Buying an unseen bike... delivery
Discussion
Has anyone ever done this, or am I out of my mind for even considering it?
Long story short is I'm looking for a 5vy Yamaha R1, one has come up for a very keen price, looks to be in brilliant condition, low mileage etc. Owner has sent me videos (at my request, all photos of the paperwork etc) which all looks clean. Owner seems to have really looked after it and has been extremely helpful. Only problem is it's a good 200 miles from me and I'm struggling for time over the next few weekends to go and view it/collect.
So I'm considering buying without having viewed and getting the bike delivered by a courier. Am I mad? If not, any advice on how to approach the whole thing, anything specific I should be getting the seller to send me?
Long story short is I'm looking for a 5vy Yamaha R1, one has come up for a very keen price, looks to be in brilliant condition, low mileage etc. Owner has sent me videos (at my request, all photos of the paperwork etc) which all looks clean. Owner seems to have really looked after it and has been extremely helpful. Only problem is it's a good 200 miles from me and I'm struggling for time over the next few weekends to go and view it/collect.
So I'm considering buying without having viewed and getting the bike delivered by a courier. Am I mad? If not, any advice on how to approach the whole thing, anything specific I should be getting the seller to send me?
I've done it........twice now. First was a 954 4 years ago from a private seller and did basically what you have done and had it hpi checked. I also spoke to the guy on the phone and got a good feeling about him. Had no issues with it and had it picked up and delivered by Lee Costello.
This last time just over a week ago was from a main dealer in Glasgow, had all the spares, keys, paperwork all boxed up and came down with the bike, dealer was really good at arranging times with transport. No issues again and I would do this every time, provided that the seller,private or dealer made all the right noises. It cost me £170 to have it picked up and delivered to west kent.
This last time just over a week ago was from a main dealer in Glasgow, had all the spares, keys, paperwork all boxed up and came down with the bike, dealer was really good at arranging times with transport. No issues again and I would do this every time, provided that the seller,private or dealer made all the right noises. It cost me £170 to have it picked up and delivered to west kent.
Yep, done it loads of times. Find a reputable courier co and get the drivers mobile number. Ask the seller for his bank deatails and make a £1 transfer a few days before collection to verify everything will go through without a hitch. Get the seller to confirm he has recieved it. Arrange with the courier driver to call you when he arrives so he can walk around the bike and discuss any concerns with you. If your ok with what the un biased drivers says make a bank transfer. These are pretty much immediate these days. Get the seller to check online he has recieved the funds, driver loads your new toy and everyones happy. Couriers like you to pay them cash when they deliver. I usually give the driver a drink for his cooperation and a cuppa when he delivers. Make sure you use an insured courier. Usually costs about £150 per bike.
Done it a few times, and never really had a problem. I tend to buy 70's strokers, so you get a feel for whether its right or not, and there will always be something. The latest was THIS, and I bought it unseen from Plymouth, and apart from a bit of TLC needed, and a tank re-sealing / brazing / painting and a new seat, its great :-) 
I did it at a time when I was nieve to bike mechanics and what to look for. Thankfully it was a cheap bike (circa £1k) but I ended up putting more than half that again into it just to get it running right. And sadly the bits that needed doing were all things I had asking the seller about before agreeing to purchase it.
On the flip side I have bought cars and had them delivered before and been fine, so I guess it is luck of the draw.
On the flip side I have bought cars and had them delivered before and been fine, so I guess it is luck of the draw.
Yep, did it with my Aprilia Tuono factory - the colour/year I wanted was a rare one, and my one came up at a very, very good price. The only issue was that the bike was in Northern Ireland... I live in Kent! 
Was sent videos, loads of photos etc etc, got a specialist motorbike courier to go collect it and deliver it o me for £220 all in. I had looked at a few options, flying over then riding back, hiring a trailer to collect it and so-on.
Was sent videos, loads of photos etc etc, got a specialist motorbike courier to go collect it and deliver it o me for £220 all in. I had looked at a few options, flying over then riding back, hiring a trailer to collect it and so-on.
Tall_Paul said:
Yep, did it with my Aprilia Tuono factory - the colour/year I wanted was a rare one, and my one came up at a very, very good price. The only issue was that the bike was in Northern Ireland... I live in Kent!
Was sent videos, loads of photos etc etc, got a specialist motorbike courier to go collect it and deliver it o me for £220 all in. I had looked at a few options, flying over then riding back, hiring a trailer to collect it and so-on.
That's a very good delivery price from Northern Ireland Paul!Was sent videos, loads of photos etc etc, got a specialist motorbike courier to go collect it and deliver it o me for £220 all in. I had looked at a few options, flying over then riding back, hiring a trailer to collect it and so-on.
Was that a Shiply found one?
smiles1 said:
Tall_Paul said:
Yep, did it with my Aprilia Tuono factory - the colour/year I wanted was a rare one, and my one came up at a very, very good price. The only issue was that the bike was in Northern Ireland... I live in Kent!
Was sent videos, loads of photos etc etc, got a specialist motorbike courier to go collect it and deliver it o me for £220 all in. I had looked at a few options, flying over then riding back, hiring a trailer to collect it and so-on.
That's a very good delivery price from Northern Ireland Paul!Was sent videos, loads of photos etc etc, got a specialist motorbike courier to go collect it and deliver it o me for £220 all in. I had looked at a few options, flying over then riding back, hiring a trailer to collect it and so-on.
Was that a Shiply found one?
Here's my thread - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16...
Personally I wouldnt spend that amount of money without viewing anything, pictures and video do on occasion lie , my friend who runs a motorcycle transportation business has a couple of disgruntled customers a week who have bought something online and the delivered article is somewhat different to what they thought..
All depends to your attitude on the risk.
All depends to your attitude on the risk.
I did it, and think next time I'll only do it if the bike is from a dealer/agent where you have some sort of recourse.
I found my K12 on the UKger forum and the chap selling it was apparently well known. I paid upfront, full asking price, and arranged the courier. The bike arrived and it was way better than expected, but then was told by the courier that the guy said he wasn't ready when he arrived, and said he will send down the spare keys and other bits and pieces like some papers. Well, as you probably guessed it, I've never received any of it. Has it been any issue, nope, but just really proof you cant trust anyone.
I found my K12 on the UKger forum and the chap selling it was apparently well known. I paid upfront, full asking price, and arranged the courier. The bike arrived and it was way better than expected, but then was told by the courier that the guy said he wasn't ready when he arrived, and said he will send down the spare keys and other bits and pieces like some papers. Well, as you probably guessed it, I've never received any of it. Has it been any issue, nope, but just really proof you cant trust anyone.
Someone has just bought a bike of me blind and sending a bike courier company to collect it. I provided an honest as possible description, videos and high res pictures.
I bought my 5vy from a dealer, blind, 400 miles away. Was all good.
That said I bought a WR450 blind and it was a dog, all tell tail signs pointed to it being a dog as well. Live and learn.
I bought my 5vy from a dealer, blind, 400 miles away. Was all good.
That said I bought a WR450 blind and it was a dog, all tell tail signs pointed to it being a dog as well. Live and learn.
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