Buying a bike without seeing it in person
Discussion
I've been on the lookout for an early R1 for a couple of months now, I dont have a huge budget and prices are all over the place due to perceived demand of future classics by some so high prices which generally dont sell and some lower priced scrappy lookimg ones.
My budget is on the lower side of the good ones but I've been waiting for one to come up at the right price, I livd in the south east of England which means theres not normally many near me (a 50 mile radius from my house is 3/4 sea!)
One has recently been listed on eBay from a bike shop in the midlands as a part ex to clear, it looks clean and the guy says it is, he reassures me that it wants for nothing, it has a pair of decent tyres fitted which is always a bonus for me as shows the previous owner doesn't necessarily scrimp on buying things, its possibly a little cheap but not so cheap it concerns me too much it just seems proced to sell.
I dont have the time to go and view it, he has offered delivery for £180 plus £100 deposit, i dont pay the rest until im happy with the bike on delivery. The deposit and delivery fee is non refundable.
Should I be concerned? It seems legitimate, the small price upfront is appealing, although it says its non refundable so I could still get knocked for nearly £300
I couldn't ever imagine considering buying something without looking at it, but it seems like a good enough opportunity to not want yo let it slip and I genuinly dont have the time to be traveling to go and view bikes as they're all 2.5+ hours from home so writes a whole day off.
Let me know what you think please
My budget is on the lower side of the good ones but I've been waiting for one to come up at the right price, I livd in the south east of England which means theres not normally many near me (a 50 mile radius from my house is 3/4 sea!)
One has recently been listed on eBay from a bike shop in the midlands as a part ex to clear, it looks clean and the guy says it is, he reassures me that it wants for nothing, it has a pair of decent tyres fitted which is always a bonus for me as shows the previous owner doesn't necessarily scrimp on buying things, its possibly a little cheap but not so cheap it concerns me too much it just seems proced to sell.
I dont have the time to go and view it, he has offered delivery for £180 plus £100 deposit, i dont pay the rest until im happy with the bike on delivery. The deposit and delivery fee is non refundable.
Should I be concerned? It seems legitimate, the small price upfront is appealing, although it says its non refundable so I could still get knocked for nearly £300
I couldn't ever imagine considering buying something without looking at it, but it seems like a good enough opportunity to not want yo let it slip and I genuinly dont have the time to be traveling to go and view bikes as they're all 2.5+ hours from home so writes a whole day off.
Let me know what you think please
Won’t they do you a decent walk around video with plenty of close ups? Won’t cover everything but will help you build a picture if it. Whilst the delivery charge shouldn’t be refundable, the deposit should be if it’s not as described. Look up the consumers rights act for buying sight unseen
If a days wages and travel expenses to go and see it cost you less than £280 then go and view it, would imagine it would cost you more than that, whereabouts in the midlands is it, a friendly local PH Biker could pop and look at it on your behalf to ensure the seller is describing it accurately?
Its in Brierley Hill, there is a walk around video linked on YouTube which shows it in a shop etc
It looks ok but I find it hard to tell condition from pictures/videos as the like bounces off the shiny paintwork which naturally makes it look like its scratched or damaged when its likely not.
It looks ok but I find it hard to tell condition from pictures/videos as the like bounces off the shiny paintwork which naturally makes it look like its scratched or damaged when its likely not.
I've traveled further than that to view bikes.
Even done it twice, once to view before bidding on ebay, then again to pick it up.
You could build a weekend away around it.
Or you could understand exactly what happens if you get it delivered and don't like it, against the full cost of viewing it, including your time, and the time of whoever is going to drive your car back after buying it.
There's a case for buying vehicles unseen and getting them delivered, it happens a lot, often works out well. Sometimes doesn't.
Even done it twice, once to view before bidding on ebay, then again to pick it up.
You could build a weekend away around it.
