For the last month I have searched just about every auction website, classified website, and newspaper that I could think of in hopes of purchasing an upgraded motorcycle.  It is no suprise that eBay offered the best deal, but here are some things that I learned along the way.

Is this motorcycle right for me?  You need to really think about what you want and what you don't want and don't bid on anything you do not want.  Sounds overly simplistic I know; however, when you really want a motorcycle and can't find what you are looking for right away its easy to just buy something kind of like what you wanted.  Make a list of what you will use the bike for, what it is worth it to you, and rank order options you want such as color, CC, brand, etc.  Make sure you're price is realistic given your options.  It is worth googling, going to a local dealership, or asking a friend to get the bike you wanted.  Don't forget motorcycles are not one size fits all, and a newbie starting out on a 1000cc modified sport bike is going to end badly.  Look at some bikes, research what catches your eye and soon you will know exactly what you are looking for.

If the ad brags about speed look closer.  Let's face it motorcycles in general are very quick vehicles, but making this a crucial selling point should tell you as the buyer some immediate things.  First, do you want a bike that has been raced, pushed to the limits, or crashed?  Second, if all motorcycles are quick, what flaw is the seller trying to cover up?  Has the bike been modified?  Modifications may violate local laws, be dangerous, or void warranties, not to mention may require a little more mechanical expertise and expense when it comes time to fix it.

Financing.  Don't forget the actual motorcycle is only part of the expense.  First is the sale price of the bike, next is transportation, insurance, then licensing and sales tax, then accessories (in some states mandatory e.g. helmets).  eBay and Paypal have offered a partial solution: Paypal line of credit.  The Paypal line of credit is much easier to acquire than a bank loan, is quick in the process, and can be quite useful.  The caveat here is that you need to contact your potential seller PRIOR to bidding and ask if you can use your paypal line of credit for full or partial payment.  Out of 10 buyers I contacted all agreed and none were hesitant so make sure to ask.

Is it a good bike?  One of the hardest things about an eBay motors purchase is the disadvantage of not seeing the motorcycle in-person.  The seller should work hard to help you out here.  You may request additional pictures (including one of the odometer) the VIN, and details about the service work that has been done.  You can use the VIN to contact your insurance company and get a quote, and to order a vehicle history report.  Lastly, make a checklist of what is important to you and ask the seller to review it PIROR to bidding.  Things to put in your check list should include: clean title, not salvaged, not lost, clean title in hand; information on drops, scuffs, and other physical problems, performance, are the breaks good, when should the bike get new tires, when is the last time the oil was changed, exhaust in good shape?  Lastly, as a ctach-all ask what needs to be done to the bike before it can be regularly used.  If the seller replies with no problems, and you catch something DON'T BUY, get a netural third party, or contact eBay.

Is this a fair price?  It is often hard to tell what motorcycles are worth because they hold value slightly differently than a car.  Check Kellybluebook.com, look at similar motorcycles that are listed outside your local area for comparison purposes, look if this motorcycle has been relisted.

Don't get scammed.  Off eBay transactions are probably going to result in you getting scammed.  If it sounds too good to be true (like a buy it now of $2,000 for a brand new bike worth $10,000) it probably is.  If you use check, money order, or WesternUnion and the deal goes bad, your up a creek.  Use PayPal if you can, or pay in person after inspecting the bike.