Anyone bought a bike online, either via ebay or another seller without actually seeing/riding the bike in person? Any tips or tricks for doing so?
I'm seeing some good prices either on ebay or dealers that are very far away.. wondering what everyone thinks or has done before.

 

My guess is that if the price is right and it's a a bike that you "really" have to have, you might want to see additional pictures and maintainance records before driving out to East Kishnev (two miles this side of The END OF The WORLD). If the pics and records look reasonably OK, you might decide to make the drive, flight, to see it and the owner in person.

Ride Safe - Ride Smart


"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chsidic Judaism... ca. 1750's

 

I almost did but ended up buying locally. One thing I did do was call the dealership or broker selling the bike and haggled direct. There were a few bikes that had a Buy It Now price of lets say $12,000 on eBay but when I talked direct I was able to get a price below that. Don't think the price on eBay is the lowest price. Ask for lots o' pictures especially of the defects. No bike is perfect so tell the seller you want to see the dings and scratches if any.

 

See a lot of remote buying done the last 15 yrs and it seems to be increasing , flip side is so are the scams. Just me but I'd never consider buying a bike I couldn't see eye's on myself or by someone I trust.

 

Bought mine online from a Harley dealer in Kentucky. No troubles. Long story as to why. They made it easy.

 

There's a dealer in Ft Lauderdale called V Twin City that sells a lot of bikes online, but I bought a bike from them myself (my Springer) in person and the owners are all well known ex HD guys locally with good reputations.

I'd suggest you ask on the forums if the dealer you're considering is known. You might find it's perfectly safe.

 

As in all things financially associated, you have to do your home work.

 

Bought a '98 FXSTC on eBay. Wife was selling husband's bike. He had died recently. Both had bikes. Had all maint done by their local HD. Everything, oil changes, etc. just had a 25k insp done and had all records from day 1. She gave me all the data, photos, everything I requested including copies of title and a death certificate, which my DMV needed since both she and husband were on title. Agreed on purchase subject to inspection, bike was in pristine condition. Unfortunately not all eBay transactions are as easy.

 

Agreed with that one.. Ebay i've only been looking at as a price guide to see what bikes are selling for. But it gets tempting. I'm also looking at remote HD dealers listings, as well a other non-affiliated bike dealers.
Personally, I'd feel more comfortable buying remote from an HD dealer if buying HD, Honda if buying Honda, etc..

One question about process.. Do you call them up and haggle before coming to see it or vice versa?

 

I won't buy anything more than a shirt online because (I want to see it.. feel it and touch it,), let alone think about buying a bike unless it was a Total Steal/Great price where I could spend K's and K's to make it road worthy again..

But,,,, some have and done OK,, As for Me I would not buy anything more than clothing on line,, it aint gonna happen... just me --- Been there and done that,, never again...

Cant tell you what to do...... just follow your brain thoughts.





.