Buying Harley Davidson Parts on eBay: A User’s Guide
by Brian Zerkel
(schumacher)
Who doesn’t like to customize their Harley to make it their own? Be it with chrome, grips, saddlebags or whatever else you can name, people have been doing it since the beginning of time (AH: After Harley).
A big problem nowadays is the lack of funds to dress your bike up the way you want. Your local dealership will have most of what you are looking for, but the prices on those items just keep going up. Luckily, there are other places to look for parts and save some money at the same time. Ebay is one of the best resources for finding new and used Harley Davidson parts and accessories.
eBay used to be an even more valuable place to look for parts until very recently, but since Harley has forbidden dealers to advertise less-than-msrp prices, don’t expect to find any discounted deals from dealerships. That said, there are still plenty of deals to be had on new and used parts from individual sellers.
Many people will buy a part and just not use it, or put it on and decide they don’t like it. The majority of the parts you will find have spent some time on a motorcycle, and still have plenty of miles left on them. Old Harleys don’t die, they just live on through other Harleys. Many NOS (new old stock) parts find their way to ebay as well, and are just waiting to be bought. Most NOS parts will even come with the original box and or packaging. I’ve bought many open package items, and there is no reason to be afraid of these.
When you start looking on ebay for the specific item you want, remember people will list the same item 10 different ways. I’ve found this time and again. A foot peg might be called a foot rest; auxiliary lights can be called fog lights; and the list goes on and on. Do more than one search for your item. There was a certain part on my Sportster that I found by going through 173 pages of Harley headlights just because I couldn’t figure out how the item was listed (it was my nacelle for those curious). Patience is a key when looking.
When dealing with Harley parts, the best way I’ve found to locate something specific is with the actual part number. Most will have it in the auction title or in the description. By checking the “include description” box while doing a search, you are more likely to find those hidden part numbers in the descriptions. Most of what you are looking for is there.
Now that you’ve hopefully found the item you’re looking for, be sure to completely read the description. Most sellers will list any and all defects in a part. If there’s something not answered in the description you would like to know more about, send them a message. I do it often; any honest person won’t mind being asked.
Be sure to look at the pictures carefully, as you might see something that isn’t mentioned in the description. Be leery of the ones with the incredibly small thumbnail picture that won’t enlarge, or sellers with no picture at all. You want to be able to have a clear image and see what you are bidding on. It’s always smart to check the sellers feedback as well. A seller with negative marks should be avoided.
Bidding can sometimes be as tricky as deciding if someone is trying to sell you junk. If I see something I want, I’ll bid on it when I first find it. The trick in winning the item though, is all about watching the auction to the very end. Sniping, the process of outbidding someone at the very last second of an auction, has become all to commonplace, but can easily be overcome. Just sit and watch the item your bidding on, and punch in the highest amount you are willing to pay at about the 20 second mark. That way, you’re more likely to win the item. If you don’t, well, you gave it your best.
If you can’t find that particular part or piece you have your heart set on, don’t fret. Just keep searching, and what you are looking for will eventually pass through. The majority of sellers are honest people and will treat you right. Patience will win you that item for a great price.
One warning though: If you need an
electrical component (something besides lighting, like a module or cpu,
for instance), do not buy used. You don’t know what you are getting, and
if you do end up with a defective item it may be extremely hard to get a
refund. There are just some parts you should buy new from someone
locally who will help you out if something goes wrong.
Happy buying! Don’t forget, motorcycle parts make great gifts!
Anyone have any tips to add? Shout off in the Forums!