Where to look for a bike?

Moif · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 10 Nov 2013 Karma :

Evening,

It's been a year since I last posted but I'm finally booking the CBT tomorrow.

I'm looking around the usual places (autotrader, gumtree etc) for a 125 YBR, CBR or CF and I'm wondering if there's anywhere tucked away in the corner of the Internet I haven't discovered yet?

Or is it literally just those sites. I'm SW London incidentally so if anyone knows of anywhere around that area that might be able to do me a good deal on a bike + kit then I'm all ears (or eyes in this case).

Ta

MC · Banned Joined: 01 Apr 2013 Karma :

Word of mouth. Someones mates cousin auntie in law twice removed always has a bike for sale. Only other thing that might be an idea is checking out dealers. I once saw a cheap YBR in Motoden (Honda), which is odd seeing as most of their bikes are normally about a grand too much.
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
~~Honda XR-125L '04~~

matto · Crazy Courier Joined: 18 Apr 2012 Karma :

eBay of course... other than that have a look at those cards in the local shops/supermarket.

Taught2BCauti... · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Karma :

Try entering your home or work postcode on [url]maps.google.co.uk[/url] and 'search nearby' for "motorcycle" or "motorbike" - you might find some dealers that you didn't know about.

When you get to your CBT venue, check noticeboards for adverts and ask the instructors - they might know someone who is moving up after passing their test - and ask the other riders on your course too - they will probably have been looking as well.

Check online versions of local newspapers, plus Loot, Bargain Pages, etc.

Don't be tempted to hand over cash or pay by Western Union for the 'Bargain of the Century' unless you have done an HPI check and have seen the V5 (Registration document) that matches the bike's VIN number and seller's name and address.

Buying from a reputable dealer is usually a safer bet than buying private - and at this end of the season, there are some bargains to be had.

Get a provisional insurance quote (or three) before you commit to a make and model - some bikes can be quite expensive to insure in SW London, so at least get an idea of what you need to budget for.

If you don't already have your own helmet, jacket, gloves, etc. you need to budget for that too - again, ask the CBT instructors for advice - they might have negotiated a discount for their customers with a local supplier.

Good luck with your CBT Smile

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Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Ebay, however when I say that I mean in remote areas which are a PITA to get to.

Bikes in big cities are easily accessible and therefore quickly snapped up.

Case in point since my return I bought:

An SV650

2 Fazers one from Hartington in the middle of the peaks (no buses, no trains) the other in Ambleside again no buses or trains.

CBF1000GT I bought from Helston, was a great price but back end of nowhere taking me 9 hours to get back to Manchester. (before I sold it for a profit)

CBR600F (my current ride) which was bought north of Lockerbie, it was a bus, bus and 4 train changes and a long long walk then a bus and a bus. It's a lovely bike and great condition.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

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

Moif · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 10 Nov 2013 Karma :

Thanks all,

Sound advice there. I've been scouring the forums here for the past week gathering all the info on costs etc. Obviously not that cheap initially but the return on investment will be worth it in the end.

That and I can't deal with sitting in traffic for too much longer.

Just hope I can remember enough from chucking a dirt bike around on the south downs 24 years ago to get through the CBT Smile

Benjums · Scooby Slapper Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Karma :

MC · Banned Joined: 01 Apr 2013 Karma :

eBay seems to be a waste of time (for me at least). Sellers tend to be retards not really keen on actually selling, bidding gets stupid, winner doesn't pay then the bikes re-listed multiple times on some occasions.

I'd rather just go there, look at the bike, make an offer then walk or ride off.
____________________
Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
~~Honda XR-125L '04~~

Eddie Hitler · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Karma :

Val · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Nov 2012 Karma :

you can look at BCF for G.'s thread about where to buy bikes Smile

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=2374056

nothing can beat ebay for best price and choices. Having said that always go and check the bike before bidding. There is good chance to buy the bike when you go to check it too.
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Adrian Monk: Unless I'm wrong, which, you know, I'm not...
Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900