Resend my activation email : Register : Log in 
BCF: Bike Chat Forums


Buying Bikes Unseen

Reply to topic
Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat Goto page 1, 2  Next
View previous topic : View next topic  
Author Message

Fin
World Chat Champion



Joined: 27 Feb 2016
Karma :

PostPosted: 23:34 - 20 Mar 2018    Post subject: Buying Bikes Unseen Reply with quote

What's your opinion on this? What have your experiences been?


Thinking about it I've bought most of my bikes unseen just going off the description, mileage, work that's been done and how well written the listing is (trying to gauge their intelligence and what sort of person they are).

Generally I'd say it's quite foolish to buy something without seeing it but in the past I've always been fine.

What's prompting this post is I've just won an rs125 on ebay, clean looking arrow exhaust apparently new along with a 154cc kit just fitted. I asked the seller a question after winning and the answer worries me slightly Smile Enjoy

https://i.imgur.com/njF0dWc.png

...
https://i.imgur.com/twDxjOu.png
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

NJD
World Chat Champion



Joined: 11 Mar 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 00:00 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fin wrote:
What's your opinion on this?


Why? <blankface.gif>

..

I wouldn't ever buy a bike unseen and when I think back buying my Kwak without a test ride was a silly decision but one that, thankfully, turned out alright.

Sounds like you've just won Darwin's award for lining the pocket of a spakkard who's fiddled with a 125 and hasn't got it running properly so is flogging it on -- fiddled with because racebike, yo.

Best thing to do with slow four stoke single cylinder's is leave them alone and invest the bare minimum service costs. Anyone with a grain of knowledge know's there's only power to be extracted from two stoke single cylinder 125's and so the fact the current owner has changed the engine size by adding a cheap kit makes me giggle.

Depends how much you've just offered to part with, suppose; and also what your intended purpose is and how long you want it to last for.

Far easier to part with money than it is to get it back. You sold a bike and someone turned up because it had broke you'd tell them to go home and shut the door.

<popcorn.gif>
____________________
The do it all, T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶r̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶u̶m̶p̶,̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶N̶o̶o̶d̶l̶e̶
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Shaft
World Chat Champion



Joined: 27 Dec 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 00:23 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

NJD wrote:
Fin wrote:
What's your opinion on this?


Why? <blankface.gif>

..

I wouldn't ever buy a bike unseen and when I think back buying my Kwak without a test ride was a silly decision but one that, thankfully, turned out alright.

Sounds like you've just won Darwin's award for lining the pocket of a spakkard who's fiddled with a 125 and hasn't got it running properly so is flogging it on -- fiddled with because racebike, yo.

Best thing to do with slow four stoke single cylinder's is leave them alone and invest the bare minimum service costs. Anyone with a grain of knowledge know's there's only power to be extracted from two stoke single cylinder 125's and so the fact the current owner has changed the engine size by adding a cheap kit makes me giggle.

Depends how much you've just offered to part with, suppose; and also what your intended purpose is and how long you want it to last for.

Far easier to part with money than it is to get it back. You sold a bike and someone turned up because it had broke you'd tell them to go home and shut the door.

<popcorn.gif>


Isn't an Aprilia RS125 a stroker, something the OP appears to know, given that he's asked if it's running a pump or premix?

In answer to the OP, it's always a gamble and as ever, you should never gamble more than you can afford to lose.

I've bought a few bikes unseen and based on descriptions - they've mostly turned out OK, had to spend a couple of quid here and there, but nothing major.

I've also had a couple of pigs, but again, nothing more than I could afford to lose.
____________________
Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035


Last edited by Shaft on 00:31 - 21 Mar 2018; edited 1 time in total
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

NJD
World Chat Champion



Joined: 11 Mar 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 00:26 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Shaft wrote:
Isn't an Aprilia RS125 a stroker, something the OP appears to know, given that he's asked if it's running a pump or premix?


Well spank me with your <internetdildo.gif> and call me Shirley.

Still a nugget idea and trusting someone elses handywork, let alone the state of the bike, is a gamble -- as per above: investment, money and lifespan depends on if worth it or not.
____________________
The do it all, T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶r̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶u̶m̶p̶,̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶N̶o̶o̶d̶l̶e̶
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Fin
World Chat Champion



Joined: 27 Feb 2016
Karma :

PostPosted: 08:59 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

NJD wrote:

Why? <blankface.gif>


BCF always has good responses


NJD wrote:

Still a nugget idea and trusting someone elses handywork, let alone the state of the bike, is a gamble -- as per above: investment, money and lifespan depends on if worth it or not.


Well the big bore kits are about £330 and as far as I'm aware real cheap Chinese ones don't exist for the rs and the only 154cc kit is Polini. New exhausts are around £250 leaving only a few hundred pounds more I'm paying.

And yeah I can afford to lose, I've decided not to throw away £2000 to insure my civic and get bikes.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 09:07 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Re: Buying Bikes Unseen Reply with quote

Fin wrote:
I've just won an rs125 on ebay

Then you've committed to buying it and it's too late to ask.

