Rookie question about documentation when buying a bike

[McClaughry]

Hi all,
This is probably a silly question, but it's been some time.

I'm looking around for a new ride, but a lot of the viable options are quite some distance from where I live.

My question is really about buying bikes unseen. I know it's not always a great idea, but assuming I see all documentation for services etc and know my fit for the model, what steps have to be taken with docs?

Last bike I sold was a speed triple that the gent didn't see. He simply sent a delivery van over to pick up and I only had to send the new keeper part of the V5c (if that's what it's called) with the delivery guy.

If I was to do the same thing with a bike on the other side of the country. Do I just need the new keeper part of the doc, presumably signed blank by the seller?

If this all sounds nuts... what other option do people do when searching for bikes that are 100s of miles from them.

Thanks all.

[Ste]

Get a cheap flight and then ride the new bike home.

[Hong Kong Phooey]

Service history stamp forgery is trivial. Phone them to check.
Depends on how you buy, via eBay you get a bit of protection. If you pay (even a portion) by credit card you'll also be better off than going alone.

Plenty of scam artists selling vehicles they don't have, stay alert.

Largely outweighed by genuine people offloading bikes as they've frightened themselves silly, or their wife told them to get shot. Check for skids in his undies for the former and thumb marks on the geezers forehead for signs of the latter.
____________________
'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[Rogerborg]

[Hong Kong Phooey]

[MattEMulsion]

I'd never buy a bike without viewing it first either.
____________________
Yamaha YZF-R6

[rcbikeracer]

go see the bike and the seller, Brought a Skorpion from a chap in Scotchland, cost a fortune to hire a van, over 400 miles round trip, 14 hours due to roadworks and detours, (and having to see t horse on way home.),
but
The bike is a beauty.
the price was right.
the paperwork is good.
so
get off your arse and make the effort.

[69.9mph]

Whether you view the bike or not, do an HPI check before you hand over any cash.

[Pie-Roe]

Ask someone on here to have a look. Or just appreciate that another bike will come up.
____________________
Previous: GSF600, FZR600 x2, ZXR750, XT600 Tenere, CB125, CZ125, ETZ 250, ER5, CCM R30, DRZ400, RF600x4, RF900x2, GS500, VTR1000F, 640 SMC, CB250 NIGHTHAWK, GT550x3, GPX750 TE610, CB500, X11x2, SV650, ZING 125, TL1000R,CB250 Superdream, CBR1100XX