Selling a bike... what is appropriate to ask for as security?

When someone is buying a bike, it is almost certain you will want to take the bike for a good ride on the open road to test it thoroughly. This becomes awkward for the seller when they might not know the potential buyer as they could well be looking to ride off with the bike and never be seen again!

If you were the seller in the situation, what do you see as being being appropriate security to ask the potential buyer to leave with you as a 'deposit'? Cash/Passport/Phone etc?

Especially when the bikes are worth >£1,000k you really want to protect your investment!

If a bike has a large value it's perfectly reasonable to ask for some form of deposit to be left, especially in places like London where bike theft is so common. A phone or wallet is a good shout, people are likely to return for these things. Or a driving license.

Not a situation I've been in, but at the least some form of uncontrovertible ID (driving license, passport - obvs check it's actually them!) and preferably something of worth too, like a fancy iphone. But the more important thing would be being able to track them down/report to police. Perhaps, if being very cautious, take a photo of them+bike before they set off?

passport / driving license has photo's
maybe the full amount you are asking for the bike
ask them if you could look after the cash while they look after the bike

I put my roller boots on and tie a skipping rope to the seatpost so they have to tow me around on their test ride.

I've sold a few motorbikes over the years and most people are happy to leave the asking price when taking a test ride, id go on that basis I've never had anyone kick off as they tend to have the cash on them anyway.

Leave a phone you say? How about this stolen iPhone that doesn't switch on? That's the best way for a crim to shift a dodgy phone.

I asked for everything in the guys pockets, phone, car keys, wallet.

He was more worried about me doing a runner...

being a buyer in this situation before and having the total cash amount on me, albiet spread about in different pockets and stash places, i left it with the seller whilst i did a test run. didnt take the bike finally and took the cash back. simples. i did count it 2 or 3 times again before leaving, seller seemed to be a little put out by this!

I asked for everything in the guys pockets, phone, car keys, wallet.

He was more worried about me doing a runner...

the ol' reverse psychology !

A kidney or part of a liver will suffice.

It helps to have a surgical team on standby.