Or you could understand exactly what happens if you get it delivered and don't like it, against the full cost of viewing it, including your time, and the time of whoever is going to drive your car back after buying it.
There's a case for buying vehicles unseen and getting them delivered, it happens a lot, often works out well. Sometimes doesn't.
I’ve bought a bike unseen apart from video’s and pictures of the bike and paid a fortune and lost a fortune when i sold it 12 months later after spending a fortune more on it as it’d been damaged in a crash and done up to sell. It was done up quite well but i paid for a bike that was standard and hadn’t been in an accident, seller stated it hadn’t been in a crash. Will i buy unseen in person again? Will i hell, i lost around £4500 on that bike.
So would i recommend buying unseen? No!
So would i recommend buying unseen? No!
Is it West Midlands motorcycle centre?
I'm fairly local but, not sure why, I've never been.
They have a lot of stock and a big mix of bikes that are pushed in and out daily
They generally have a good reputation from what I hear and have been there a long time
If I'm up that way this week I could see if it's outside or what not
I'm no mechanic so couldn't pass any technical review of it other than its general condition
I'm fairly local but, not sure why, I've never been.
They have a lot of stock and a big mix of bikes that are pushed in and out daily
They generally have a good reputation from what I hear and have been there a long time
If I'm up that way this week I could see if it's outside or what not
I'm no mechanic so couldn't pass any technical review of it other than its general condition
TechnoKnows said:
Is it West Midlands motorcycle centre?
I'm fairly local but, not sure why, I've never been.
They have a lot of stock and a big mix of bikes that are pushed in and out daily
They generally have a good reputation from what I hear and have been there a long time
If I'm up that way this week I could see if it's outside or what not
I'm no mechanic so couldn't pass any technical review of it other than its general condition
Yes its there. I'm fairly local but, not sure why, I've never been.
They have a lot of stock and a big mix of bikes that are pushed in and out daily
They generally have a good reputation from what I hear and have been there a long time
If I'm up that way this week I could see if it's outside or what not
I'm no mechanic so couldn't pass any technical review of it other than its general condition
After studying the video they linked to the eBay listing I think there a decent sized chip on one of the fairings so need to figure out wether its something I want or not.
Id like a clean one ideally as decent condition fairings are hard to come by, theres another one I've got my eye on but thats £750 more and a private sale so no potential delivery, its got 24k on the clock though vs 32k for the cheaper one. And its still a 2.5hr drive to go and look at it with limited time and the kids on there school holidays makes it difficult.
Pirks said:
I’ve bought a bike unseen apart from video’s and pictures of the bike and paid a fortune and lost a fortune when i sold it 12 months later after spending a fortune more on it as it’d been damaged in a crash and done up to sell. It was done up quite well but i paid for a bike that was standard and hadn’t been in an accident, seller stated it hadn’t been in a crash. Will i buy unseen in person again? Will i hell, i lost around £4500 on that bike.
So would i recommend buying unseen? No!
That sounds like a horrible experience, that sort of thing is exactly my concern.So would i recommend buying unseen? No!
Generally speaking id rather buy privately as you get a measure of the previous owner.
I dont think many people sell privately anymore, I think most bikes end up either px or shipped of to the likes of superbike factory or webuyanybike (same company)
There's a few dealers selling bikes i want but I feel they're selling a 25yr old bike they generally know nothing about so that also come as a risk.
Trouble with living on the southeast corner is you're surrounded by sea mostly so going and viewing in person can be quite a trek
I have bought a few bikes privately without going to see them. In fairness I never spend more than a few grand on a bike so the risk is reduced, but the key is to get a good feel for the seller.
If they are honest with you, are not monosyllabic and are happy to send you good pictures / videos of the bike then you are half way there. Even better if the bike had loads of paperwork and does not have 27 owners.
After that it costs £10 to do a thorough history check - Caranalytics are good but I'm sure they all mine the same databases. If it has been written off or stolen, if there is a milage discrepancy, if it has outstanding finance etc - you find all of that out.