I mean, unless it's been mis-described, in which case TIEM WAISTE!!! away.

But no, I'd never bid on a vehicle unseen. Inspect, cash, ride away. Including contacting sellers once their bike has "sold" to offer to come and view it when their "winning" buyer does what you're about to do.
____________________
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
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Powderhead
Trackday Trickster



Joined: 06 Mar 2018
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:01 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I bought my current bike unseen, and it turned out fine.

However, based on the response from that particular seller... Pass the popcorn
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

TheSmiler
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Apr 2011
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:07 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Purchased my winter hack unseen from birmingham, never actually met the seller either. Transferred cash through bank transfer and got a courier to collect it. Needed a brake cable replacing and that was it. Now it's being replaced with a Townmate 80 if I can find one cheap enough.

https://i.imgur.com/0WqMrlr.jpg
____________________
CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

thx1138
World Chat Champion



Joined: 06 Oct 2005
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:08 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

yeah done it a few times, always for under £500
never really lost out by much, or made much, and usually had a bike to ride

except the one time I bought a non runner, and didn't get it running, I sold it for what I paid for it, just the money I spent on a couple of bits off of ebay I lost
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

woo
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Feb 2005
Karma :

PostPosted: 14:08 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

if you havent sent any money yet then realistically there aint much the seller can do.
He can threaten to try take court action and complain to ebay but meh............ i wouldnt worry

As for buying a 2 stroke without seeing and hearing it run test riding it.............never you must be mad!!
____________________
Elen sila lummen omentielvo!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

M.C
Super Spammer



Joined: 29 Sep 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 16:24 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I nearly did with my 125 (sniped on eBay Evil or Very Mad) then I bought one in the dark which was pretty much the same thing Embarassed I wouldn't personally, photos can hide a lot, I drove 100+ miles to collect a bicycle that turned out to be less than perfect. Still bought it but had it been 20 miles I'd have walked away.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

myvision
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 26 May 2016
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:06 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bought one unseen as a Cat C whilst pissed up on EBay it was a lot better nick than I was expecting to be honest.

It went straight through it's next MOT with no advisories.
Had it 15 months or so now and it's still going strong I expect it to pass its MOT next month with no problems.

Wouldn't do it again. Can't really say that though as I drink too much and regularly search EBay.
____________________
VFR800FI, YZF600R Thundercat and FZS 1000
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

bezza1966
Derestricted Danger



Joined: 10 Mar 2018
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:27 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I saw my LF for the first time in the flesh when I paid for it!!

rode it the day after, and apart from the PO not knowing that the choke was on!!! so I rode back with it running like a 3 legged pig..my mood brightened when I found choke lever!!!!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Fin
World Chat Champion



Joined: 27 Feb 2016
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:59 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

The update comes in:

Didn't pay for it.

Here's the full description

Quote:
Aprila rs 125 bore to a 154cc bore kit
Start and rides mints will need running in as only just had a rebuild and new race pipe full log book and some paper work only reason for sale is i pass my test and don’t use it anymore panels could do with tlc best bidder wins no time wasters please


1 it didn't start, battery was completely flat
2 it started without choke and idled at 2800 very sporadically while cold
3 very difficult to select gears, seemed to go into false neutral between 2 and 3
4 didn't run well at all
5 was a 28mm carb with a 135 main jet
6 The bloke didn't know anything about the bike but took it px

Good points were it had a fair bit of history with small bits being done at specialists but the bits about the engine were missing cause 'done by a mate, trust him, top quality guy blah blah blah'.

Then a pool of coolant ran out from beneath the bike...

That spoke for itself and he understood I wasn't taking it. He stood there smoking saying he'll just chuck it back on ebay while his 7 kids ran about asking why I'm not buying it.

Now I have the joys of trying to find something to commute on before Friday. I brought this upon myself Smile
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

jakebrownbass
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 14 Feb 2016
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:22 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fin wrote:
The update comes in:

Didn't pay for it.

Here's the full description

Quote:
Aprila rs 125 bore to a 154cc bore kit
Start and rides mints will need running in as only just had a rebuild and new race pipe full log book and some paper work only reason for sale is i pass my test and don’t use it anymore panels could do with tlc best bidder wins no time wasters please


1 it didn't start, battery was completely flat
2 it started without choke and idled at 2800 very sporadically while cold
3 very difficult to select gears, seemed to go into false neutral between 2 and 3
4 didn't run well at all
5 was a 28mm carb with a 135 main jet
6 The bloke didn't know anything about the bike but took it px

Good points were it had a fair bit of history with small bits being done at specialists but the bits about the engine were missing cause 'done by a mate, trust him, top quality guy blah blah blah'.

Then a pool of coolant ran out from beneath the bike...

That spoke for itself and he understood I wasn't taking it. He stood there smoking saying he'll just chuck it back on ebay while his 7 kids ran about asking why I'm not buying it.

