Buying Privately

[SteveH]

Ok so the time has come for me to buy a new bike with my insurance money :D I've had a look at some new bikes but I've done that so am not too worried about that side.But after looking in the MCN I've seen a hell of alot of nice bikes at very good prices (born again bikers etc) so i'am begining to think it would be better to buy used.
But I have no idea when it comes to buying used what to look for or what to do, so all trips will come in handy :wink:

[embee]

I recommend that the single most important thing to check out thoroughly is the paperwork.

If the bike is stolen, dodgy, insurance write off, has outstanding finance etc, you could end up losing your cash and at worst the bike too.

Check the V5C (note that the old V5 is no longer valid and you could have registration problems without the new document), the address shown should be where you're viewing the bike, the registered keeper should be the person selling it. Anything else, walk away. Check the V5C for watermarks (hold up to light, it has "DVL" all over it).

Check MOT's, should be current, have an embossed station mark, and if it isn't reasonably local to where the bike is ask why. Watermarks again, VOSA.

The keeper should have a receipt from when they bought it.

Then you can look at the bike. :wink:

Finally if you are really interested get an HPI check done before parting with dosh.

Remember there are plenty around, make sure you find a nice one.

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

What he said...

Also take cues from the seller - how keen they are to sell (could be a dealer and so not as keen as a private seller), how much they seem to know about the bike (dealer or thief won't know too much about the history or model), whether they go on about their wheelie prowess (bike abuser = more likely to have knackered bike) or whether they have scottoiler, etc. (anal but tend to take better care of the bike).

Don't touch it without all the paperwork and an HPI check. Mention that you need all the details in advance for the HPI check and a genuine seller won't mind giving them to you. A genuine seller shouldn't mind giving these out and should know where they are too.

Check the mileage and condition match up... it's easiest if you go for a low miles bike as then it ought to be in good nick and anything suspect will stand out better than on a higher mileage bike.

[lynw]

Posted in soho massive HERE (http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?p=421294#421294) and follow Annas misfortune and things to avoid HERE (http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=28787&start=0)

[Diveboy]

FORKS Are they straight, in good condition and do they leak?

Have a look at the tyres too. These are good things to check but not the only things.....well derrrrrr :roll:

[MrMessy]

One of the main problems with buying privately is outstanding finance. If the seller does not pay off the finance with the money you give them the finance company could reposesse the bike :cry: When I bought my SV privately I went to the sellers bank with him and got a letter from the bank to say the money had been deposited with them to clear the finance. It still took 3 days to clear even though it was a cash sale.
Also take care what they tell you. I was told an SV was immaculate so got the money to buy it, did an HPI check which was clear and when I got there he had had a low speed spill which had caused over a £1000 of damage which he did not see a problem with :!: What was worse he had a guy travelling 100's of miles to see it in "immaculate condition :x (This was when SV's 1st came out and 2nd hand ones where very rare). Do a list of things to check and take somebody with mechanical experiance with you so you do not get carried away. Failing that buy from a dealer with a good reputation. Hoe this is of some help.