Buying a Used Motorcycle Out of State

Check - Two wheeler Insurance

Tips to Keep in Mind When Buying a Used Bike Out of State

• Bike shopping alone? Bad idea! You might be an expert on anything on two wheels. But a second opinion from someone who is equally smart (or a tad smarter than you) can make a world of difference.
• Scrutinize the bike top to bottom carefully. Ask the current owner as many queries about the model, usage, number of services, if there had been any accident and so on as possible. If you can make a checklist beforehand, well and good.
• Did you know that there is something called Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a bike? Please make sure that the VIN on the bike and the paper.
• Verify with the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) or the local police with the help of VIN whether the bike has not been pinched and re-registered in someone else’s name.
• Check if there is a lien on the bike by examining the bike papers for ‘released’ signatures. If so, then it’s the cue to look for other options.
• Alien happens when one takes out a vehicle loan. The lien holder (usually the bank) that gives the loan releases it when the loan is settled.
• A bike with illegal odometer analyses will declare on the first page of the bike paper, 999,999. Also, if there are words like ‘salvage’ or ‘loss’ on the same place.
• Do not forget to get the bill of sale in writing, complete with yours and the seller’s contact details, all the information about the bike (price, year of manufacture, VIN and miles covered) with signatures from both the parties and date.
• The seller should compulsorily sign the back page of the deed papers.
• Be cautious of any disclosure with ‘as is’ as this implies that once you buy the vehicle, the seller is free from any accountability if something goes wrong with the two wheeler. There is no alternative to fall back on.
• Don’t be shocked if the current owner refuses to let you take the bike for a test ride. Legally, you are not allowed to ride the bike until it is appropriately registered and indemnified in your name. This means, there is no trial. But you can request the owner to ride a couple of laps in front of you.
• Once you get the bike home, have it checked with a proficient mechanic for a complete service to ensure that your bike is in the best working condition. Safety first!
• It is better to be truthful about the sale price when you submit the details for sales tax. This holds particularly true if you are . Faking it is not only illegal, but will also come back to bite you in the rear if you were to get in any kind of trouble.