Odometer is blank?
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Odometer is blank?
A guy by me is selling a 2012 Street Glide that I’m tempted to buy. He says it’s got a clean title, but the odometer is showing as blank. Here’s his story:
It was impounded in California, not for theft or damage but because the rider got arrested, and someone in impound managed to get the original ECM shut down. They bought a new ECM online and installed it themselves. Once they did that, the odometer stopped showing any mileage. The guy selling it bought it to flip for profit, but Cali taxed him so much on the purchase that it basically eliminated any profit he could’ve made by selling it.
His asking price for the bike is a lot less than what book value is, simply because of the odometer issue and that he just wants to get rid of it. I know I’d be taking a risk buying this, but realistically....if the bike is inspected and mechanically is given a clean bill of health, what would need to be done in order to get the odometer to show the mileage again?
It was impounded in California, not for theft or damage but because the rider got arrested, and someone in impound managed to get the original ECM shut down. They bought a new ECM online and installed it themselves. Once they did that, the odometer stopped showing any mileage. The guy selling it bought it to flip for profit, but Cali taxed him so much on the purchase that it basically eliminated any profit he could’ve made by selling it.
His asking price for the bike is a lot less than what book value is, simply because of the odometer issue and that he just wants to get rid of it. I know I’d be taking a risk buying this, but realistically....if the bike is inspected and mechanically is given a clean bill of health, what would need to be done in order to get the odometer to show the mileage again?
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
It’s already titled and registered here. All in the current owner’s name. But....I’m still planning to cal the DMV in the morning to make sure everything is on the up and up. Better safe than sorry.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1,353
From: Kansas
The key word here is RUN. Run far away.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 910
From: Eastern Canada
I agree run FAST and FAR
When purchasing any item, and there seems like there is a reson to doubt the integrety of the seller, it usually just gets worse, and worse.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,133
Likes: 5,366
Among the "all kinds of issues" I mentioned in my earlier post is where are you getting all this information about the bike "was impounded in California, not for theft or damage but because the rider got arrested" and the part about "someone in impound managed to get the original ECM shut down"? Do you know this information first hand or is the guy wanting to sell you the bike feeding you this crap? What does that mean, "shut down"? Why the hell, if that's even possible, would they do that?
It sounds like to me the guy selling the bike is feeding you a line of bulls*t. As others have suggested, RUN!
It sounds like to me the guy selling the bike is feeding you a line of bulls*t. As others have suggested, RUN!
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Obviously the seller is the one that told me that whole story. I know there’s a lot of warning signs here and that it comes off as a bit fishy.
I wouldn’t hand over any cash unless the bike gets a full inspection first and comes out with a clean bill of health. And I’d run a VIN check and possibly also track down details from Cali about the impound too.
What would I have to lose IF a dealer ran over it with a fine tooth comb and said there is nothing wrong with it? (aside from the odometer issue needing to be fixed of course)
We’re talking $7,000 for a $12,000 bike.
I wouldn’t hand over any cash unless the bike gets a full inspection first and comes out with a clean bill of health. And I’d run a VIN check and possibly also track down details from Cali about the impound too.
What would I have to lose IF a dealer ran over it with a fine tooth comb and said there is nothing wrong with it? (aside from the odometer issue needing to be fixed of course)
We’re talking $7,000 for a $12,000 bike.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 773
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From: Between purgatory and retirement
I wouldn’t go near it, but you are not me.
The ECM story sounds like he doesn’t have a clue as to what he is doing, or is hoping you don’t.
Is he including the original ECM?
Is it a salvage title?
What is the milage they are claiming is on the bike?
I would suggest first, taking a picture of the VIN and Engine number, see if they match.
Maybe take the VIN to a local dealer and see if you can talk someone there into looking up MOCO history.
Then maybe request a Carfax report, but that will cost you some of the money you are saving.
If you are on good terms with your insurance agent maybe ask them if they will have a problem insuring it; you may be able to get some history from them.
Good luck with your decision.
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The ECM story sounds like he doesn’t have a clue as to what he is doing, or is hoping you don’t.
Is he including the original ECM?
Is it a salvage title?
What is the milage they are claiming is on the bike?
I would suggest first, taking a picture of the VIN and Engine number, see if they match.
Maybe take the VIN to a local dealer and see if you can talk someone there into looking up MOCO history.
Then maybe request a Carfax report, but that will cost you some of the money you are saving.
If you are on good terms with your insurance agent maybe ask them if they will have a problem insuring it; you may be able to get some history from them.
Good luck with your decision.
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