Buying used bike without seeing it

[TheArchitect]

So after all the planning and excitement I didn't end up buying a bike from a friend. He got offered a lot more than I was going to pay him and I felt like a sh*t mugging him off like that.

Anyway so I'm now back windows7 shopping for a decent used CBR600R.

I want to buy from a dealer if possible purely for that tiny little bit of extra peace of mind.

Problem I have is there is nothing within budget within a 50 mile radius of me. Been looking for a couple weeks now but still nothing has caught my eye. I've seen a few bikes up north, but due to work schedule and family commitments I can't afford the time to travel 100-200 miles just to see a bike which might not even work out.

Has anyone ever bought a used bike without actually seeing or test riding it?
Is it a safer bet if it's from a dealer with the usual 3 month warranty and all that?
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GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[lihp]

You can't afford to travel 100 miles to check it?

Can you afford to buy the bike and it turn out to be a shitter?

[gavbriggs]

Why not ask a local to go look at it?

[arry]

I bought my CBR600 private and entirely blind. First time I saw it was when I rocked up to pick it up.

However, it was an eBay purchase and if it wasn't as described I was totally in the mindset of walking away telling the seller to FRO.

Not sure I'd be brave enough to hand over cash before seeing the bike regardless of whether that cash is going to a dealer or a private Joe. Whilst you might be able to quote Distance Selling Regs, Consumer Protection Act or any other relevant legislation at the dealer there's still the faffing around trying to get your money back when it all goes T/U

[P.]

Seeing pics before hand is usually the top of my list. I tend to just buy blind because I really do not care

[TheArchitect]

[TheArchitect]

[TheArchitect]

[Robster]

[Conzar]

[P.]

[Conzar]

[map]

I tend to want to ride away if I can on a bike (or at least go back and ride it away once insurance etc. sorted). So I generally view or see if I can get someone locally to view (why forums/owners clubs are good).

IIRC Stinkwheel on here bought a VFR sight unseen from a dealer and it turned up very much not as described. I take heed from that.
His thread - Why I will never buy another bike unseen. (picture heavy) (clicky link).

HTH
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[DrSnoosnoo]

[TheArchitect]

cheers for responses everyone.

Have been watching Gumtree and eBay for a while now, but out of sheer laziness I've been focussing most of my efforts on the 2 dealers local to me in the hope they'll one day have my dream bike in their shop window!

Chuffed to know there are people out there willing to go out of their way to help out.

I guess I need to just keep looking and waiting for that one special deal. Then send the BCF army around there to approve it.
____________________
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[nelmo]

I would buy blind from a dealer - done that with both my last 2 bikes and it was fine.

And when I say 'dealer', I don't mean some back-street cowboy who's got a few bangers. Find a company with a reasonable website and decent stock. They tend to only sell on the decent bikes (and fob the crap off to those back-street cowboys I mentioned) so if they say it is immaculate, they are normally telling the truth.

You'll pay more but worth it in the long run....
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Bike history: Suzuki GSXF600, BMW F650, Honda Varadero, Suzuki V-Strom, Kawasaki Versys
Current: Honda NC700X

[dydey90]

If you find one that fits your spec, most forum members will go and give it a once over for you in exchange for a beer or two.
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This post is probably not serious and shouldn't be taken literally.
Past: CBR125,ER6f NINJA 650, ZZR600 Current: VFR750

[chickenstrip]

I wouldn't necessarily even trust the description given by a dealer. I went to look at an 1100 Katana once that was advertised by a dealer as very good condition. When I got there, it turned out it was a rusty wreck.

[Baffler186]

[TheArchitect]

[TheArchitect]

[Rogerborg]

No chance would I buy a bike sight unseen, especially from a dealer. Even stinkwheel got rinsed once, and I strongly suspect that my GS was used for wheelie practice between shaking hands and paying the monies.

See bike, buy or don't buy, ride or walk away.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Polarbear]

I bought my wifes divvy from a dealer going just on the photos. Phoned him up for a chat and he said if I could wait till he was delivering in my area he'd bring the bike up and if it wasn't as described he would refund my deposit.

Told him I wanted it by **/**/** wifes birthadsy and he duly delivered.

Bike was as he said, and he didn't charge me for delivering it.

There ARE some good dealers out there.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[map]

[chickenstrip]

For every good thing you hear about any dealer, you'll eventually hear something bad too from someone else. None get it right every time in everyone's eyes.

I could name a couple of places I trust, but one would seem like a shameless plug, as I used to work there, and have known the owners for many years. But I've heard people criticise them too.