buying an internet bike

[45 SHOOTER]

what are the pitfalls of buying an internet bike other than not being able to see it in person without traveling?

questions that you should ask etc
how do you set it up so that when you get off the plane the bike hasnt been sold?

any way to insure that it is whats being described ??? as far as running condition?

[jhh]

what are the pitfalls of buying an internet bike other than not being able to see it in person without traveling?

questions that you should ask etc
how do you set it up so that when you get off the plane the bike hasnt been sold?

any way to insure that it is whats being described ??? as far as running condition?

I bought my last one over the internet, but from a private seller who was a member of a forum (he's a member of this forum as well actually) I visit. All in all it was a very easy deal and he did a good job describing the bike, and it was in pretty much mint condition anyway. He even picked me up from the airport, and as a bonus I got to drive Natchez Trace back home. I'm also pretty mechanically inclined, so if it broke I could either handle it myself or figure out how to get it repaired quickly enough.

Here's what I'd do:
* If the owner sells it out from under you while you're in transit, then he's a huge douchebag and you shouldn't give him any money anyway. Try asking him if he'll take a deposit to hold the bike I suppose.

* If you're unfamiliar with the vehicle, you could get shafted. Bring a friend or significant other (preferably who's familiar with the make and model of the bike you're getting), pay for his airfair and accomodations, buy him a rental truck (in case the bike breaks), and have him follow you home.

* Find a repair shop that deals in that brand of bike, call them, and make arrangements to bring the bike in for a check. Have the owner meet you there with the bike, and put the bike directly into service to have things checked over. If it passes the dealership's scrutiny, give the owner the cash, else tell him 'no'.

* Inspect the title thoroughly and make sure nothing funny is going on with it. You'll want a bill of sale, photocopy of the seller's ID, and the signed title itself. If he has maintenance records, manuals, spare parts, etc then take those as well.

* If the bike does not have a full toolkit, go pick up a suitable cheap one for the ride back. If you're not taking the interstate and/or are unfamiliar with the ride home, bring a small canister of extra fuel as well.

* If you have time, may as well have the dealer change all the fluids and whatnot in the bike just to be safe.

* For god's sake don't trailer it unless it's mechanically unsound. Don't be a wuss, drive the thing back home.

[Zerosum]

I guess it comes down to how risk-tolerant you are.  There are a few risks.

For one thing, you're investing something into the bike before you even see it -- your time and fuel.  You've demonstrated that you REALLY want this bike and aren't likely to walk away.  The seller knows this.   So don't expect to haggle much.

I thought about this once or twice when I was shopping for my first bike.  But honestly, if you just keep your eyes peeled and are patient, the bike you want at the price you want (within reason) will eventually appear near you.  That's how I've found all of my bikes.

[1KPerDay]

I've bought one bike off eBay site unseen, shipped via forwardair.com... a few niggles but overall happy with it.
Sold one bike via ebay, buyer picked up/paid in person, no trouble.
Bought one bike off an STN member, flew there and rode the bike home. Minimal troubles, none that soured the deal. (topcase mounts were buggered and I didn't check well enough until I got home). I'd do it again.

I doubt I'd ever buy another bike unseen, though.

I've also checked out a local bike for a friend on the other side of the country... he bought it and was happy with it. See if there's a local forum member who can check out the bike for you.

My $.02

[Paul Barnard]

Check Craiglist and oodle on a regular basis.

[VAbikeguy]

Check Craiglist and oodle on a regular basis.

I have noticed a definite cycle with CL.  I live in an area where it feels as if many bikes are not for sale in my area.    It makes me want to jump at any opportunity that is close.  In the past year and a half, I've noticed that if one is patient, something eventually pops up once in awhile on CL that is a good deal in my town.