Purchasing a Used Motorcycle From a Private Party Seller
I’m Ed Smith, a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Pittsburg. There are plenty of options for picking the perfect used motorcycle in California, but finding your perfect match can be overwhelming and stressful. There are also many red flags that you should be aware of when buying from a private seller. Below are a handful of tips to ensure that you purchase the best used motorcycle possible.
Tips For Buying a Used Motorcycle From a Private Seller
- Narrow down your search to your top 10 favorites: Looking through all the different trade websites can be exciting for all motorcycle enthusiasts. Regardless of your low-range or high-range budget, there will be endless choices. Ask yourself questions such as: What make and model do I want? What color(s)? What type of engine does it have? What is my mileage limit? How far am I willing to drive to buy it?
- Get an insurance quote: Even if the motorcycle you’re looking at isn’t within your preferred price range, you can get a quote online or on the phone. Make sure to do this through a credible insurance company.
- Safely meet up with the seller: As a potential buyer, you need to look out for any red flags in your communication with the seller. Try to get a sense of their character before meeting face-to-face. If you are serious about purchasing their motorcycle, bring a family member or friend that can witness the transaction.
- Inspect the motorcycle: It is absolutely imperative that you are VERY critical in your inspection of any motorcycle that you are seriously interested in. Some deals are too good to be true, and dishonest sellers will easily lie to give you the impression that a motorcycle is in better condition than it really is. Create or look up a used motorcycle evaluation checklist and bring it with you when you see it in person.
- Effectively negotiate on the final price: Determine how much the motorcycle is worth in your eyes. Choose a satisfactory bike that meets your requirements, and do some research. The more you know, the less money you’ll have to spend. Negotiating in person is most effective, as the seller will see that you are a serious buyer if you already have cash on hand.
- Sign the title: The seller should bring the title to the meet up. If they do not seem immediately ready to initiate the title transfer – do not hand over your money. Bring the title to a local DMV within ten days of your purchase, and you will be on your way to officially owning the bike. Make sure you are aware of the bikes registration status- any back fees will be transferred to the new owner.
- Set up and activate an insurance package: Get the best possible package without breaking the bank. Uninsured motorist coverage, comprehensive coverage, collision, liability, medical, bodily injury, and property damage are all great things to invest in to protect you and your purchase.
Other Posts by Pittsburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Ed Smith:
Pittsburg Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Pittsburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney. The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be devastating for an injured rider and their family. I can help you or your loved one recover from an accident, do not hesitate to reach out to me. You can reach me for free and friendly advice by phone at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400, and online at AutoAccident.com.
As a lawyer, I work exclusively in the area of personal injury and wrongful death.
I have accumulated many client evaluations since I started practicing law in 1982. Visit Yelp, Avvo, and Google to see what my clients are saying.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a professional association for trial lawyers who have settled or won cases with million-dollar awards.
My extensive history of verdicts and settlements can be found here.