When buying from private......
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
Likes: 8
From: Pluto
When buying from private......
As spring peers just around the corner I can't help but think about my next bike - road king - (as soon as my roadstar sells). I have only been riding 3 years now so I am not all that knowledgeable about the mechanics of bikes so I have a question: When buying from a private seller, what are the steps you take as you look over the bike? What are you looking for and how do you look for it? What kinds of things would turn you away? Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
Like you, I am also not too mechanically inclined. So when I bought my Road King last year (private party, out-of-state), I had the seller take the bike to an HD dealer and had a PrePurchase Inspection (PPI) done at my cost.
If I were buying local, I would still do the same thig. I prefer 1-owner bikes with a good service/maintenance history, lightly modded. Best of luck.
P.S. One thing that would turn me away is a SALVAGE titlte, crappy/banged up paint job, extensive rust/pitting.
If I were buying local, I would still do the same thig. I prefer 1-owner bikes with a good service/maintenance history, lightly modded. Best of luck.
P.S. One thing that would turn me away is a SALVAGE titlte, crappy/banged up paint job, extensive rust/pitting.
Last edited by kromdom; Jan 24, 2010 at 10:49 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 379
From: Florida
Common sense overall condition visually which will give you an indication of how well it's been taken care of in general, ask for all service records and servicing dealership. Get the VIN and call the dealership to confirm service etc., ride it of course and lastly if you're happy with everything, get it thoroughly checked over by a mechanic. Private sales are by far to me, the way to go. Stealers will do just that, steal for the most part. Not all of them but most of them.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 3
From: Kewanee, IL.
Like badbagger said... service records are nice... one thing I have seen alot of lately is people changing the speedo/odo out to a newer one with lower miles... service records would surely help confirming the actual miles. Good luck!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,716
Likes: 13
all of the above plus check underneath the frame,crashbars and floorboards for road rash, around here alot of dealers have better deals then people that think the market is the same as 10-14 years ago.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Southern IL
Common sense overall condition visually which will give you an indication of how well it's been taken care of in general, ask for all service records and servicing dealership. Get the VIN and call the dealership to confirm service etc., ride it of course and lastly if you're happy with everything, get it thoroughly checked over by a mechanic. Private sales are by far to me, the way to go. Stealers will do just that, steal for the most part. Not all of them but most of them.
Surely you gotta realize that making a profit is not "stealing". I'm sure that if you owned a DEALERship that you would want to make profit on every sale. As much profit as possible. If not, then you won't be in business very long. It's amazing that some people just can't grasp how profit/loss works. I know every DEALER isn't reputable, and some are downright dishonest--been there. Doesn't make every harley DEALER a thief. What some guys can't seem to grasp is that all these HUGE amounts of money that DEALERS make is offset by HUGE amounts of expense. No, I don't own a dealership, don't work at a dealership, and have no relatives that do. BUT I have worked in new car dealerships in both parts, service and sales. It's the same scenario-everyone thinks that the DEALER gets to keep every dime he takes in and has NO expenses and that makes him a thief.
Again-I know all about dishonest dealers-I've dealt with a few.
Ok, turn loose the dogs. I'm sure I'll get flamed but doesn't make it any less true.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
If you are a good judge of people you should be able to spot a bull slinger.Look at the mileage then at say the pulley teeth,all areas where there would be obvious signs,wheels centered in fenders,look at the bike from the bottom up for scrapes and scratches if any found ask about them.Get a feel for honesty of seller.
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Mattoon, Il
Remember that a dealer has the liability of selling a used bike. If they want to stay in business they will go over every used bike with a fine tooth comb and that is why I would pay a little more at a dealer then private sell.
I purchased my first bike from a friend because I knew that he would not sell a lemon because he would see me every week. The second bike over the internet from a dealer because dealers can't really sell bad bikes and stay in business.
If you go private, make sure to meet them at their house and look around. If the house, cars, yard look unkept then bike may not have been taken care of either.
I purchased my first bike from a friend because I knew that he would not sell a lemon because he would see me every week. The second bike over the internet from a dealer because dealers can't really sell bad bikes and stay in business.
If you go private, make sure to meet them at their house and look around. If the house, cars, yard look unkept then bike may not have been taken care of either.
Last edited by MIKE722; Jan 24, 2010 at 01:14 PM.
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