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I would as about a service record so you can see how the bike has been maintained.
I would as about a service record so you can see how the bike has been maintained.
Buying long distance.
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I'm looking at an ad for a bike thats about a 7 hour drive one way. I don't want to make the trip twice and would like to make the deal over the phone with the guy. I would of course make my offer conditional to a successful test drive when I arrived. Anyone have some additional pointers I should consider?
I'm looking at an ad for a bike thats about a 7 hour drive one way. I don't want to make the trip twice and would like to make the deal over the phone with the guy. I would of course make my offer conditional to a successful test drive when I arrived. Anyone have some additional pointers I should consider?
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Living in a very rural place that is a long ways from anywhere, I often buy stuff long distance. I bought my bike down in Kansas. It was about 14 hours one way from here.
My deal was subject to getting a full refund of my deposit if the bike did not turn out to be as described. The deposit was left on a credit card that I knew I could file a claim with.
I had found one a lot closer and very nice according to the pictures, about half the distance from here, but the guy selling it was such a jerk over the phone. I decided I would not travel to do business with a jerk. I went for the one further away. So if you have visited with the seller, asked the questions you wanted to ask, got decent and courteous answers, then the risk should be minimal.
Is it a dealer or private seller? If it is a dealer, ask if you can call the previous owner. I did that.
You will be fine. Long distance is the new local dealer.
Living in a very rural place that is a long ways from anywhere, I often buy stuff long distance. I bought my bike down in Kansas. It was about 14 hours one way from here.
My deal was subject to getting a full refund of my deposit if the bike did not turn out to be as described. The deposit was left on a credit card that I knew I could file a claim with.
I had found one a lot closer and very nice according to the pictures, about half the distance from here, but the guy selling it was such a jerk over the phone. I decided I would not travel to do business with a jerk. I went for the one further away. So if you have visited with the seller, asked the questions you wanted to ask, got decent and courteous answers, then the risk should be minimal.
Is it a dealer or private seller? If it is a dealer, ask if you can call the previous owner. I did that.
You will be fine. Long distance is the new local dealer.
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If possible, I would have someone from the forum in the area look it over first. I understand that's not always and option.
I would also work out some way of securing it before you make the trip, maybe by putting a deposit on it. I've had things sold out from under me while I was travelling to the seller. They will often take a sure thing standing in front of them instead of waiting for a buyer that may or may not show up.
If you do make a deposit, have a written agreement on the terms of that deposit, meaning what it is securing for you, what are the conditions of a refund, etc.
Best of luck to you and I hope it all works out well!
John
If possible, I would have someone from the forum in the area look it over first. I understand that's not always and option.
I would also work out some way of securing it before you make the trip, maybe by putting a deposit on it. I've had things sold out from under me while I was travelling to the seller. They will often take a sure thing standing in front of them instead of waiting for a buyer that may or may not show up.
If you do make a deposit, have a written agreement on the terms of that deposit, meaning what it is securing for you, what are the conditions of a refund, etc.
Best of luck to you and I hope it all works out well!
John
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i try to look at what needs to be replaced/repaired. can the vehicle be fixed economically. is the overall condition as described?
most important, be prepared to 'walk-away' from the bike. if you fall in love with it too quickly you may miss some problems.
Robin
a recent acqusition
i try to look at what needs to be replaced/repaired. can the vehicle be fixed economically. is the overall condition as described?
most important, be prepared to 'walk-away' from the bike. if you fall in love with it too quickly you may miss some problems.
Robin
a recent acqusition
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imported post
Get the seller to e-mail pictures from any and all angles. Close ups also so you can see the condition of the paint. I bought mine from about the 700 mile away and the seller was very cooperative with pictures. Get him to send a list of any addons or modifications to the bike. Find out if he can provide maintenance records. Have him list all known problems with the bike. Nothing likedriving 7 hours to find unexpected problems that he didn't tell you about. Make sure he understands that this will determine if you buy the bike. Then do a thorough check out and test ride. Good luck! It is possible to buy long distance. I took a cashiers check with me for the agreed upon amount.
Get the seller to e-mail pictures from any and all angles. Close ups also so you can see the condition of the paint. I bought mine from about the 700 mile away and the seller was very cooperative with pictures. Get him to send a list of any addons or modifications to the bike. Find out if he can provide maintenance records. Have him list all known problems with the bike. Nothing likedriving 7 hours to find unexpected problems that he didn't tell you about. Make sure he understands that this will determine if you buy the bike. Then do a thorough check out and test ride. Good luck! It is possible to buy long distance. I took a cashiers check with me for the agreed upon amount.
