Buying a Bike Online
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: North Dakota
Buying a Bike Online
Hey guys, newb here. I am going to buy a bike here in the next couple of months (if not sooner). I have my mind set on a Fat Bob, and what I really want is one (2010) with the "Purgatory" paint set, but they are not to be had, so fine, Denim Black it will be. I have been scouring Craigslist, Ebay, Cycletrader, the classifieds (on here I have found one, nice bike too.).
What is interesting is in all of the blacked out bikes, with aftermarket pipes, no one has installed the Screaming Eagle slipons (flat black), I have seen the chrome ones, but not the black, until today. I have found a bike finally with everything I am looking for (used of course) out of state at a Harley dealer. Luckily for me the bike is located where I have a good friend (and Harley rider) who can look at it for me
My question is, how many have bought a bike via the internet, never have ridden it, kicked the tires first, or drooled on it in the lot? Any regrets, any words of wisdom? Anything you might have done different?
Appreciate any info. Thanks!!!!!!
What is interesting is in all of the blacked out bikes, with aftermarket pipes, no one has installed the Screaming Eagle slipons (flat black), I have seen the chrome ones, but not the black, until today. I have found a bike finally with everything I am looking for (used of course) out of state at a Harley dealer. Luckily for me the bike is located where I have a good friend (and Harley rider) who can look at it for me
My question is, how many have bought a bike via the internet, never have ridden it, kicked the tires first, or drooled on it in the lot? Any regrets, any words of wisdom? Anything you might have done different?
Appreciate any info. Thanks!!!!!!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 661
Likes: 8
From: WV
I think I would find a bike similar to the one you want and ride it to make sure you like it. After that you will have more of an idea if you want to take the chance to buy the one you like. I did the opposite, I am in WV and I traveled from TEN to PA looking at all the Harley dealers until I found mine. I looked for about 8 months before I found the one for me lol
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 6
From: Jax, FL
I bought all three of my bikes online and out of state. Took my time looking for just the right one and always had the option of walking away if I got there and it wasn't as advertised. I've had a LOT of bikes over the years though and am pretty comfortable with what to look for on used bikes. Get good pictures of every angle and with your friend looking at it you should be fine.
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: los angeles
I would personally not be comfortable with buying a bike online without inspecting it first. Their could be problems that the seller isnt even aware of and you you might inherite someone else's headache.
I bought a chrome primary cover on ebay once for $125 thought I scored big time turns out the cover was warped and no matter what size gasket I tried the F**ckin thing leaked primary oil like crazy!!!!
I bought a chrome primary cover on ebay once for $125 thought I scored big time turns out the cover was warped and no matter what size gasket I tried the F**ckin thing leaked primary oil like crazy!!!!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12,359
Likes: 74
From: WI
I bought mine on CL, twice. First one 100 miles away and the second only about 50 miles away. But here's what I did - First, get pictures (i.e. some sort of evidence so you know it's real). Second, verify the bike is not stolen by running the VIN (check with local PD or DMV). Third, check the sellers driver's license (helps to verify where he/she lives should something come up and also helps keep people honest). If there's a lien, make your check payable directly to lien holder and mail it out yourself with instructions to send the lien release directly to you (seller should sign that letter also). Do not leave the deal (after cash has been exchanged) without a signed title. If there's no title, the sale didn't actually happen.... And finally, whatever deal you make via phone or email, make sure all parties know that you WILL WALK if anything seems wrong, misrepresented, or whatever. Oh, and one more thing, don't leave the deal without the signed title! Cover those things, and it will certainly minimize your risk. Good luck.
Remember the signed title.
Remember the signed title.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 6
From: Jax, FL
HS Street Bob makes some great points but I disagree with the signed title requirement. That elminates MANY bikes since lots of folks have loans that need to be paid off in order to get the title. As long as you get a Bill of Sale with the above verifications you're fiine. You can also verify with the financial institute that holds the title that the payoff and owner are as represented.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
I would recommend not buying a bike unless it is within reasonable driving range so you can see it and test ride it (say within 100-150 miles). Buying a motorcycle (or car) sight unseen, that will be a front line vehicle (as opposed to a junker that you are going to rebuild, etc) is a recipe for disaster.
Do not be in a rush. The world is full of late model motorcycles for 20-40% off for any number of reasons. If you rush, you will suffer.
Do not be in a rush. The world is full of late model motorcycles for 20-40% off for any number of reasons. If you rush, you will suffer.
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: pa
i bought my nightster 2 months ago from ebay from a dealer about 2 hours away. i'm in pa. in pa you have 3 business days to return any motorvehicle purchase. it was a no brainer deal. just be sure to ask the right questions. was it a trade, did you buy it at an insurance auction, was it a repo. i would be most afraid of a repo bike. harley financing provides special auctions for dealers only to buy out bikes that were in default. most people wouldn't be really pleased that the the bike was going to be taken away, and some might even be compelled to make modifications such as sand in the oil, sugar in the tank, extended over rev to insure if they can't have it, no one else will either.
as far as the signed title, a bill of sale will only hold up if it was notarized. do the transaction with a check to the lien holder. the lien holder does not care if it is a personal check or not. they are not about to release the title until the check clears. get the standing mileage of the bike at the time you deliver the check and get the keys. if you are in pa you don't want a signed title, you want the seller in the notary office standing next to you.
as far as the signed title, a bill of sale will only hold up if it was notarized. do the transaction with a check to the lien holder. the lien holder does not care if it is a personal check or not. they are not about to release the title until the check clears. get the standing mileage of the bike at the time you deliver the check and get the keys. if you are in pa you don't want a signed title, you want the seller in the notary office standing next to you.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
Regarding insisting on only certain color and equipment:
When you want it bad, you get it bad.
If you won't be prepared to buy that bike for a couple months, don't jerk the dealer around.
