Buying a motorcycle online: how to avoid a scam

Thanks to the advent of ICT, everything can be bought online. But be careful! Buying a motorcycle online does not come with the same problems as buying a toy. This requires more or less serious investment. Thus, you will need to negotiate security with the seller before buying. 

You will tell me that he has seduced you with the low price he is offering you. But be careful! Buying a motorcycle online is not a rush. This fixed price can hide fraud. 

How to buy a motorcycle online and avoid criminals? What precautions should you take when buying a motorcycle online? This article will provide you with additional information on the steps to take before buying a motorcycle online so that you are not fooled by unscrupulous people.

Beware of too tempting offers

Online scams are increasing and are not sparing markets for new or casual motorcycles. The unbeatable price they offer you puts the chip in your ear. So be careful not to get carried away. This could be a sign of fraud.

To do this, you need to have a reflex find out the market price on other sites... This will allow you to weigh the scale and make a subsequent conclusion. You must take all security measures with your seller to thwart their possible scam plan.

So, check the status. Check the dealer directory to see if the dealer is a professional seller and has a trade register. Call him to confirm the price he is offering you. As soon as you notice that he is not available, does not pick up the phone, or does not speak the same language as you, distance yourself. He may very well be a scammer and the price he is offering you will be nothing more than a bluff. But when you see that your salesperson seems to be truthful in these words, don't hesitate with him. require your identity.  

Never give prepayment

As soon as you notice that your merchant, after several exchanges, requires you to make a payment, run away from him. He will surely assure you that he needs first payment to complete final formalities to leave the store, a motorcycle you haven't seen yet. Be careful, this could be a scam, the intent could be to put your money in your pocket and disappear without a trace.

Buy from seller

This is necessary in the context of buying a motorcycle, to master the person with whom you are dealing. This will allow you to really know if he is a professional in his field or not. Once you find your ad online, do not make an appointment in a neutral place.

Before checking the condition of the motorcycle, make sure that it is actually in its place of work. Take a look at the bodywork and check if it really matches the original ad. Take his address! This will allow you to find it in the event of a scam. In addition, your seller must include a legal guarantee for at least three months on your invoice.

Check your motorcycle papers well

Before buying a motorcycle offered to you on the Internet, carefully check the authenticity of its documents. Make sure this motorcycle is not stolen. or that his documents were not forged. If the price offered by your seller is too low and you are in doubt, pay special attention to the chassis number of the machine. If it is not the same in the base document, do not buy it. 

Beware of Free Advertising Sites

Unpaid ad platforms are full of posters from dishonest people. It is advisable to give preference to reliable sites so as not to become a victim of fraud. So think about paid sites that offer compelling ads to sell or buy.

Check the condition of the machine and try

Before purchasing any motorcycle, it is important to check its condition to ensure its quality. To do this, you need to call a professional mechanic for a thorough diagnosis. This expert will confirm the good or bad condition of the machine in question. 

But, if you have to figure it out on your own, start check if the vehicle counter shows less than 200.000 kilometers... If it had this mileage listed, it would certainly be in good condition. The plug of the device must not be subject to shock and must also be original. 

Also check the condition of the shock absorbers, they should still be stiff and not bent. Also, when you meet with the seller, don't hesitate. Ask him to let you test before buying a motorcycle, this is your absolute right. 

In doing so, you will find the condition of the steering wheel, brakes, unusual mechanical noises or abnormal smoke production. This will allow you to assess the condition of the engine, identify hidden damage and take appropriate measures to this state of affairs.  

But first, convince the salesperson that you are not riding a motorcycle. Leave him your ID or driver's license. Moreover, if he refuses this test despite your identity papers, it is because he is not necessarily reliable.

Papers and unloading sales

Signing a delivery certificate between you and the seller, is important and must be carried out in the presence of the judicial or prefectural authorities. This document is an act confirming that the car is now your property. This document is available from the City Hall or printed on the net and it acts as the law for the transaction. 

This administrative document also confirms that purchased two-wheelers can be registered in your name. Also, ask the seller for the necessary documents such as: vehicle registration document, maintenance book and overhaul and repair invoices. 

The number on the vehicle registration document must match the number on the frame and engine. With regard to the maintenance log, it should contain the last checks performed and the mileage. Make sure the delivery person changes the vehicle registration certificate (registration certificate) and also have a trade witness... This witness could be your brother or someone you trust who can intervene in the case of a motorcycle dealer scheme.