Buying Sight Unseen?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,303
Likes: 2,404
From: Florida
I've bought many vehicles from photos only. At least 20-25 cars from Ebay over the last 20 years.
I've never lost a cent on any of the cars, normally make $3-10K each.
I bought my Road King from a member here, and the bike was exactly as described, almost perfect.
It's all about good pics, and honesty. If they refuse to send close up pics, and fail a phone interview, I move on to the next one.
I've never lost a cent on any of the cars, normally make $3-10K each.
I bought my Road King from a member here, and the bike was exactly as described, almost perfect.
It's all about good pics, and honesty. If they refuse to send close up pics, and fail a phone interview, I move on to the next one.
The bike has a 30-day guarantee.
I think I'm going to pull the trigger, after some more research.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,303
Likes: 2,404
From: Florida
Well, here's one buyers experience dealing with a distant seller. What are you willing to risk?
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...s-failure.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...s-failure.html
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 727
From: Michigan
I sold motorcycles for 4 years. Guys would come in without their ride and wanted an idea of its trade-in value. It was like the police encounter when they ask how much some guy had to drink and it's always "only two". The bikes were always" beautiful and well maintained". We tend to overestimate our ride. I wouldn't buy an unseen bike with a gun to my head.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
If I was looking for an old beater truck to use on a hunting property maybe, but a bike not so sure. A used bike I would want to ride it and hear it run. When in doubt, proceed with caution.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,555
Likes: 5,905
From: Syracuse NY
I bought my 16 FLHTK from an Ebay seller in Long Is. I did the phone interview while I was looking at his shop on Google Street View. There were several tells during the conversation that made me go forward with the deal. Like he told me three times about a thumbnail sized chip on the left bag.
I wired $21k for bike and sales taxes. I was nervous. 3 bank officials tried to talk me outta it. I let the seller have the bike & $ for a week until I flew down. Other than the terror of me being at the wrong address that was an empty factory, the deal was good. Great bike at a dealer wholesale price. Rode it the 5-hours home.
Plus it makes for a great story!
I wired $21k for bike and sales taxes. I was nervous. 3 bank officials tried to talk me outta it. I let the seller have the bike & $ for a week until I flew down. Other than the terror of me being at the wrong address that was an empty factory, the deal was good. Great bike at a dealer wholesale price. Rode it the 5-hours home.
Plus it makes for a great story!
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,555
Likes: 5,905
From: Syracuse NY
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,692
Likes: 7,263
From: Syracuse,NY
I bought mine off eBay. It was in Houston, I'm in NY. I had him send me a video of it started and running. Ebay has some protection if you buy it and the engine is bad. Don't know about Craigslist. Had one issue a few months later (ICU and ABS) but I don't think it's likely he knew. H even called me a few months later to ask how it was going. I sent him pics from AZ on a trip. Seems like a good guy. Good luck.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 758
Likes: 134
From: Florida Panhandle