Buying an unseen bike... delivery

[Bordtea]

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?

[Bordtea]

Thanks for the advice everyone and apologies for the slow reply - been a busy few days!

I'm now hoping to get up to view it in person at the weekend as coincidentally I'll only be 50 or so miles away from where it's located (Lincoln). Only trouble is the guy works nights so need to be there at 7.30am!

He's asking for the cash/transfer up front at least 7 days before collection, I've agreed so long as I get a signed receipt and the V5C/2 when I go to view. Will then arrange a courier to pick it up. Best quote I've had on Shiply (has anyone used these before?) is around a hundred quid

[Bordtea]

supercommuter said:

Jazoli said:

ccr32 said:

Bordtea said:

He's asking for the cash/transfer up front at least 7 days before collection, I've agreed so long as I get a signed receipt and the V5C/2 when I go to view. Will then arrange a courier to pick it up.

Eh? Why? What's to stop him disappearing off to Benidorm with your hard-earned in the meantime?

I agree, I would be doing a bank transfer when the courier is there, as mentioned above do a £1 transfer a few days prior to collection then it should be pretty much immediate when you transfer the balance over.

Don't pay all of it until the shipping agent is there.

I don't feel that unsettled by the thought of it at the moment, but I imagine that would change once the money has left my acc and I have no bike in my garage. Will have another chat with him when I go to view.

[Bordtea]

PTF said:

Only just seen this thread. Lincoln is only 15 miles from me. I could have helped with this.

I'm off to view it early doors on Saturday morning!