Buying an offroad bike - precautions?

Redd · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

I'm going to see a KDX200 tonight.

The guy is uncomfortable meeting at his house as there have been a lot of bikes stolen from the area lately - he doesn't want me to check it out then come back and steal it that night.

There is lots of advice against buying bikes at locations other than the persons house or business. Also, the bike has no V5 as it's not for on the road. He does claim to have the paperwork from the dealer where he bought it and I'll be wanting that.

What other precautions would you take?

Also, would like to take it off his hands tonight if it's in as good condition as it looks - there are other buyers scheduled for Saturday - do you reckon it would be possible to fit in the back of a Ford CMax (seats folded flat and possibly removing wheels from bike) ? If not, I can get a van, just don't want to miss it as the price is very good.
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lihp · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

Price is very good, but doesn't want to meet at his address.

Does this not ring alarm bells?

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

lihp · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

I assume he will have no paper work tying him to the bike either.

My guess is still stolen bike.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Lots of bikes have been stolen in the area and he's selling a bike but doesn't want you to know where he lives? Laughing

Well that's not suspicious. Liar

Redd · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

I'd say before hand that you want ID along with papers detailing that he is the owner/original receipt/vehicle documents with his name on etc.

If he has it, he will not kick up a fuss. If he doesn't he'll put up a fight.

Chalky. · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Karma :

I had no idea until I rode my DRZ through town quite how much attention that kind of bike attracts from "undesirables".

I've certainly heard of people going back after viewing a bike to nick it, so I'd say he's legit.

lihp · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

physical · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Karma :

if its got all paperwork you'll be fine, generally with dirt bikes if they are not registered I want dealer receipts etc. To be fair away from his address no V5 (KDX was an enduro bike and most are road registered at some point)

Frame number is on the RHS of the headstock. The engine number is on the top of the right hand crank case. If it feels dodgy it probably is.
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physical · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Karma :

I have a pdf of the manual for the KDX somewhere if you want to message me im sure I could send it over.
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Redd · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

You can mitigate the risk of the police taking stolen property from you by plod by not buying stolen property in the first place. Thumbs Up

If the seller gets your name then he can come and steal the bike from you after he's sold it to you.

How much cheaper is it than other similar bikes?

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Redd · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

Shinigami · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Feb 2012 Karma :

take a weapon with you when you meet Laughing

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goto10 · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Oct 2011 Karma :

bugeye_bob · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Karma :

I know you wanted to buy tonight but being patient could pay off,
View the bike etc tonight where he wants but tell him you will only pay/buy from the sellers home,
If you are buying the bike how can you come back later and steal it,
So there isnt the same excuse if you are buying it,

It does sound strange but being honest you cant blame the seller for being careful either can you ?

STONEY! · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Karma :

Kdx200 with no v5? These were pretty much all road registered so its probably nicked, whether it was years ago and has been recovered and is now legit is another matter.

If it still has its frame no, get it checked any dealership can do it if they have an account with hpi. Get the guy to text you the frame no and check it before viewing.

STONEY! · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Karma :

If it has no numbers it better be really cheap!

Raffles · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Karma :

So, some guy who won't tell you where he lives expects you to turn up somewhere to view a bike that may be stolen or might not even exist with a big wad of cash in your hand?
Go for it......What could possibly go wrong?
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thx1138 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

If you buy this bike without asking the right questions, then you're just the latest in a long queue of people fucking the real owner up the Gary.

We all get a choice in how we make our way in the world. Don't choose the pikey life.
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