Craigslist...better States to look in for a used bike?

[gsus]

Things aren't looking all that great for my current bike. It has trouble starting and I'm starting to feel less and less inclined to put more money into it to get it running (may need a stator & rectifier/regulator). Anyway, I'm thinking if I can't get this bike running again, I may be looking for a new bike. I'm primarily using craigslist to find bikes. Obviously craigslist covers all the states, so I'm wondering if its best to try to look for bikes from one state over an other?

I'm not against buying bikes here in Chicago, I just want to get an overall selection to choose from. Also, if I were to get a bike from a far state, are there any good recommended shipping companies that can deliver the bike to me... and how much would that usually run?

[jonnythan]

Things aren't looking all that great for my current bike. It has trouble starting and I'm starting to feel less and less inclined to put more money into it to get it running (may need a stator & rectifier/regulator). Anyway, I'm thinking if I can't get this bike running again, I may be looking for a new bike. I'm primarily using craigslist to find bikes. Obviously craigslist covers all the states, so I'm wondering if its best to try to look for bikes from one state over an other?

I'm not against buying bikes here in Chicago, I just want to get an overall selection to choose from. Also, if I were to get a bike from a far state, are there any good recommended shipping companies that can deliver the bike to me... and how much would that usually run?

Craigslist and shipping?

Hahahahahahahahhahahahahahha.

Don't ever buy ANYTHING, much less a motorcycle, over Craigslist without examining it first-hand.

Search Craigslist areas you're willing to drive to.

[whisper15]

I would not buy anyting site unseen. You need to look at it and make sure it runs and not rusty or defects. It may look nice on the site but when you get it you might be surprised and most people will not refund. So unless you plan to go to the place you find on Craigs list it probably be better to buy local so you can see the bike in person. Too many people have been burned on site like that unless you can travel to that area to see it for yourself.

[Brackstone]

I agree don't trust craigslist at all with shipping things.

Maybe something like EBay I could see because there are certain legalities but even though I wouldn't trust it 100%

[KingRobb]

alot of bikes listed in indianapolis+ short drive

[slimcolo]

Craigslist is usually a good place. there are some scams going around DO NOT send any money for a security deposit on a bike that is a really good deal (leads you to think it is a repo located locally but money must be sent overseas) You'll never see bike or money. Craigs list will remove this but it takes them about a day. I have seen it twice in the last year both times removed by Craig's list

With Ebay you can do a local search and only look at bikes that are close enough to go and see before you buy. Also many bikes on Ebay are listed by dealerships and come w/all the perks of such like a warranty. I have bought blkes (from private sellers) on Ebay before and was always leery. (I made arrangements with seller to pay at pick up, so I could back out if it wasn't as in ad, both times everything was OK but be extra careful)