Buying a bike from Ebay

[bkush]

Has anyone bought a bike off of Ebay? How does it work? I'm currently the high bidder on a bike (an XJ1100 of course!). Unfortunately, it's in Idaho, so I'm looking at shipping costs too. Any advice on that? And, if I do end up "winning" the bid, how do you arrange payment, transfer of title, keys, etc. I've read thru the FAQ on ebay, but I was hoping someone could give me some real-life advice...

Thanks,

Bill

[Czekus21]

There are a few household movers that can relocate this bike for you at a cost. By adding your freight to an almost loaded truck would be cheaper then sending it as it's own frieght. May be benificial to just jump in a truck and go get it. 1.) you'll get to take a few days off from work. 2.) You'll get to see a little bit of this great nation. 3.) Paperwork can be directly taken care of. 4.) You won't have to worry about some nut stealing anything off of the bike and you know that if it falls over, it's your own dam fault, not somebody elses. Email the seller. He may be willing to meet you part way. I sold a bike on Ebay and the guy was pleased to pay me $48.00 to take it to DesMoines from Sioux Falls. I didn't tell him that I was going through there anyway on my way to see SWMBO's folks.

[trukleon]

bike movers

There are regular companies that move bikes,, I was lucky that the guy I purchased my most recent bike form locked down a hauler that his company uses and arranged for pickup and delivery to gillette wy., for 500.00 (not cheap but it certainly beat driving to scottsdale az from nd)

[xsivebiker]

Bike Transport

I saw an add in Rider magazine for Federal Motorcycle Transport, an agent of Alied Van Lines. I have no experience with this company, just passing along some information. Their web address is: www.funtransport.com
You might contact them and get a shipping quote. 'Just an idea.
Also in Rider magazine, they give a web address of: www.haulbikes.com Their description for this company is "Specialists in uncrated motorcycle transportation anywhere-to-anywhere, coast-to-coast." Again, I have no experience with this company either.
'Hope this helps.
Greg
'80 XS1100-G "Christine"
'93 KLX650-C1

[Jerry]

I bought my bike from a guy in Maine while I was living in Wisconsin. Couple things to check for a clean transaction.

1. Title. make sure there is a clean title and that the VIN numbers match. Turns out Maine doesn't have titles, just registration certificates. I checked with my DMV and this was OK. However, when I got the bike (which needed to be inspected for a Wisconsin title), I found two numbers on the registration had been transposed. Back to Maine and the original owner, who had to file a correction document. Took a couple weeks but got done, and I was able to register the bike. Moral: Check with your DMV/DOT or whoever handles registration and make sure you get all the paperwork you need to register an out-of-state vehicle, and that all the numbers match. Print out a copy of the winning bid notification from eBay to take in with the rest of the papers, also the listing itself if it includes the VIN number. Have the documentation sent to you by registered or certified mail; offer to pay for this if needed. Be aware that some states (Arizona and Colorado for example) require that the seller get the title notarized. I sold a truck from Colorado to Arizona and had to get the title notarized in Colorado. Again, check to see what the requirements are for bringing in an out-of-state vehicle!

Second, ask that the keys, or at least 1 key, be sent to you at time of payment. Get a duplicate made from this one.

3rd, ask for the seller's cooperation in setting up the shipping. Seller may have to be home during work hours or make arrangements for opening a garage or somehow taking some time to help you. Don't assume this cooperation! You need to be a specific as possible, such as providing him/her with the name and phone number of the pick-up person or company, the time of pick-up, and any other pertinent details.

I've sold a couple trucks and a motorcycle on eBay, also bought vehicles from eBay. Have not had a problem that couldn't be fixed, but you need to do some research to make sure you get the papers you need and get the seller to agree to help as much as needed to manage the pick-up.

[Doo-Daa]

Hey bkush,

Without addressing shipping, I've bought several bikes off ebay.

Payment is just like for anything else, Paypal, Western Union, check, or cash.

Once you pay the person, they mail you the keys, title, etc. Some states require a 'bill of sale' of thier making (forms can be picked up at your DMV, or Tax Office), so inform the seller you'll be sending it with you payment, and highlight the areas you need them to sign or fill out. Have them return it with the keys, title etc.

The important thing is for you to get in contact with the seller. You sound like you might have tha gitters about buying this bike 'sight unseen'. Lookat thier feedback rating. Read the problems that other people have had. See if they fit into your concerns. Then "Ask the seller a question", get a phone number, and talk directly to the listed seller.

If a $15.00 phone call doesn't ease your concerns, then perhaps you need to look at other offers.

A trip form Illinios to Idaho, would be an Adventure. Especially to pick up your new bike. And there will be lots of ways listed here to ship your new bike.

Good Luck and Hope this Helps,

Doo-Daa

[Wildkat]

If it is listed as a running bike and that is what you are looking for... try to get over and see it first hand.
I bought an FJ1100 back in October that was listed in excellent condition. I made certain to ask the owner if it was in good operational condition and was assured that it was. Went up the next week after sending $1300 through Paypal (funded by credit card) only to find it did not run... it didn't run the next week either and the guy said he would refund the money. He didn't... then he told my credit card company after I filed a complaint that I never returned the motorcycle (I NEVER took the bike).
Luckily, I had enough proof so that the credit card company gave me a credit.
Not to say that every transaction turns out badly... we've been pretty lucky on things at Ebay too. Just be VERY careful!

[rneal55555]

I've bought 2 Bikes, a Motor-home, and a Pickup camper on ebay. I picked them all up but they were anywhere from 2 - 6 hours away. I fund the Deposits at least on a Credit Card through paypal. The credit card companies are pretty good about returning money if the deal goes bad and the product is not as listed. I always save and print copies of the listing and any email between the seller and me for documentation. I've never had a deal go bad but I understand going in that I could lose the money I put down for a deposit if I don't follow through. I try to keep the stuff I bid on close enough that can get there and back on a weekend so I don't worry about shipping. On all but the XS11 I was able to get there and look at the item before I had to make the full payment. So I only had the deposit at risk. On the XS11 I just couldn't get time from work to be there before the 10 days required in the listing so I paid the balance with a credit card through paypal. Bottom line is; if you do all that you are supposed to do. The credit card company will help and reverse the payment if the product is bad but it's not foolproof.

[dbyers]

I too purchased my 1100 off Ebay. I filtered the auctions to only include local or distances I was willing to drive. Only paying $500 for the bike I got a great deal and didn't want shipping to be as much as the bike. Another option is the meeting 1/2 way deal. I have a buddy that sells a lot of bikes on Ebay and has no problems taking his bike to the the airport to have them shipped.

Good Luck