Ebay Purchase?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From: Woodstock, GA
Ebay Purchase?
Looking for some stories and information from anyone whose bought their Harley on Ebay. Anything not real obvious that I need to watch out for? Anyone have problems with people with low/zero feedback? What would you do or not do differently next time? Any really excellent Ebay sellers within a two day ride from Atlanta you've dealt with? What are your sure "no buy" signs without actually taking the bike to a mechanic? Thanks!
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Airdrie, AB
RE: Ebay Purchase?
First and foremost the scams are rampant on ebay. If the price seems too good to be true then it is. Do not respond to any second chance offers or spoof emails that appear to be from ebay that look legitimate. Don't fall for the common ruse whereby the seller was suddenly transferred overseas or has a sick family member and will pay the freight etc etc...
Do your research, read the sellers feedback and stay away from the ones that are selling the bike for a friend, brother in law, uncle.. etc.
Do your research, read the sellers feedback and stay away from the ones that are selling the bike for a friend, brother in law, uncle.. etc.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 2
From: South Fla.
RE: Ebay Purchase?
I have bought a few bikes off ebay but every time looked at them first which can be a pain if its far away. Out of 5 bikes I looked at3 were as advertized, 2 were not. Guess what I'm saying is don't trust anybody, look at it before you buy. Good Luck!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Ebay Purchase?
I've bought one and sold one on ebay. My thoughts are deal only with the private owner and not a dealership. My bike was one year old with 1300 miles on it when I bought it a little over a year ago. I emailed back and forth to the seller several times and the bike was described as flawless. The seller had a history on ebay and his feed back was pure gold. I bought the bike and it was as described. It still is except the mileage is now 15,000. 
I would say it's just a matter of using common sense.
I would say it's just a matter of using common sense.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
RE: Ebay Purchase?
I would not purchase any vehicle off eBay without first seeing it. (I bought a car and a truck...Not what they were advertised to be. I parted out the car, and still have the truck.). Nor would I purchase anything without looking at the title first. I tried to purchase a 1972 'vette...But the guy was a scammer. Look for local sellers, orsellers within a reasonable distance.
Check the feedback, and also check the terms of payment. Get a phone number and actually talk with the seller. Then make your deal.
Problem with eBay is that things tend to sell at a premium. This is especially true with HD's. People seem to think they are worth way more than what the market is for them. Notice I said 'what the market is for them'. With so many new HD's available, they aren't worth the premium resale they once were. If you're gonna bid: Have a maximum price, and use that to bid. Don't go above it.
Check the feedback, and also check the terms of payment. Get a phone number and actually talk with the seller. Then make your deal.
Problem with eBay is that things tend to sell at a premium. This is especially true with HD's. People seem to think they are worth way more than what the market is for them. Notice I said 'what the market is for them'. With so many new HD's available, they aren't worth the premium resale they once were. If you're gonna bid: Have a maximum price, and use that to bid. Don't go above it.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Ebay Purchase?
I bought mine off e-bay. The seller had 100%positive feedback, but sold nothing near as expensive as the bike. I didn't have to send a deposit and had several long phone conversations. Flew to Ft. Lauderdale to pick-up and drive back with cash in hand. Still have a year on the extended warranty. Smooth tranaction. The long phone conversations and the reverse google phone # look-up with all accurate info brought confidence this wasn't a scam.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,871
Likes: 4
RE: Ebay Purchase?
before you buy ask if he or she will take it to a dealer of your choice, for a walk around and mech check , and if they will do that than you can be relaxed about your purchase, also have them take title with them so they can check that, of course you have to pay for said service but at least the 75 to 100 bucks might same alot of sleepless nites
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Chatsworth, CA
RE: Ebay Purchase?
i bought my 02' fatty from this guy in march 07. absolutely fantastic transaction. bike is in perfect working condition with no troubles. he also offers free shipping. it was delivered all the way from NC to l.a. calif.
http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/harleyman406/
http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/harleyman406/
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 4
RE: Ebay Purchase?
ORIGINAL: grooveman
First and foremost the scams are rampant on ebay. If the price seems too good to be true then it is. Do not respond to any second chance offers or spoof emails that appear to be from ebay that look legitimate. Don't fall for the common ruse whereby the seller was suddenly transferred overseas or has a sick family member and will pay the freight etc etc...
Do your research, read the sellers feedback and stay away from the ones that are selling the bike for a friend, brother in law, uncle.. etc.
First and foremost the scams are rampant on ebay. If the price seems too good to be true then it is. Do not respond to any second chance offers or spoof emails that appear to be from ebay that look legitimate. Don't fall for the common ruse whereby the seller was suddenly transferred overseas or has a sick family member and will pay the freight etc etc...
Do your research, read the sellers feedback and stay away from the ones that are selling the bike for a friend, brother in law, uncle.. etc.
If your lookin for something peticular give him a call he should be that far from you, he has a lot more bikes in the shop than whats online.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: KY
RE: Ebay Purchase?
I have bought a couple Harleys off Ebay. Well, almost.
What I did was watch the auctions and found a bike that I liked that didn't sell. Then I emailed the ownerto make an offer. I got a couple really good deals this way. Last one I bought the owner was getting a divorce and I pretty much stole the darn thing.
Just make sure you are close enough to see the bike in person first.
What I did was watch the auctions and found a bike that I liked that didn't sell. Then I emailed the ownerto make an offer. I got a couple really good deals this way. Last one I bought the owner was getting a divorce and I pretty much stole the darn thing.
Just make sure you are close enough to see the bike in person first.