Seven Steps to a Safer Sale;

1. Know what you're getting by doing research. Find out about the typical problems of any given model and absolutely check the current value of the bike through services such as "Kelly Blue Book" (wwwkbb.com).

2. Avoid buying long distance. Unless the bike you want is ultra-rare or you can work out a deal with trusted friends to actually look at the bike and talk to the seller, don't bother. There are plenty of risks buying and selling locally, and you're only adding to the misery if you seek to do this long distance.

3. Always be wary of complicated deals. If you are asked to pay a third party, who will then pay something to the buyer, walk away. It's up to those two to work out their deal. You are buying or selling a motorcycle; you are not a bank.

4. Be wary of large down payments to "hold" the merchandise in question. The rule of the used-bike jungle is "first in with the money gets the bike." Beware of bait-and-switch tactics. "oh, that bike just sold, but I have another just like it...."

5. Make use of locals. Chances are good one or more of the user groups for your motocycle will have someone near the bike for sale.

6. Insist on a face-to-face sale. Sure, you'll drive away the occasional legitimate online deal, but you'll likely avoid most of the scammers.

7. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title against the actual motorcycle. This is often overlooked and occasionally turns out to bite the new buyer. Also, make sure it's a "clean" title, that is, one with no encumbrances, such as a bank or mechanic lien. Make certain the title isn't marked "salvage," because it means the bike was totaled by an insurance company in the past and is now worth a lot less money.

- MOTORCYCLIST Magazine, March 2004 -

 

nice info. Another thing to put in when buying a used bike. Always *ALWAYS* check the body work to make sure that it hasnt been repaired. Look over it very carefully. I know by experience

 

 

great info for beginners like me

 

good post, thanks...yeh i like boosted SI's one too, add to make sure to check the frame and handle bars for deep scratches....

 

For some reason sellers give me this look when I show up w/ my gear and a toolbox

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tonydatyga &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For some reason sellers give me this look when I show up w/ my gear and a toolbox </TD></TR></TABLE>

lol. Yeah, and then right after that they start pointing out the "mysterious" damage/ problems with the bike they've "never" noticed before until now.

 

Bump


Modified by TTSR34 at 12:37 PM 3/19/2004