A Twisted Road renter rode my motorcycle, loved it, and bought it. Listing my bike on the platform wasn't just about earning rental income. It put my motorcycle in front of the exact type of buyer who doesn't browse classifieds.

They ride first, then decide.

Here's the story. When I bought my first bike ten years ago, I never thought I’d sell it. Ever. For me, the 2010 Moto Guzzi v7 Classic was the perfect bike. It was small and nimble for short rides around my neighborhood but could also be taken for longer road trips. 

In fact, when I purchased this moto, it came with a pair of Hepco and Becker hard cases. I didn’t want them. The sales guy convinced me I needed them. And he was right. They served me well during two longer trips (2,000 miles each). You can read about one of my trips here.

A year later, while traveling in Italy with my wife, I decided to visit a Moto Guzzi dealership. I proudly told the salesman that I own a v7 Classic. His response? “That’s a great starter bike.” I disagreed — the v7 was going to be my trusty sidekick for decades — and shrugged off his comment. 

I started Twisted Road 18 months after I brought my Guzzi home as I thought it would be a perfect way to rent a motorcycle. Soon after, I had 2,000 bikes in my “virtual garage.” I always rent bikes when I travel, and to date, I have ridden 32 different motos across the country. Each bike I rode, I’d compare to my Black Goose, but never thought that she could be replaced. After all, she was a workhorse and my first bike. 

But it turns out that the random sales rep in Italy was right. It was the best first motorcycle I could have asked for, but and I started to see its biggest limitation: it was only 750 cc. She lumbered along whenever I needed her to, but she was just a little pokey. And as I was thinking about this, a friend and moto wrench reinforced what I already knew. “Austin, it’s time.” He was right.

So I cleaned her off, took some pictures, posted my Guzzi on Craigslist, Cycle Trader, and Facebook — all the usual suspects when you think about how to sell a motorcycle — then I waited. In hindsight, there was one bit I added to the description that really helped me sell the bike: This bike is available to rent on Twisted Road. Test ride it before you buy it, by clicking this link. As it turns out, Twisted Road may be not only the best place to rent a motorcycle, but also the best way to sell a motorcycle!

A few days later, Robert contacted me. He had ridden a scooter for years and wanted a motorcycle. He hadn’t heard of Twisted Road but wanted to rent the bike. (Being able to rent the bike and ride it for as long as you want to before making your decision is not an option you usually have when buying a motorcycle from a dealer!) The rental was quickly approved, he met me at my home, borrowed my spare helmet, and rode away with a combination of nerves and smiles. The next day he texted me with an offer. Yes — it was that quick.

When he returned the bike, he couldn’t stop talking about her. Drivers were checking the bike out at every stoplight. Random people were admiring it as they walked by. He needed to own it. I quickly looked online about Illinois title transfer and bills of sale. He handed me a wad of cash. I gave him the keys. And he rode off with a new bike and my spare helmet. 

A few days later, I reached out to Robert to tell him that I forgot to give him a spare bracket when he got the bike, and we agreed for him to swing by and pick it up. Which he did the next day. On his bike. It was raining out. And Robert was never happier. 

I remember that new feeling, riding everywhere I could. The weather didn’t matter. In fact, nothing mattered except riding.

So I’ve done a few things I never thought I’d do. I bought a motorcycle. I started a company. I sold the bike. And I’m now trying to figure out what bike I want to buy next. I’m in a unique position (as is everyone in the Twisted Road community) because I can really ride anything I want. But what’s the best motorcycle to own, for my particular needs?

What kind of bike is as versatile as my v7 Classic? Which bike could I take for short day trips as well as week-long jaunts?

I’ve narrowed it down to two bikes: a BMW R nine T or a Moto Guzzi Griso. Although I’ve never ridden a Griso, I’m hoping to test ride it through our site. And, who knows, maybe I’ll find other bikes to love along the way (I’m open to suggestions).

Note: This was first written in 2021, and since then, I decided on a Moto Guzzi Griso. 

FAQs

Can Twisted Road help me sell my motorcycle?

Yes. Renters who spend real time on your bike get to know it better than any Craigslist buyer ever will. That firsthand experience turns casual interest into a confident purchase.

Do renters ever buy the motorcycle they rented?

It happens. When a rider spends a full day or weekend on a bike and it fits their body, riding style, and plans, the conversation shifts from "nice rental" to "what's your price?"

Should I list my motorcycle on Twisted Road if I'm thinking about selling?

It's worth considering. You earn rental income while the bike is listed, and every renter is a potential buyer who's already test-ridden the product. That's something a classified ad can't offer.

Is selling through a Twisted Road connection different from a private sale?

The biggest difference is trust. The renter already knows the bike's condition, how it rides, and how you maintain it. That removes most of the friction and negotiation that slows down private sales.