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Hello everyone, It has been about 12 years since my last bike so I'm learning about all the new models now. I'm 6'6" 270lbs and I'm looking for a bike to ease me back into things. I found this bike on craigslist and would appreciate a second opinion on the merits of the bike and how I would fit on it.

The bike - 2001 Yamaha V-star 650cc. 11,000 miles. Sharp, clean bike has side bags, windshield, floor boards and sisy bar. Comes with Yamaha fitted cover. Divorce forces sale. Price is $2500

Judgeing from the pictures the bike is clean and in good shape.

Thanks for the help.

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That's a great bike to get back into the game with, and it sounds like a great price. I'd jump on that!

Thanks for the input. Can anyone give me some pointers for the best way to make the transaction? With all the scammers out there, I want to make sure I don't get burned. I'm going to go see the bike in person and get it checked out by a mechanic. It is an hour and a half drive for me and I don't feel like bringing $2500 in cash on me to meet someone for the first time. I understand a lot of sellers don't like to take checks though. Is there another way that is acceptable to both me and the seller?

I'm hoping this deal isn't a scam now. I'll have to drive an hour to find out for sure. I asked him if he had title in hand and that I wouldn't be coming out if he didn't. This is the e-mail he sent back.

.... I understand about the title. I checked, it was mailed today. Should be here middle of next week. The deal I have with this guy seams fair. He is going to give me all but $500. I am going to send the title COD for $500. I do have proof that I do own the bike. I have 2 past registrations plus the current one. I also have a bill or two for sevice (oil changes and such in my name...

I e-mailed back telling him I would check back next week to see if he got the title.

Good bike, good price, but you're right to wait to see if he actually gets title in hand. The only way I would even consider a bike with a lien holder is if the lien holder was a local bank or credit union and we could walk in and have them do the paperwork.

I know it feels awkward to carry that much cash, but if you're going to test ride a bike, chances are the seller will require cash in hand. I did when I sold my Rebel; I didn't require the guy to leave it with me, but he had to have it, and he left the keys to his truck (and his truck) with me. Failing that, I would have accompanied him on his test ride on my SV...but in my ad I specified M1 license and cash in hand.

You might eb able tot est ride if you leave collateral. Like a spouse. Hostages tend to work

Thumper wrote: You might eb able tot est ride if you leave collateral. Like a spouse. Hostages tend to work

That depends on the spouse! If she's wearing an "I'm with stupid" T-shirt abort mission!!!

I did a test drive around my complex for anyone who was interested in my bike. I told them same thing if they wanted to get on it they needed to have the cash on hand and if they dropped it they bought it.

He says the title is free and clear, that he has just lost it and is in the process of getting a replacement. Is there a way to use the VIN number to check out who owns the title on the bike and if it is free and clear? Something like CarFacts for motorcycles?

My gut is telling me scam and I should probably listen to it. But, man am I hoping I am wrong.

On a side note: all of my major purchases have been through buisinesses and dealers. What does one generally do in a private sale? I'm guessing, he signs the part on the title signing it over to me. I then take it back to the state I'm in and register the vehicle. Do I need to pay any sales taxes? I would be buying the bike in Mass and registering it in Rhode Island. I would most likely want to get some sort of written receipt, for the cash, from him too I am assuming.

Before going to look, find out what YOUR state requires in order to register a motorcycle. No doubt a bill of sale will be required.

Some states have started to clamp down on 'lowball' BOS (saying you actually paid $500 when you in fact paid $2500) Which is done primarily to avoid paying sales taxes. They may require a notarized copy of the bill of sale. If you don't have one, they will assess sales tax based on one of the published value guides numbers (such as Kelly Blue Book).

Wait until the seller has the title. When he does, you might ask him to fax you a copy... to prove it.

P

If he is in a different state than you are, find out from his Motor Vehicle Dept. what he has to do to transfer title--in Ohio, his signature to the title has to be notarized.

I would not go alone, and I would get every scrap of info I can from him beforehand, and make sure somebody else, who isn't with me, knows all of it. I have even been known to have a good friend call my cell while I am still with the seller. Then I call my friend back when I am safely away. Most people would probably find that to be overkill, though.

Getting him to fax the title is a great idea, too.

Email the VIN to the Mass. DOL where it's supposedly titled and ask them if they can help in determining the stauts of the title. They will know more about this than anyone here.

I wouldn't be too worried about a lost title. People lose them all the time so there's no need to suspect a scam.

I have 2 past registrations plus the current one.

If that's true then there probably isn't much to worry about if you're holding back some cash until the title comes.

If you're meeting someone at their residence, then it's not likely they are going to scam you.

When I sell a bike, I only take cold, hard cash (cashiers checks can be faked) and don't allow test rides unless the buyer has given me the cash up front.

If you are really worried about carrying that much cash, get a cahiers check from a well-known, estalbihed bank - then let the seller of the bike know the name of the bank and the check number. This should allow the seller to call the bank to verify that it's a good check.