Total Motorcycle Community Forums

What do you guys recommend for someone who might be buying a bike from someone else that lives in another state? For instance, I found a bike I really like in West Virginia, well I live in Michigan. I have requested more pictures than the ad shows and I would most definitely speak with the man prior to going down to see it.

I guess my question is this; is it just a risk I'm taking by spending my money in gas by driving 12 hours to see a bike? Is there anything I can ask the man or request from him that might save myself from a wasted trip? I'm leary about being so far away but this deal I cannot pass up.

You should know that this is my first road bike and that I am very new at this idea, though I have been riding dirt for 4 years.

Thanks for your help guys!!

Well, if you have no problem with the travel, go for it. Make it a little weekend vacation to WV. Check it out like you would check out a used bike from the guy down the block.

For what to look for when looking at used bikes, check out this website: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

Someone once condensed all that information down into a 6 page document file in checklist form, but the site that was on no longer exists. Bummer. Ask the guy some questions on the phone based on what you read on that website.

If it still sounds good, make the trip. If this turns out to be the bike for you, then worry about getting from WV to Michigan. If you don't want it, well you still had a nice weekend getaway to WV.

I don't think i'd buy a used bike without seeing it. You might like it in the pciture but once you sit on it you might not like it or you might see something defective a picture won't pick up. I'd go see it and be ready to buy it if you like it.

Sweet Tooth wrote:I don't think i'd buy a used bike without seeing it. You might like it in the pciture but once you sit on it you might not like it or you might see something defective a picture won't pick up. I'd go see it and be ready to buy it if you like it.

I agree

Unless you can inspect it, don't buy it. Just because he says it'll work doesn't mean that it will.

I have a working Harddrive I bought off e-bay... that doesn't spin up.

Go to a dealership and see if you can sit on the coresponding bike for a while and see if it's nice and comfortable still after a half hour.

Call a local dealership. Many of them will look at the bike to make sure it's up to par. They won't tear into the mechanics to see if there's a problem, but they will check it against the ad, your expectations and give it a small test drive to make sure it seems ok. Costs about $50 in the D.C. metro area but definately worth it when you buy across state lines.

you want a new bike dirt cheap? click on this www.trackntrail.net and click on 'sales" and click on the current advertized sales add.

I agree, there is no way I'm buying before going to look at it. Hopefully I'll get to look at it this weekend or next, and hopefully it doesnt sell before then.

Thanks for the advice guys!! Wish me luck!

I will relay my experience and maybe some advice. I just got a Suzuki V-strom from a great guy in KY (I'm in Ohio). He had it advertised on a V-strom website. The sale went like clockwork. He had everything ready and represented the bike exactly as described. He even reduced the price of the bike by 100 when a piece broke the night before I picked it up.

On the other hand, my son arranged to get a bike from a guy in NC. He was going to meet him in TN. The night before the trip, my son had an accident by hitting a deer on his MC. He broke his collar bone but that did not stop the deal. What did was my son's description of his title. He told my son he had a title in the previous owner's name but everything was "OK" since he signed it on the back and had it notorized. What an idiot! He said he has sold many bikes that way. Not knowing NC law, I emailed NC DMV. He was trying to get out of paying tax and was going to sell a bike that could not be transferred into my son's name...but he did not care about that. My son would have traveled 7 hours and may have bought it not knowing any better (he is 19) and would have been screwed. I have met very nice guys dealing with MC but there are jerks out there too. Buyer beware!