions
Seller Name



Transfer of the Vehicle is effective May 7, 2005.


__________________________ (Seller)]

Looks clean. Wonder if it's enforceable?

I'm not sure if its enforceable, but that's probably not the main idea. You don't want to get to the litigation stage with any of this silly crap. You just want to have the main ideas down clearly so the buyer and seller are comfortable with what they agreed to. Once I got the buyer to sign off on all this, I knew that at the very least, expectations were clear.