Now I have the joys of trying to find something to commute on before Friday. I brought this upon myself Smile



I’m confused.

You chose a two stroke 125 with a bore kit taking it to 154cc. Meaning that you need a full license to ride it.

Which brings me back to the confusion of choosing a 125cc 2 stroke to commute on.
____________________
Hyosung GTR 125 ---> Suzuki GSXR 400R ---> Kawasaki 636 ---> Break ---> Kawasaki Versys 650
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Kawasaki Jimbo
World Chat Champion



Joined: 09 Oct 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:27 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wouldn't recommend it, but it can turn out nicely. I bought an R1 from a guy in Carmarthen (250 miles away) on eBay, tried to pay a deposit via PayPal but it took the lot. Did a DVLA check using the registration given after the auction ended and it came back as a Chinese scooter. The chap said sorry, the missus made a typo. I thought I'd screwed up royally but it turned out to be exactly what I'd been looking for; a low mileage, unmolested, one-owner, blue '03 R1. Perfect, and I've still got it.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Fin
World Chat Champion



Joined: 27 Feb 2016
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:54 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

jakebrownbass wrote:

I’m confused.

You chose a two stroke 125 with a bore kit taking it to 154cc. Meaning that you need a full license to ride it.

Which brings me back to the confusion of choosing a 125cc 2 stroke to commute on.


2 strokes are very reliable when done properly, if the bike was in fact 'mint' then I'd have no trouble with the little blast up the motorway to work. I love the smell of 2 stroke and a well done rs125 would be much much more exciting than an xj600 and I'd say more fuel efficient.

Also it would have only been temporary until I find a decent big bike, everyone wants a grand plus for 30k+ bangers.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

A100man
World Chat Champion



Joined: 19 Aug 2013
Karma :

PostPosted: 11:56 - 22 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

[quote="Fin"]
jakebrownbass wrote:

..more exciting than an xj600


Not possible surely?
____________________
Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

GSTEEL32
Traffic Copper



Joined: 24 Feb 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:33 - 22 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

[quote="Fin"]
jakebrownbass wrote:

..more exciting than an xj600


... although infinitely harder work to commute everyday ......
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Fizzoid
World Chat Champion



Joined: 06 Sep 2016
Karma :

PostPosted: 12:39 - 22 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
best bidder wins no time wasters please


Shame he didn't take some of his own advice...
____________________
Rogerborg wrote: It'd certainly make it easier to ego-find my own posts on pages, given the number of fags (gay like traps) who insist on putting my name in their .sig
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Polarbear
Super Spammer



Joined: 24 Feb 2007
Karma :

PostPosted: 13:01 - 22 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fin wrote:
much much more exciting than an xj600 and I'd say more fuel efficient.


In what fantasy land are you living? Laughing
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 15:03 - 22 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Polarbear wrote:
In what fantasy land are you living? Laughing

One where there are RS125s out there with 154cc kits on them that have been "done properly".

That's like finding a Daelim without the sprocket welded on.
____________________
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
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

NJD
World Chat Champion



Joined: 11 Mar 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 17:03 - 22 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Your profile may need updating:

Fin wrote:
I have 3 NSR 125's, one's a big project so hardly counts as a bike. Also a dead SR125. Currently riding an xj600 and driving my civic.


If you have three of one bike to keep at least, I assume, one running that's never a good thing. And I assume because I don't see why anyone would want more than one example of the same thing at any given time.

wrote:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-YAMAHA-YBR125-5-500-MILES-WARRANTY-12-MONTHS-MOT-/162957082048?hash=item25f0ffbdc0


Job jobbed (no I've no idea where you are but that's an example of decently, to me, priced tiddler for return model).
____________________
The do it all, T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶r̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶u̶m̶p̶,̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶N̶o̶o̶d̶l̶e̶
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Jayy
Mr. Ponzi



Joined: 08 Jun 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 17:11 - 22 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I did this from a dealer in Newcastle once. Bought a KTM 640 Duke 2 and it looked sound on the photos and was told it was in good condition.

Couldn't believe it when it arrived, rust everywhere, holes in the exhaust, battery was flat. Took over 2 weeks of grovelling with the guy that I wanted my money back which he reluctantly gave me.

Never again unless it's brand spanking new and untouched.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

NJD
World Chat Champion



Joined: 11 Mar 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 17:44 - 22 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

OP's failed purchase?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/452351868212792/permalink/1692110470903586/?sale_post_id=1692110470903586
____________________
The do it all, T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶r̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶u̶m̶p̶,̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶N̶o̶o̶d̶l̶e̶
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts
Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 6 years, 7 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
  Display posts from previous:   
This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set.

Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum

Read the Terms of Use! - Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
 

Debug Mode: ON - Server: birks (www) - Page Generation Time: 0.11 Sec - Server Load: 0.27 - MySQL Queries: 17 - Page Size: 142.93 Kb