Dilemma

Someone advertises a bike for sale. They point out a few minor things from a minor drop. Otherwise they say the bike is fine.

However you know the previous owner, the extremely long history of problems with the bike, the fact that there could be more damage that hasnt been disclosed [damaged ECU for example] and the fact the damage that the bike has has come from an accident where the bike lifted the rear [exhaust hit something], threw the rider off and went for a slide as opposed to a minor drop. And that the problems were the reason for his disposal of the bike as they were intermittent problems.

What would you do if this happened on this forum and the potential buyer was someone from here?

Im not sure getting involved is right, but if the buyer had an accident I think I would feel partly responsible by doing nothing to prevent the buyer being aware of the faults I know about that theye unlikely to get told.

I really value the opinions of you guys so Id like to know what you'd do in this situation.

Please note this really is hypothetical to this forum.

imho.... have a pm with the seller make your point, if you still believe the seller to be misleading buyers then pm the possible buyers & contact admin to explain the situation.

HTH

PM the seller as Hall says and then if said hypothetical thread is not updated to reflect this or does not make a note to tell potential buyers then publicly publish the facts on this forum with a pm to an admin.

Buying a bike thats even been dropped is always a risk and a buyer should check it out in person before committing to any agreement.

If a seller witholds information pertinant to the bike specifically crash damage then thats basically fraud, it should not be done full stop.

Send a PM to Admin2 .


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[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by falc

If a seller witholds information pertinant to the bike specifically crash damage then thats basically fraud.

Not so.

It's a very awkward area, but essentially if a question is asked, honesty is required, no more. If the question is not asked the situation is cloudier still.

This may not feel right to you, however that's the way it is. So ask.

When buying examine the owner at least as carefully as you examine the bike, you may have little mechanical knowledge, but the seller is another human, (well...probably), if the owner isn't 'right', and their body language and manner isn't 'honest' your human skills ought to pick this up, watch them carefully when you ask pointed, direct questions, do they seem genuine?

No? Leave it, plenty more bikes around.

And always always always take someone with you - preferably an exceedingly sceptical and cynical but very pleasant and polite friend - there is a very good reason for this, Bikes are rarely sold, the new owner has already bought it before they've even arrived, they'll ignore all sorts of problems 'cos they want the new toy, your cynical friend - even one no more mechanically able than yourself - won't have the same emotional involvement, particularly after you've just test ridden a bike 50bhp more powerful than your last one - and will likely be a little more objective than you.

Caveat Emptor. Remember this, it's the way it is, whether you like it or not.

Say it how it is, if you DEFINETLY KNOW the bike had these problems spit out and post it..

PM the person concerned. SS is right on the law. You (lyn, or anyone else in a simlar situation) have no obligation to a potential or actual buyer. I wouldn't 'out' the seller concerned though - whilst you might know quite a bit, what if you didn't have the full facts?

Originally Posted by jonboy

Send a PM to Admin2 .


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but it REALLY is hypothetical, to this forum anyway. And its not me buying the bike, even I wouldnt touch it with a barge pole its that much of a lemon [and after the Cbaarrggh thats saying something].

I feel very uncomfortable with this right now tbh. Have pm'd the guy and will see if he does the decent thing, though with his track record in honesty I very much doubt he will.

Originally Posted by lynw

I feel very uncomfortable with this right now tbh.

oh i know that feeling, i would do what you think is right you must have an incling *sp* as to what would be the right thing to do. if you do nothing you will regret it.

Originally Posted by lynw

but it REALLY is hypothetical, to this forum anyway.

Oh well, if it's nothing to do with this forum ..... name names, shop them, oust them, make them squirm.

Anyone selling a bike on the "for sale" can breath again.