Buying a bike from eBay or dealer?

[Martylaa]

So I was about to order a new bike from the dealers but literally just seen the same model bike on eBay which is 3 months old and has just had its 1st 600 miles service and has loads of extras on it which I really like, has all the paperwork from new and all original parts as well.

The guy has responded with all answers to my questions and I'm keen to go view it and if I buy I'll do a bank transfer, he won't allow test rides which is fair enough unless I've paid for it (already ridden a demo bike at the dealers).

I've actually done a hpi on it and shows up nothing and no finance owed on it, anything else I should be wary of?

[Wacky Racer]

What is the saving over a brand new one?

Why is he selling it? (Could be a genuine reason)

[Martylaa]

He has put about £1500 of extras onto the bike and potentially I could get it for around £700 less than a standard new one in the dealership.

Says he's selling due to a medical condition and needs a softer ride bike.

[GreaseNipple]

I got my bike at a year old off Facebook marketplace. It had a few extras on it and was cheaper than dealers and still had a years warranty which gave me all the peace of mind I needed. Nearly 3 years later I still have the bike and no regrets

[Wacky Racer]

Martylaa said:

He has put about £1500 of extras onto the bike and potentially I could get it for around £700 less than a standard new one in the dealership.

Says he's selling due to a medical condition and needs a softer ride bike.

Sounds good then, Good luck.

[Krikkit]

Sounds good, go for it

[trickywoo]

Are the extras factory stuff or aftermarket?

Aftermarket could potentially be a pain if you need to make a warranty claim.

You could of course just put the original bits back on before you go to the dealer so not a big deal.

You can save loads buying a bike like this and the extra owner on the log book will make very little difference a few years down the road.

[Triaguar]

You pays your money you takes your chance....I bought a secondhand S 1000rr from main franchised dealer...paid about £500 more...that had a £1000 worth of dealer carbon on it...big issue for me was that it came with full dealer warranty for 2 years. ...pity is I've needed it.

[Rushjob]

Thought you’d already put a deposit down on the new one??

[Mr Squarekins]

I'd just ask to go and view it. See how it goes. I bought my first fireblade that way and it was superb. Most unlikely advert ever on ebay. One pic and 'fireblade for sale, call Dave on xxxxxxx'.

Dave turned out to be a retired chap, to have a huge detached house, giant garage and about 5 bikes. Turns out he was selling the 'blade as he had a brand new one sitting next to it.

I was not allowed to test ride, but the bike looked like new. (as did Dave!).

Deposit left. My old lid was falling apart, so mentioned that i'd better get one quickly before I pick up the bike. No problem, he kindly offered to lend me one to get the bike home and bring it back sometime.

Just use your judgement. Whilst some people are t**ts, there are some great people out there too.

Conversely, my last two very expensive bikes, i'd only buy from Motorrad, for the two year backup.