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I just talked with the guy and wow, I like this guy. He's a blue noser (from New Brunswick) says he bought the bike new in 2000 and knows nothing about mechanical stuff so he has had all service work done by a dealer that he trusted in NB. He's given me a firm price with the bike certified which I will accept conditional to an inspection by myself and a test ride. (I haven't made the firm deal yet) He says if I call him and tell him I want it for the price, he will have it certified and ready to go. I asked him how I could send a deposit. No deposit, just trust. He even says he'll meet me somewhere in between with the bike and do the deal there and then he'll take a train ride home. I gotta say that I may not be that trusting to not even ask for a deposit. So if we make the deal and arrange a meet and the guy doesn't show, I'm only out some time and some gas.
I just talked with the guy and wow, I like this guy. He's a blue noser (from New Brunswick) says he bought the bike new in 2000 and knows nothing about mechanical stuff so he has had all service work done by a dealer that he trusted in NB. He's given me a firm price with the bike certified which I will accept conditional to an inspection by myself and a test ride. (I haven't made the firm deal yet) He says if I call him and tell him I want it for the price, he will have it certified and ready to go. I asked him how I could send a deposit. No deposit, just trust. He even says he'll meet me somewhere in between with the bike and do the deal there and then he'll take a train ride home. I gotta say that I may not be that trusting to not even ask for a deposit. So if we make the deal and arrange a meet and the guy doesn't show, I'm only out some time and some gas.
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Goldwings 4 ever wrote:
John
Goldwings 4 ever wrote:
Excellent!! Sounds like you got a big winner there! Congrats!I just talked with the guy and wow, I like this guy. He's a blue noser (from New Brunswick) says he bought the bike new in 2000 and knows nothing about mechanical stuff so he has had all service work done by a dealer that he trusted in NB. He's given me a firm price with the bike certified which I will accept conditional to an inspection by myself and a test ride. (I haven't made the firm deal yet) He says if I call him and tell him I want it for the price, he will have it certified and ready to go. I asked him how I could send a deposit. No deposit, just trust. He even says he'll meet me somewhere in between with the bike and do the deal there and then he'll take a train ride home. I gotta say that I may not be that trusting to not even ask for a deposit. So if we make the deal and arrange a meet and the guy doesn't show, I'm only out some time and some gas.
John
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All the above except bring a cashiers check for most of it and cash for the rest. That way if you find something wrong, you can deduct the price to fix it and not ruin the whole deal. I once discovered that the battery was bad and we just adjusted the price by $50 and that was it. Had the check been for the whole amount, that wouldnt have been so simple.
All the above except bring a cashiers check for most of it and cash for the rest. That way if you find something wrong, you can deduct the price to fix it and not ruin the whole deal. I once discovered that the battery was bad and we just adjusted the price by $50 and that was it. Had the check been for the whole amount, that wouldnt have been so simple.
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In "the good old days," a man's word was his bond and business deals rose and fell on a handshake. Not only does it sound like you will be getting a decent bike, but buying it from a decent fellow. A refreshing thing these days, eh?
In "the good old days," a man's word was his bond and business deals rose and fell on a handshake. Not only does it sound like you will be getting a decent bike, but buying it from a decent fellow. A refreshing thing these days, eh?
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Bob, your deal sounds a lot like the one I made on my bike. Everything went well and there were good feeling all around. No Nigerian Send me $$ and I'll have the bike shipped.
There is a risk of another buyer stepping in if there isn't a deposit but even a deposit doesn't guarantee anything if the seller doesn't keep his word.
From what you say that isn't likely to happen. A person's word still means a lot in many places.
Bob, your deal sounds a lot like the one I made on my bike. Everything went well and there were good feeling all around. No Nigerian Send me $$ and I'll have the bike shipped.
There is a risk of another buyer stepping in if there isn't a deposit but even a deposit doesn't guarantee anything if the seller doesn't keep his word.
From what you say that isn't likely to happen. A person's word still means a lot in many places.
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He could bring the wing to a Honda shop for a good look over by a mechanic & than you & the mechanic can chat about the mechanical condition of the bike. That should cost under a hun & it would be an investment!
