Any tips for a first timer buying a bike in the US?

Hey guys,

So I've moved over from the UK and have no idea what to think about when it comes to paperwork, registration etc here in the US. As I'm looking for a SuperDuke (and have found a nice one on craigslist, even if it is 350 miles from me) I was hoping you guys might help?

- What do I need to think about in general?
- How does the registration work? What does it even look like so I don't get ripped off?
- How can I make sure the title is clean before buying?
- etc

thanks!

bfgmartin

First, it would help to know where in the US you are. Every state has its own procedure. Some can be quite quirky. For instance CA has some peculiar rules applicable to purchasing out of state vehicles. See, http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29.htm Other states may have other quirky laws.

The one thing I will tell you is that you should view Craig's list ads with a certain degree of skepticism. Scammers hunt for unsuspecting victims there. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Obviously, not every deal on there is a scam, but there are a fair share. Caveat emptor.

Very good point! I'm in Boston, MA.

I don't think the ad is a scam, the guy seems genuine enough so far on email. http://southjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/4346417279.html Obviously would go meet him/see the bike before forking over any cash but have no idea about what else to think about/what else is involved.

thanks!

bfgmartin

The ad looks legit. $7500 is on the high side of Kelly Blue book value for a bone stock '08 SD. http://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/ktm/990- ... tailvalue/ It is also on the high side of NADA. http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/2 ... 9cc/Values

One thing the ad doesn't mention is whether the seller has clear title. You'll find that many Americans buy motorcycles on credit and that the bank holds title until the lien is paid off. So, that is the first question to ask the seller. Does he have clear title? If not, will he have it before you drive 300+ miles to see it? Being you are so far away and in a different state, I personally would not consider purchasing if you cannot drive home with clear title (also called a pink slip) in hand.

If you get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) you can run a check to see if it has ever been crashed. Though it will only show up if the crash was reported to the DMV or an insurance company. I've never used these services so I can't give any advice in this regard.

I suggest you contact AAA (American Automobile Association) in your area. www.southernnewengland.aaa.com Sometimes they can help, or even perform, registration, title transfer, etc. (I can't tell if they offer this service in MA, because every time I click on the link I get re-routed to CA AAA.) They do this in CA. At least they should be able to tell you what is required and what to watch out for when buying bikes out of state. An added value of the membership is that it comes with certain perks - like free towing.

Hopefully, someone is Massatwoshits can chime in with more helpful suggestions.

hey
where is it in south jersey
i live in south jersey and if its close
i could check it out to make sure he really
has the bike
lots of dousebags on craigs list
my e mail [email protected] jim

That bike should only cost 7000 or less.

Overpriced. I got an R for $6k two years ago and a standard for $500 more back in 09 when they were still new. The 990's are old now.

Thanks for all the tips guys, super helpful!

Seems most guys on Craigslist are convinced of the rarity of Superdukes and price well over blue book, even though the whole point of the blue book value is that it takes supply and demand into account...

As it turns out I'll probably use your tips to get a Kawa ZRX1100 for now, not nearly as fun or as sexy as the Superduke but at $3k it's much more acceptable to the bank account and the girlfriend! I'll be back on a KTM soon enough!

/bfgmartin