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Are you looking for a second-hand motorcycle or are you getting rid of your used bike? In both cases you need a solid purchase contract. Here are some tips on content as well as a free sample contract in PDF format.
Whether it's a moped, scooter or cruiser, motorcycles are often bought and sold privately as second-hand, but special care should be taken when it comes to used vehicles. In some cases, the past leaves its mark, but this is not always immediately obvious. To avoid nasty surprises, you should examine the motorcycle and purchase contract very carefully.
To see what information should be included in a private motorcycle purchase contract, take a look at this sample contract which is available to download. You can save this template (editable PDF) if necessary, complete it on your screen and/or print it out. Important keywords on the content of a purchase contract:
You should also mention in the contract whether there are any known faults and whether there is any warranty or guarantee (see infobox). There doesn't need to be any "small print" in the contract, as the Swiss Code of Obligations (SCO) is the legal basis for the sale anyway.
Warranty: unless otherwise agreed in the purchase contract, the general two-year warranty applies in Switzerland under the Swiss Code of Obligations (Art. 197 SCO and Art. 210 SCO). You can amend or even exclude the warranty (i.e. "buyer collects" or "bought as seen"). However, if the selling party fraudulently fails to disclose a fault, they are liable for this, regardless of what the contract states.
Guarantee: the selling and buying parties can agree special guarantees in the purchase contract, e.g. a guarantee for labor and parts for a certain number of months or kilometers.
There is no basic right to withdraw from a contract when it comes to privately buying or selling a motorcycle. The 14-day legal right of revocation is limited to door-to-door sales, telephone sales etc. However, it is possible to cancel the contract in a number of cases:
If you've found a very promising second-hand motorcycle, check it out on site for damage or technical faults, ideally using a checklist. It may be advisable to take an expert along with you, especially if it's your first motorcycle. Make sure that it's comfortable to sit on, has easily accessible controls as well as simple and safe handling. Insist on a long test ride of at least 100 kilometers, by a third person if necessary. How does the motorcycle handle on various surfaces, at different speeds or in the rain? The most important thing is that the motorcycle suits you, i.e. it matches your skills and requirements.
A fair transaction that both parties are happy with needs preparation. You should therefore allow enough time to do this.
Find out from at least one professional how much your motorcycle is worth. Look around on the second-hand market too. Do not have unrealistic expectations, but allow some flexibility for negotiating with the buyer. Price levels are always at their highest in the spring.
Think about which platforms you'd like to use for offering your vehicle. If you see your motorcycle as an economic means of day-to-day transportation, look at general online market places. However, collector machines have better prospects of being sold on specialist motorcycle websites.
Clean your motorcycle thoroughly, or maybe even treat yourself to new tires. After polishing your bike until it gleams, take lots of photos, focusing on perspective, light conditions and photo quality. As the seller, you definitely want to benefit from your motorcycle being presented as favorably as possible.
The level of insurance premium depends on many factors, so there are enormous differences within Switzerland. Compare the prices of various sellers. Factors that affect the premium include:
Motorcycle
Cover
Insured
Anina Sabourdy is an Online Editor at AXA. Her focus is on current health issues. But she also delves into other areas.
