Private sale question...

[06Blackpearl]

Found a bike good price some extras included ...
2013 w/1,300 miles.. $13.5.....

Problem is my bank only will make check to seller.. Now i know this is bad since there's no way to know if it's legit or not?

Is there anyway the seller can verify the check?
Is there another way to go about this?
Cash is not an option since I don't want to carry that amount several states away .........

Or should I just forget the hassle and buy from dealer .. I will pay more and have to add all the accessories that are already on the used one... But the transaction would be easier..

[stroguy]

The seller should be able to go to his bank with that check and they can verify on the spot with your bank. The banks are not only there to hoard your money and pay you peanuts of interest. They will provide a service if you push them. I see you are in NJ so the Glock insurance for traveling with a large sum of cash is not an option.

[billsim]

Found a bike good price some extras included ...
2013 w/1,300 miles.. $13.5.....

Problem is my bank only will make check to seller.. Now i know this is bad since there's no way to know if it's legit or not?

Is there anyway the seller can verify the check?
Is there another way to go about this?
Cash is not an option since I don't want to carry that amount several states away .........

Or should I just forget the hassle and buy from dealer .. I will pay more and have to add all the accessories that are already on the used one... But the transaction would be easier..

Bought my new bike at local dealer who would not accept personal checks. Had to get Certified Check at the bank, which is payable to seller. Seems like a safe way to go.
Even with a Certified Check, they called the bank to verify that the check was good.
Apparently they were burned with a fake bank check for $20,000.00 a couple of months back.

[wjduke]

I don't see an issue as long as you ride off with the bike with proper paperwork.

[06Blackpearl]

Ok thanks......
I will suggest meeting at his bank to verify then check out the bike...

I assumed there had to be a way to Verify but never dealt with a private sale ... All my bikes been new off floor...

[shooter]

Found a bike good price some extras included ...
2013 w/1,300 miles.. $13.5.....

Problem is my bank only will make check to seller.. Now i know this is bad since there's no way to know if it's legit or not?

Is there anyway the seller can verify the check?
Is there another way to go about this?
Cash is not an option since I don't want to carry that amount several states away .........

Or should I just forget the hassle and buy from dealer .. I will pay more and have to add all the accessories that are already on the used one... But the transaction would be easier..

I have one word for you. CASH. Its not a problem carrying cash. Just dont flash it. Who's gonna know. You're just Joe Blow walking down the street. $13000 isn't that big a stack. Front pocket shirt untucked.

[stroguy]

I have one word for you. CASH. Its not a problem carrying cash. Just dont flash it. Who's gonna know. You're just Joe Blow walking down the street. $13000 isn't that big a stack. Front pocket shirt untucked.

Guess you haven't seen a pic of blackpearl from Brigantine. He's got bling bichhhh.

17785

[06Blackpearl]

I have one word for you. CASH. Its not a problem carrying cash. Just dont flash it. Who's gonna know. You're just Joe Blow walking down the street. $13000 isn't that big a stack. Front pocket shirt untucked.

He knows I'm coming maybe he really doesn't have a bike and needs money???
Just saying...

[BIGLRY]

Ok thanks......
I will suggest meeting at his bank to verify then check out the bike...

I assumed there had to be a way to Verify but never dealt with a private sale ... All my bikes been new off floor...Yep, make arrangement with the seller to meet at a branch of his or your bank during business hrs.(no after dark in the back parking lot).
Him with title in hand, you with certified check made out to him. Bank can and will verify the validity of check and you can look at title to be sure it matched the VIN of the bike and that it is free and clear of any liens. This is a very safe and easy way to make the transaction when dealing with an unknown seller IMO.:icon_biggrin:

[Wing'n it]

I took a bank check to a sale 3 states away and his bank called to verify funds and it was approved on the spot. Just make sure you meet someplace safe and during banking hours (week day) don't let that check leave your hand without a receipt and all paperwork in place, banks also have a notary on staff for the legal stuff. You can also print off a "bill of sale" on the net and just fill in the blanks when you get there. I would not go with cash, if a nut would rob a bank he would have no problem robbing you in their parking lot!

[BIGLRY]

I took a bank check to a sale 3 states away and his bank called to verify funds and it was approved on the spot. Just make sure you meet someplace safe and during banking hours (week day) don't let that check leave your hand without a receipt and all paperwork in place, banks also have a notary on staff for the legal stuff. You can also print off a "bill of sale" on the net and just fill in the blanks when you get there. I would not go with cash, if a nut would rob a bank he would have no problem robbing you in their parking lot! +1

[F6Dave]

I know this doesn't apply here, but you might find it interesting that my dealer actually took a credit card for the full amount of my F6B. It made the deal so much easier. Of course, he had to build his fee into the price, but he still gave me a good deal. And I got a 2% rebate back from the credit card company.

[jkelley]

Have you asked the police to run the VIN?

IF you go out of state here and buy something that could have title issues you have a lot of loop holes to jump through to get everything corrected.
Further if the VIN shows up as stolen they confiscate the bike, and you are simply out of luck........

[Slammd]

I've purchased many a bike via ebay over the years with great success. One tactic that I used to ensure legitimacy of any transaction is to request a copy of seller's drivers license, and copies of all relevant vehicle documentation (title, lien release, etc). After having developed rapport with the seller and agreeing to terms/commitment to purchase, you should be in a comfortable position to ask for this information. Following this on the front end of the deal should provide some "peace" as you fully complete the transaction. Best of luck!

[Big Cat]

You can ask the seller to fax or email a copy of the title so you can have any Honda dealer run the VIN to check for any recalls, crashes, etc. If the seller is legit, he should have no problem doing this.