I then check the MOT history. Easy to do on the government site once you have the reg number. Go through all the old MOTs to see what sort of advisories there have been, how many fails and what for, how many years the bike was not put through an MOT as so on. You can get a good feel for how well the bike has been looked after. If there are loads of advisories or fails that suggest a neglected bike just move on. If there are advisories that have been corrected for the next MOT then that is a good sign.
Then you just need to decide if you are willing to take a punt if everything above checks out.
Lastly there are loads of companies that deliver bikes across the country for a reasonable fee. They will pick up the bike from your private seller along with the paperwork and any spares etc and bring it all to your door a few days later.
If you really want to be certain the bike is a good'n then I guess it might just be possible to get a local bike mechanic to inspect it for you.
The biggest risk is that you will buy the bike and then decide after a few months that you don't like it very much - and going for a short test ride before buying won't tell you that anyway.
If they are honest with you, are not monosyllabic and are happy to send you good pictures / videos of the bike then you are half way there. Even better if the bike had loads of paperwork and does not have 27 owners.
After that it costs £10 to do a thorough history check - Caranalytics are good but I'm sure they all mine the same databases. If it has been written off or stolen, if there is a milage discrepancy, if it has outstanding finance etc - you find all of that out.
I then check the MOT history. Easy to do on the government site once you have the reg number. Go through all the old MOTs to see what sort of advisories there have been, how many fails and what for, how many years the bike was not put through an MOT as so on. You can get a good feel for how well the bike has been looked after. If there are loads of advisories or fails that suggest a neglected bike just move on. If there are advisories that have been corrected for the next MOT then that is a good sign.
Then you just need to decide if you are willing to take a punt if everything above checks out.
Lastly there are loads of companies that deliver bikes across the country for a reasonable fee. They will pick up the bike from your private seller along with the paperwork and any spares etc and bring it all to your door a few days later.
If you really want to be certain the bike is a good'n then I guess it might just be possible to get a local bike mechanic to inspect it for you.
The biggest risk is that you will buy the bike and then decide after a few months that you don't like it very much - and going for a short test ride before buying won't tell you that anyway.
I bought my last bike unseen, over 10k and not even being sold at a motorbike dealer!
It all comes down to, how much do you want that particular bike, how trustworthy if the seller, what £ contingency do you want to build in and what protection do you have if it goes wrong.
Sounds like the seller is being reasonable if you don't like it, but equally if the bike isn't as you expect then it could be not an ideal situation!
I always assume used bikes will want for something so put a contingency budget aside, your standards won't be the same as others, I get quite fussy about tyres, whereas others probably don't care as much!
It all comes down to, how much do you want that particular bike, how trustworthy if the seller, what £ contingency do you want to build in and what protection do you have if it goes wrong.
Sounds like the seller is being reasonable if you don't like it, but equally if the bike isn't as you expect then it could be not an ideal situation!
I always assume used bikes will want for something so put a contingency budget aside, your standards won't be the same as others, I get quite fussy about tyres, whereas others probably don't care as much!
Cakey_ said:
Its in Brierley Hill, there is a walk around video linked on YouTube which shows it in a shop etc
It looks ok but I find it hard to tell condition from pictures/videos as the like bounces off the shiny paintwork which naturally makes it look like its scratched or damaged when its likely not.
I'm assuming its brettle lane? It looks ok but I find it hard to tell condition from pictures/videos as the like bounces off the shiny paintwork which naturally makes it look like its scratched or damaged when its likely not.
I'm not too far if you want me to go and look, I can WhatsApp you from there?
Not sure how dm's etc work here , but try
raythorntonphotographic@gmail.com
Do you have a good local garage if it needs work? You'll likely not want to go back to original dealer if they are so far away.
Give it a good check over when it arrives, worst case you're risking £180 (you could prob get deposit back if not as described). I've bought unseen, but was as-new bike 20 odd miles on it. Done it loads of times with cars though!