He could bring the wing to a Honda shop for a good look over by a mechanic & than you & the mechanic can chat about the mechanical condition of the bike. That should cost under a hun & it would be an investment!
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Here's hoping for a good honest seller for you. I trusted too much and got fleeced by a ebay seller "carsandbikes4u". He said the wing had 42k on it, no way, pops out of second gear when you get on it, water pump was unbelieveably toasted, fairing was cracked (hidden under false tank) I still love it though, even if i did pay 2k too much. Anyway, live and learn. Just pay attention to the good guys here on the board about having a transaction you can back out of. Much better to drive 14 hours knowing you have options.
Here's hoping for a good honest seller for you. I trusted too much and got fleeced by a ebay seller "carsandbikes4u". He said the wing had 42k on it, no way, pops out of second gear when you get on it, water pump was unbelieveably toasted, fairing was cracked (hidden under false tank) I still love it though, even if i did pay 2k too much. Anyway, live and learn. Just pay attention to the good guys here on the board about having a transaction you can back out of. Much better to drive 14 hours knowing you have options.
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With no deposit, and meeting you half way, you aren't going to get better. I bought from a fellow forum member and flew from TX to San Deigo, and drove a 1200 Aspy back to Texas. Turned out just fine.
With no deposit, and meeting you half way, you aren't going to get better. I bought from a fellow forum member and flew from TX to San Deigo, and drove a 1200 Aspy back to Texas. Turned out just fine.
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Well, I firmed up the deal by telephone today. I asked again if he wanted a deposit and he said he trusted me to pick it up when I said. He's got to get a new rear tire on the bike and get it certified. That will cost him a bit of cash so I guess he really is a trusting soul. I will take the certified cheque with me when I pick up the bike and it is still conditional to a test ride, but I think I'm coming home with this one. This guy seemed so honest on the phone that I'm sure he would have blurted out any defects.I just hope someone in the future doesn't take advantage of the guy and ruin him.
I'm afraid i wont be driving it home. I'll have to pick it up with my trailer. That's just too far for me to ride until I heal a little more. At my agethe healingtakes more time than I would like.
But I will be ready for Montrose
(provided nobody else knocks me off my bike before then)
Well, I firmed up the deal by telephone today. I asked again if he wanted a deposit and he said he trusted me to pick it up when I said. He's got to get a new rear tire on the bike and get it certified. That will cost him a bit of cash so I guess he really is a trusting soul. I will take the certified cheque with me when I pick up the bike and it is still conditional to a test ride, but I think I'm coming home with this one. This guy seemed so honest on the phone that I'm sure he would have blurted out any defects.I just hope someone in the future doesn't take advantage of the guy and ruin him.
I'm afraid i wont be driving it home. I'll have to pick it up with my trailer. That's just too far for me to ride until I heal a little more. At my agethe healingtakes more time than I would like.
But I will be ready for Montrose
(provided nobody else knocks me off my bike before then)
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Have you set a date to pick it up?
Have you set a date to pick it up?
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Goldwings 4 ever wrote:
John
Goldwings 4 ever wrote:
Great news! I'm very glad for you that you were able to find such a nice replacement so quickly. :clapper: Take your camera with you when you go to pick it up. :action:Well, I firmed up the deal by telephone today.
John
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Great news Bob. Looks like you dun a good deal there. One minor correction-----A Bluenoser is a Nova Scotian, not a New Brunswicker. You know--the Bluenose and Bluenose II, that rather famous schooner.:waving:
Great news Bob. Looks like you dun a good deal there. One minor correction-----A Bluenoser is a Nova Scotian, not a New Brunswicker. You know--the Bluenose and Bluenose II, that rather famous schooner.:waving:
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nobbie wrote:
nobbie wrote:
I'm going to pick it up on July 3. Anita and I are taking a long weekend to go to our family picnic in Trenton that week so we'll leave a day early and pick up the bike. I'm going to have to trailer it, but one never knows when it may come off the trailer.:action:Have you set a date to pick it up?
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Hawker22 wrote:
Hawker22 wrote:
I stand corrected.:gunhead: I always refered to anyone that lived on the other side of Quebec as a Bluenoser, but now I will know better.:waving:One minor correction-----A Bluenoser is a Nova Scotian, not a New Brunswicker. You know--the Bluenose and Bluenose II, that rather famous schooner.:waving:
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