Need some input, buying long-distance

[simi_ed]

Mark, I don't think he has a problem with a test ride and I sure don't get the impression he's hiding anything.  I'm curious, how old was the Kawi when your friend bought it?  This bike is less than a year old, and just had the 600 mi service and is still under warranty.  So I feel pretty confident it is 'as advertised'. 

Lucas oil?  I couldn't tell you. Amsoil has motor oil, fuel additives, octane boost, bitchen' oil filters, you name it.  What do you need, I can bring your needs to the rally if I order pretty soon.

[simi_ed]

OK FJers, I'm thinking of buying a bike from the East Coast, and having it shipped to California.  I'm just a bit unsure about sending a check essentially made out to "Cash" and waiting for a bike to show up via UPS (or something similar).  Any ideas of how to do this without getting burned?

Somebody here must have done something similar.  I'm looking for ideas, so feel free to send them. 

Thanks to all!


Ed

I appreciate the ideas on delivery, and may indeed take the Florida guys up on the trailer to WCR idea.  That's some creativity!  But what I'm apprehensive about is sending money to an unknown person, and them NOT delivering, instead heading for parts unknown with a large sum on MY CASH!  Actually Bill Rockoff is fairly close and we've already had a few PMs regarding this, with more to follow.  Bill, you may be my solution!
The bike is a 2013 KTM SMT 990.  It has <800 miles, a ton of accessories and looks PERFECT.  The seller is motivated and wants a fair price.  We'll see ...


Again, I'm looking for input.  Thanks for all the good suggestions so far, and keep 'em coming. 

Ed

I did more digging on (fl)Ebay's policies, and it turns out that the buyer protection covers basically all vehicle transactions over $100, as long as you follow some basic guidelines.  So I followed the guidelines and bought the bike!   

Scott, check your PM.  I need to enlist your services!

Thanks again to all for the valuable input. 


Ed

[rlucas]

so does lucas fuel additive make an engine oil for motorcycles? or just an oil additive?

Yes, they do. Saw it at the local CarQuest this morning. Caught my eye, 'cause Lucas is my last name...no affiliation to the additives, dodgy British electrics, or the movies.

rossi

[Mark Olson]

so does lucas fuel additive make an engine oil for motorcycles? or just an oil additive?

Yes, they do. Saw it at the local CarQuest this morning. Caught my eye, 'cause Lucas is my last name...no affiliation to the additives, dodgy British electrics, or the movies.

rossi

The Kawi  has lucas oil in it per the po. sounded weird.  ok thanks.

[Mark Olson]

Lucas oil?  I couldn't tell you. Amsoil has motor oil, fuel additives, octane boost, bitchen' oil filters, you name it.  What do you need, I can bring your needs to the rally if I order pretty soon.

Oh Ed , I have plenty of Amsoil products already .

[gumby302ho]

 Well my two cents is this about buying sight unseen. Talk to the seller a few different times asking the appropriate questions and get a vibe of the seller and turn your bullshit meter on full when chatting with said seller. I bought my J sight unseen feeling fairly good about PO in late winter, I could not properly test the bike. PO did say it had a wish list and I new what I was getting into and the extra risk. Hats off to the PO for the solid work he did do to the bike with much help from this forum. It was a risk but it was well worth it as it just felt right for me. So again thanks Mr. Military mechanic if you read this, the FJ is holding together well. Great work. So go with your gut, how bad do you want the bike, how rare are they etc etc. Good luck 

[Bill_Rockoff]

Ed, congratulations - hope it works out!  Looks like a neat bike, and an adventure (no pun intended) for you and the cross-country group.

[simi_ed]

Bill, I got your PM and but didn't get a chance to follow up.  It's all coming together and Scott says he'll be in Willits on Wednesday night, around when we arrive.  

  Thanks for offering your assistance.