5 Things To Ask For When Buying A Motorcycle Online

Buying a motorcycle online can be an excellent option for those on the lookout for that perfect bike. With thousands upon thousands of motorcycles listed on the internet, it’s much easier to find a bike with your unique specifications in mind than it has been in years past.

With all the advantages of buying online, it can be easy to glaze over some of the difficulties potential buyers face. Without being there in person to see the motorcycle, it can be tough to determine if it really is the right fit for you.

Before you commit yourself to a motorcycle over the internet, there are a few key pieces of information that you are entitled to. To make the most informed decision possible, you should know exactly what to look for in a motorcycle listing.

Fortunately for you, that’s where we come in. Read on for our list of important things to ask for when buying a motorcycle online.

Detailed Motorcycle Specifications

We’ll start with the obvious. Getting into the nitty-gritty details of the motorcycle is probably going to make or break your decision. Of course, make, model, year, etc are going to be obvious. However, there is much more to look for, especially if you’re buying used.

If this isn’t your first rodeo, you probably have a general idea about what to look out for when examining a motorcycle. This part is easier in person of course, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give it a decent once over via the internet.

As with anything, when you’re looking to buy a motorcycle online you have to be extra careful. If a motorcycle description is too vague, and the seller will not provide you with any additional details, it’s best to just cut your losses and move on to the next.

Close Up, Quality Photos

As anyone who’s ever scrolled through Instagram can tell you, it’s easy to hide minor imperfections in photographs online. If the seller only has pictures of the motorcycle from one angle, they may be attempting to hide something. If that’s the case, feel free to message them requesting additional photos.

Blurry, out of focus photos can also be a source of frustration for any potential buyer. You wouldn’t buy any other product from an online shop without having a clear picture to look at. A large purchase like a motorcycle should be no exception.

Don’t be shy or feel bad about bothering someone for more information. At the end of the day, you have to do your due diligence when it comes to dealing online and any reputable seller will understand this.

VIN Number

The VIN ( vehicle identification number) is a 17 character identification code assigned to every vehicle that is manufactured. Requesting a motorcycle’s VIN number is the number one way to check to make sure the bike you’re checking out is legitimate.

Running the VIN can give you the peace of mind to make sure that you are not about to purchase a stolen bike. These days, looking up a VIN could not be easier. You don’t even have to haul down to the DMV in order to run the number, you can now run it from the comfort of your home. So there really is no excuse for not checking it out.

Some sellers may be hesitant to give out their vehicle’s VIN. Be wary, as this could be a major red flag. Unscrupulous sellers may not want to give out the VIN because they do not want certain pieces of information regarding the bike to come to the surface.

Of course, some sellers may simply be ignorant of how the process works. Pointing them to a quality source of information like the DMV website may help to dissuade their reservations. At the end of the day, it’s your choice whether you want to proceed without running the VIN, but doing so may put you at a disadvantage.

Title Status

Like any vehicle purchase, the title is an important factor to consider when purchasing a motorcycle. You’re going to have to transfer the title when you complete the sale. If the seller has the title in hand, it’s going to make the entire process much smoother.

Sellers who do not have a title in-hand can be a major red flag. They could have obtained the motorcycle by illegal means. They could also still owe money on the bike in the form of a loanand are trying to unload the bike.

Not having a title doesn’t have to mean an automatic no-go. You just have to take extra caution if you decide to proceed with the sale. There are certain steps to take in order to safely make the purchase without the bike’s original title.

Seller Information

After scrolling through all of the details regarding the motorcycle, the time comes to reach out to the person or company who is selling the bike. When dealing with an online seller, you’re going to want to hammer home the details.

Possible Questions To Ask

• Has the motorcycle been in any collisions?
• Do you have records of its maintenance history?
• How do you plan on handling payment?
• How should we go about shipping?
• Is there anything specific you’d like me to know about the bike before I purchase it?

Remember, when it comes to making a large purchase like this, there is no such thing as too many questions. Feel free to ask away until you get all of the answers and details that you’re looking for.  

Purchasing Motorcycles Online

Channeling the power of the internet has the potential to make the entire motorcycle buying process go smooth. Virtually limitless options are available right under your fingertips, and getting the exact motorcycle you’d like has never been simpler.

Have you ever purchased a motorcycle online? How did it go? Would you do anything differently if you were to do it again? Let us know in the comments below!