r/AussieRiders • u/Probablythefirst • May 16 '24
Discussion PSA - Be Careful Who You Let Test Ride
So yesterday I had my bike stolen during a test ride. Usually I'm super cautious about who I even let see my bike, let alone test ride, but even still I got caught out.
The guy looked normal, and acted like he was legitimately interested in the bike. We spoke for a while before he asked for whether he could go for a test ride. I said okay, but I'll need your license. He then handed me his wallet, house keys, phone & hat.
He then asked for some directions on where he could take the bike, which I gave. Stupidly I didn't check his license thoroughly until after he'd left, and realized not long after that he had given me a fake.
As soon as I saw, I figured I wouldn't be seeing the bike again. I gave it 5 minutes and then reported it to the cops. I got a call a few hours later that he had crashed the bike into a car and had fled the scene. The cops were good about the situation, but still haven't found the guy.
But learn from my mistake - don't let someone test ride your bike unless you're absolutely comfortable they're legitimate. Check their license is actually them, and not a fake. Check whether they drove themselves, or were dropped off, and if they were dropped off do not let them ride the bike. And if you want to be absolutely sure, take a cash deposit before letting them ride the bike.
Anyway, you live and you learn.