Advice when buying given recent topics...

Motorcycling
1

Everyone would agree is important that we make sure not to buy stolen bikes and thereby feed the thieves.

I’m in the market for a new (to me) bike and reading all these posts about stolen bikes etc have brought to mind the possibility that if I buy from a private seller, I could either be getting a good deal from someone honest or a dog in disguise/ stolen bike - the last options do NOT appeal to me.
Of course, buying from a dealer would be safer, but the only option I can see given my budget and requirements are buying from a private seller as opposed to a dealer.

So, what suggestions do people have to help avoid making a mistake in this situation?

2

Make sure the engine and chassis numbers tie up with the V5

Do the numbers on the engine/frame appear crisp and in line? Do they look as if the digits have been tampered with?

Look for signs of a forced ignition switch and make sure the steering lock works.

Ask to see all the bikes old MOT’s if its older than 4 years old.

Does the condition of the fairing panels match the general condition of the rest of the machine?

Look for signs that the bike was an ex race bike(drilled caliper bolts, sump plug and oil filler cap.

Ask the “owner” what tyre pressures he runs and questions that only an real owner would know.

Best of all, get an HPI check.

Good Luck matey:)

3

Thanks very much Chunky. I’ll do my best, I just feel such a newb when it comes to all this, I just want to know what I need to know! (if you see what I mean)

The only problem is that if I ask the questions only an owner would know, I wouldn’t really know how to gauge the answers - the seller could say almost anything!:wink:
“Previous owners?”
“Yea, my nan rode it on Sundays.” :smiley: Well, not that bad!

Just found this.

4

Agreed but what I’m looking for is lots of umming and arring. Does he sound confident that he knows what he’s saying?

maybe ask him to show you how to get the seat off to look at the battery… see if he has to search for the seat lock… That kind of thing:cool:

5

Has it got a service history?

Not sure that most people do this, but under warranty I make sure that I get the services done.

Also does the vehicle registration mark (plate) have a manufacturers name and postcode (requirement for a while now).

6

@Chunky - I get ya. I should be able to do that! :wink:

@Kevsta - cheers, didn’t know that.

This is the kind of thing I’m after.
Keep it coming guys, I’m sure this would help other newbs like myself.

But are thieves just going to read this stuff and clue themselves up on it? Damn, should it be taken off the site? Hmmm…

7

Damn! The pedant in me just noticed the spelling mistake in the topic title! :w00t:

I meant Advice !

8

Because I truely hate when people say advise when they mean advice…I’ve edited the title for you.

DON’T MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN

:laugh:

9

Never yet come across a bike thief who sells the bike from their home. I would never make a private purchase anywhere other than the sellers home, any offer to “meet at …” means a walk away before I have even looked at it.

10

Top man! If I had spelt it ‘advive’, the mistake could be put down to hasty typing! Please feel free to correct any further spelling mistakes* I make - hopefully I’ll spot 'em first!

*bad form for an English Teacher!!:blink:

Good point, cheers!