Give it a good check over when it arrives, worst case you're risking £180 (you could prob get deposit back if not as described). I've bought unseen, but was as-new bike 20 odd miles on it. Done it loads of times with cars though!
Cakey_ said:
Yes its there.
After studying the video they linked to the eBay listing I think there a decent sized chip on one of the fairings so need to figure out wether its something I want or not.
Id like a clean one ideally as decent condition fairings are hard to come by, theres another one I've got my eye on but thats £750 more and a private sale so no potential delivery, its got 24k on the clock though vs 32k for the cheaper one. And its still a 2.5hr drive to go and look at it with limited time and the kids on there school holidays makes it difficult.
It sounds like you're after more than a clean one. If you're really looking for "the one" then based on your replies so far I think you need to go and see it in person. Or ask them for a close up video showing all the warts in detail so that you can make a more informed decision. But on a presumably fairly old bike there are going to be warts and if you need it to be as perfect as possible then my guess is that you need to see it in person.After studying the video they linked to the eBay listing I think there a decent sized chip on one of the fairings so need to figure out wether its something I want or not.
Id like a clean one ideally as decent condition fairings are hard to come by, theres another one I've got my eye on but thats £750 more and a private sale so no potential delivery, its got 24k on the clock though vs 32k for the cheaper one. And its still a 2.5hr drive to go and look at it with limited time and the kids on there school holidays makes it difficult.
Bought a Z1000SX few weeks ago unseen. First time ever bought a vehicle unseen but was in rural North Wales, long drive which I really couldn’t be bothered doing and if wanted to collect involved multiple trains and buses which is my idea of hell so delivery for £190 was a sensible option.
Spoke to the dealer on the phone which gives a very good gut feeling and they passed with flying colours, very straight and honest. Walk round video was good showing basically everything and even pointed out tiny things like a small scuff (Which I just rubbed off) on a mirror. Asked for a second video with a cold start and had it within a few minutes.
Happy to discuss a good deal on the phone which got the delivery cost knocked off the price, a full service and a new set of tyres. Paid a deposit there and then and paid the balance when it was loaded into the van. Had a written agreement that if I wasn’t happy when it was delivered, it would be returned at no cost and fully refunded and if had any issues, I could use a local garage and they would cover costs.
Some 700 miles in the past 2 weeks and it’s been perfect so far.
I’d just say trust your gut, if get a good feeling from the dealer and they don’t mess about, that’s a plus. If they have poor communication, evasive or just give off the wrong vibe, keep looking.
Spoke to the dealer on the phone which gives a very good gut feeling and they passed with flying colours, very straight and honest. Walk round video was good showing basically everything and even pointed out tiny things like a small scuff (Which I just rubbed off) on a mirror. Asked for a second video with a cold start and had it within a few minutes.
Happy to discuss a good deal on the phone which got the delivery cost knocked off the price, a full service and a new set of tyres. Paid a deposit there and then and paid the balance when it was loaded into the van. Had a written agreement that if I wasn’t happy when it was delivered, it would be returned at no cost and fully refunded and if had any issues, I could use a local garage and they would cover costs.
Some 700 miles in the past 2 weeks and it’s been perfect so far.
I’d just say trust your gut, if get a good feeling from the dealer and they don’t mess about, that’s a plus. If they have poor communication, evasive or just give off the wrong vibe, keep looking.
Thanks for the offers of help I really appreciate it, I think im going to let this one go and wait a little longer until I've got time to look at one in the flesh.
I think anything minor that I was unaware of would grate on me, even if it was so minor id have bought it knowingly, there's something about knowing what youre buying, I also actually quite enjoy the buying experience generally.
I think anything minor that I was unaware of would grate on me, even if it was so minor id have bought it knowingly, there's something about knowing what youre buying, I also actually quite enjoy the buying experience generally.
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