I`ve just advertised my bike for sale. I put in the advert "no overseas bids." Not because I`m against shipping abroad but more because who would buy a bike without seeing it in the flesh, touching it and hearing it, probably the most important thing with an old Ducati, the induction roar is to die for. I`m guilty of always buying bikes with my heart and never with my head, but I wouldn`t buy without seeing first, ever. For me, buying a bike, is a very, I think the word is visceral, experience. I`ve already had three offers from overseas and a request to ship. Must be just me then. Anyhoo, have any of youse lot bought a bike and not seen it or heard it run until it`s rolled out the back of a couriers van? How far away was the seller? If you haven`t, would you? Late Saturday night drunken winning bids don`t really count but I will allow them, just for laughs.
I bought my 1299S without ever seeing it first. But it was from Snells, and I trust them implicitly. I only saw it when I rocked up to hand over the cash. So yes, but it depends. prob not if it was a private sale though. Careful of the overseas sending a cheque for more than its worth and asking you to cash it and send remainder back. Thats a scam. GLWS
Purchased 4 unseen, 1 of which my uncle basically purchased for me with my cash. He says it's like he's buying bikes, but without the painful bit.
Bought a couple of bikes unseen with no probs. Did the same with a car....Never again....Car dealer from Essex, what could possibly go wrong! I my defense I think I was still high from a stint in hospital...
My blackbird sold to a bloke from Bristol who only saw the gumtree add and the strada I bought was from ebay and was unseen before bidding. If close-ish I will have a look. I generally find if the seller is a genuine biker, the advert will be informative and they are happy to chat to you on the phone.
1x Bottle of Jack Daniels + 1 x Computer + 1 x Fleabay = 8k of ZX10r and a romantic night out for the wife as a goodwill gesture
I have bought 3 bikes unseen and not been disappointed so far. These were all from Ducati dealers though so some comeback if not as described. From the OP point of view, why rule out overseas buyers as long as they pay in advance and arrange their own shipping ? I`d be a bit surprised by foreign interest if the bike was relatively common but if it is in any way unusual it might be that they can`t get similar in whatever country they are in.
Bought my 1098R from Jersey unseen with the seller bringing it to my door. I was ready to pull the plug if I wasn't happy though. I've bought many bikes on eBay, but have always picked them up after winning. No problems so far.
Bought the 999 unseen, seller dropped it down to me in his van at 6:45am and was emigrating next day. Was all very very dodgy but I did all the checks you can so had the cover that comes with them if was stolen, etc, did loads of googling and Facebook searches and all seemed to stack up. Bike was a mess when I got it, but I expected a mess, but it started (once) and sounded OK.
Bought this gixer like that, fella did me a walk around vid and one of it running. The. His mate delivered to me, I have it once over and transferred the balance. I did feel a bit obliged to buy tbh, and if I'd have been going to him would have been knocking money off or walking away
Bought 3 unseen - they were too good a bargain that I had to - offered deposits but none wanted one so I paid when collecting. One I paid £4750 for had an offer the next day of £7000 unseen but the guy was true to his word and held it for me!
Out of 6 bike purchases I've ever made only ever looked at 1. However I do follow a few rules of buying without seeing. Before I even ring looking at the photos can tell a story. If the bike is neatly presented and the seller has taken effort and pride in the photos its a good start. I always look in the background. If it looks like a scrap yard with bits a pieces everywhere it would put me off, as would a half derelict house as it just says there's no pride with the individual which has probably been reflected when it comes to looking after and maintaining the bike that's for sale. Then ring, as well as asking the usual questions,find out who's serviced the bike, who the previous owners were, get the reg number. I always try to keep the conversation light hearted and talk about things off topic also, I find this way the other person relaxes and lowers their guard. This is when you can spot the tell tail signs of whether they're honest or not. Listening to random stories sellers have told me in the past really has swung me for or against a sale. For instance a seller told me how he did a lot of work raising money for cancer charities. By contrast another who dealt in bikes once told me he put the number plates off bikes he was selling onto his own bike then rode round lunatic knowing he wasn't going get caught by any speed cameras. With the information do your homework. Get it HPI'd, look on the DVLA website for the MOT history, is there a string of failures or advisories, does the mileage tally with the service history, are there gaps between MOTs, if so why? Ring the dealers/garages where it's been serviced to check the work was done and ask the mechanics opinion of the condition of the bike. Ring as many of the previous owners you can. I've found they've all been happy to have a nostalgic chat about their old bike. This is where you learn the most. They've nothing to hide and will tell you of any issues, problems or indiscretions they had whilst in ownership. The biggest risk is paying the money. Ive always had the bikes couriered and don't pay for the bike until the courier is at the pick up point with the bike, then I transfer the money. I've never had any problems- touch wood! And the bikes have been what I expected. It is a risky business buying without seeing but to be honest I've only ever bought Ducati and Ducati owners from my own experience do seem to be generally passionate about their bikes and honest.
My last 3 bikes ive sold were all sold over the net and were private sales(unseen in the flesh/ not heard running etc) All 3 were cracking bikes but its a worry if your a buyer, Personally ide only buy without seen from a well known dealer which ive done a few times and been very lucky. Only bad experience ive had were the arseholes at Leguna Maidstone, Sold me a bike with so called full service history and there was none, Promises for 2 month and nothing, Had a big fallout in end and told them to stuff it(luckly the bike was nice and tidy) Opened threads on various ktm forums and funnly enough I wasn't the only unhappy one, 625 ktm supermoto went to boarders, cant mind 07 Superduke r went to Newcastle 06 999s went to kent I'm also 20miles from john o groats so folk are willing to take a massive gamble
Bought my 1190 unseen and drove 900 miles round trip to get it. But I could have backed out if I didn't like it and it was a 2 year old, bog-standard low mileage minter, one owner, FSH etc. There aren't so many ponderables with such a bike. An older, well used Ducati would be a different proposition altogether. Not sure I'd have the nerve for that, especially a private sale.