Since you are "several states" away from the seller, why not find another Forum member who lives near the seller who can go out and inspect the bike for you...as well as give you his impression of the situation. We used to do this on the GL1800riders forum all the time. Most Forum members are good guys who would be happy to help you out.

Have you seen lots of good pictures of this bike? It sounds like you may have somewhat of a queasy feeling about this seller...trust your gut...

[Miks]

This is the ONLY way to go. Safe, and if the deal doesn't work out, you can take the bank check back and put the cash back into your pocket. Since the check is made out ONLY to the seller, you have a little security from someone else getting it. A money order is similar, but a certified check is the way to go.

What it tells the seller is that a bank is "guarantee funds", so the comfort level is there. The bank takes on the burden of the money being there, in contrast to a personal check that is only paper and doesn't mean the money is necessarily in the account.

[Steve 0080]

Sold my Rune thru Ebay...guy put the money into my account, I emailed him a bill of sale and sent the bill of sale and the title, certified over night mail to a shipping firm in VA... truck picked up bike the next day..... money first !

[Old Ryder]

Check with your bank to see if they have a location near the bike. You can do the paperwork local and have the bank near the bike cut the guy a check on site.

[Dave Ritsema]

I recently sold my F6B and had many of your concerns. My bank told me that a certified check can be faked and was as much risk as any other transaction. Their suggestion was a bank to bank transfer at the time of the transaction. Check head of time if your individual lending institutions are compatible regarding instant transfer of funds.

In my case the buyer and I couldn't get together during banking hours so he brought cash. We took pictures of each others drivers licenses and had a notary certify the bill of sale. The transaction went smoothly. Hope your situation is the same!

[06Blackpearl]

I took a bank check to a sale 3 states away and his bank called to verify funds and it was approved on the spot. Just make sure you meet someplace safe and during banking hours (week day) don't let that check leave your hand without a receipt and all paperwork in place, banks also have a notary on staff for the legal stuff. You can also print off a "bill of sale" on the net and just fill in the blanks when you get there. I would not go with cash, if a nut would rob a bank he would have no problem robbing you in their parking lot!

Thanks for the info...


I've purchased many a bike via ebay over the years with great success. One tactic that I used to ensure legitimacy of any transaction is to request a copy of seller's drivers license, and copies of all relevant vehicle documentation (title, lien release, etc). After having developed rapport with the seller and agreeing to terms/commitment to purchase, you should be in a comfortable position to ask for this information. Following this on the front end of the deal should provide some "peace" as you fully complete the transaction. Best of luck!

Will be doing this..


This is the ONLY way to go. Safe, and if the deal doesn't work out, you can take the bank check back and put the cash back into your pocket. Since the check is made out ONLY to the seller, you have a little security from someone else getting it. A money order is similar, but a certified check is the way to go.

What it tells the seller is that a bank is "guarantee funds", so the comfort level is there. The bank takes on the burden of the money being there, in contrast to a personal check that is only paper and doesn't mean the money is necessarily in the account.

The check is from the bank (loan) so I will ask what type of check or if it can be a certified check.. They already told me it will be wet turn to the seller upon approval..


I recently sold my F6B and had many of your concerns. My bank told me that a certified check can be faked and was as much risk as any other transaction. Their suggestion was a bank to bank transfer at the time of the transaction. Check head of time if your individual lending institutions are compatible regarding instant transfer of funds.

In my case the buyer and I couldn't get together during banking hours so he brought cash. We took pictures of each others drivers licenses and had a notary certify the bill of sale. The transaction went smoothly. Hope your situation is the same!

The seller and I talked about this so this may be an option.. I'm dealing with a credit union and he stated he has one also.. So that may work out for both of us..



Thanks for the info guys.....

[06Blackpearl]

You can ask the seller to fax or email a copy of the title so you can have any Honda dealer run the VIN to check for any recalls, crashes, etc. If the seller is legit, he should have no problem doing this.

Since you are "several states" away from the seller, why not find another Forum member who lives near the seller who can go out and inspect the bike for you...as well as give you his impression of the situation. We used to do this on the GL1800riders forum all the time. Most Forum members are good guys who would be happy to help you out.

Have you seen lots of good pictures of this bike? It sounds like you may have somewhat of a queasy feeling about this seller...trust your gut...

Yes I have pics ... If there's a member her that wouldn't mind I sure would appreciate but I didn't think of asking that as I'm pretty new to this forum....

I have no concern other than checking the bike out for myself getting him paid and me a bike..
He asked for cash which I said the bank ain't giving me cash there giving me a check made out to him.. (That's what made me ask you guys here)

I'll see what happens in a few days . As the bank will require the vin number seller info etc.. Before check is written...

[Sorcerer]

Yes I have pics ... If there's a member her that wouldn't mind I sure would appreciate but I didn't think of asking that as I'm pretty new to this forum....

I have no concern other than checking the bike out for myself getting him paid and me a bike..
He asked for cash which I said the bank ain't giving me cash there giving me a check made out to him.. (That's what made me ask you guys here)

I'll see what happens in a few days . As the bank will require the vin number seller info etc.. Before check is written...

So if the bank needs a vin and seller info and will only issue a check, you must be getting a bank loan. That makes a bit of difference on how you need to process the transaction. If you are doing a loan, is there a fee to pay it off early? I ask because if the sale does not go through and you return the check to the bank you may still be on the hook for some interest and or other fees.

[06Blackpearl]

So if the bank needs a vin and seller info and will only issue a check, you must be getting a bank loan. That makes a bit of difference on how you need to process the transaction. If you are doing a loan, is there a fee to pay it off early? I ask because if the sale does not go through and you return the check to the bank you may still be on the hook for some interest and or other fees.

Yes it is a loan... There is no fees for early payoff and if I don't go through just bring check back find another bike in the allotted time frame and they will issue another for the same amount ...