Buying from a distance

[Melj]

Hello all,

I'm new here; please be gentle! I seek your collective wisdom...needless to say the virtual bar tab is of course fully open!

I'm looking at buying a bike that is some distance away from me. It's a private sale and I have little realistic prospect of getting to the vendors to view it. We're about 400 miles apart. The bike is well out of warranty but from pics looks solid & genuine. But then they would, I guess!

What practical things can be done to provide some level of reassurance? Are there any vehicle inspection companies who might be able to check out the bike? Obviously i'd get an HPI type check done but are they really of value?

I have a delivery mob lined up thanks to previous comments on the site so that's not an issue.

Any general thoughts would be most welcome.

Thanks.

 

[Big Lee]

I`d ask for pics of specific parts of the bike rather than him taking pics of the best bits
What bike is it?

 

[Melj]

I'm actually looking at a couple of options, but generally speaking it's older models rather than the 1200. I'm on a restricted budget.

 

[Packer]

How about getting one of the forum members who lives near the vendor to have a look at it for you. Is it in the UK? Is the seller a fellow Tosser?

Yes, do an HPI check to ensure no outstanding finance, this service I believe originated as a trade facility and was good. I've used it and got deatils of ownership of the vehicle which confirmed the sellers right to dispose of it.

I would also ask for extensive detailed photographs including engine and chassis numbers plus any accessories included with the machine so that you can compare photos to the actual bike when you receive it in case items have evaporated

Lastly the AA will inspect cars, it may be worth establishing if they do bikes as well. All for a cost of course.

 

[Colban]

Well,where are you,where is the bike (and which GS is it),is it a dealer or private.HPI is good as i believe they offer some kind of guarantee but an additional check is for stolen V5 docs that are being used to legitamise stolen vehicles.Do a search for more info.

 

[Melj]

I think a personal inspection is going to be the best thing to do, given all of the potential pitfalls...

 

[metropolis2k]

How about getting one of the forum members who lives near the vendor to have a look at it for you. Is it in the UK? Is the seller a fellow Tosser?

I'd try this. I almost did this for a DR350 I was looking at.

 

[uncle dick]

Just be aware that an HPI guarantee is only valid for the guy that requested it. So, even if the seller is your best mate and he bought the bike last week with a clear HPI check, they won't pay you if it eventually turns out to have been previously stolen.

Does that make sense

Dick

 

[brassmonkey001]

If it's someone on here, or located near to a Tosser there's a good chance the bike is known. You could always ask if someone here could have a look at it for you.

 

[Melj]

Alas i've been the victim of complicated logistics, and a more local buyer has beaten me to it.

Thanks all for the suggestions though.