| Ask to see the title! Right up front, after you have | | | | that mess! They may have replaced the brain box |
| taken a quick look at the bike, but before you get | | | | for who knows what reason. Why would you need |
| too emotionally involved in the bike ask if they have | | | | to replace the brain box? Perhaps because the bike |
| the title. Then ask if you may see it, if you catch any | | | | was crashed hard and it was damaged? Or maybe to |
| resistance that should be a big red flag. Most of the | | | | hide VERY high miles on a bike! Either way it is a bad |
| time they will produce the title. | | | | scenario. |
| Look at the title! If you are talking to Frank and the | | | | Check the VIN number on the title and closely |
| title says Joe that should be a small red flag, inquire | | | | compare it to the VIN number on the frame. ANY |
| about that. You are not talking to the owner, | | | | DISCREPANCY - RUN!! Do not even think about |
| especially if the address on the title is different than | | | | buying a bike when the VIN number doesn't match |
| where this guy lives. Bottom line is this - if you are | | | | EXACTLY with the title. |
| not talking to the guy that is named on the title and | | | | Lastly check that the title doesn't say "REBUILT" or |
| you are not at the address on the title be very | | | | "SALVAGE" or "REPAIRABLE". I learned this the hard |
| weary. Now maybe it is the father and the son is at | | | | way ONCE. Bought a bike, when I bought it I didn't |
| college or something, just be cautious. Especially if | | | | look at the title real close and when I went to the |
| the title is already signed off. Listen to the story that | | | | DMV the clerk pointed out it was a "REBUILT" which |
| they provide and proceed with caution, if you are | | | | killed my resale value. I overpaid for the bike- that |
| standing in the ghetto be more cautious than if you | | | | was my learning experience - don't make the same |
| are in a very ritzy neighborhood and the man is in his | | | | mistake as me! |
| fifties. Take the whole scenario into consideration. | | | | To summarize - the title can give you all kinds of |
| Check the date on the title when it was last titled, | | | | information that most buyers don't think to check |
| was it two weeks ago or two years ago? If the | | | | out until after you have negotiated a price and |
| date on the title is less than 6 months old question | | | | maybe already turned over your cash. If you smell |
| why they are selling it so soon. If it is anything less | | | | anything fishy either run from the deal or negotiate a |
| than 2 months be VERY cautious. | | | | KILLER deal. Usually when you are buying from a |
| What does the mileage on the title indicate? Is the | | | | reputable dealership this is a complete Non-issue. Most |
| mileage on the title less than the bike is showing? It | | | | dealerships are straight up and you have no reason |
| should be! If the mileage showing on the title is 15k | | | | to be suspicious up front UNLESS you are at a shady |
| and the bike is only showing 5k, RUN AWAY FROM | | | | retailer. |
| THE DEAL! You don't want to get wrapped up in | | | | |