There’s nothing quite as exciting as going from point A to point B on a motorcycle. In fact, it’s an experience that’s impossible to explain without trying it out.

However, buying a motorcycle isn’t as easy as it may seem. There are several factors that must be considered. This is even more important if a person has decided to buy their new or used motorcycle online. The good news is, there are some tips that can help, including paying a visit to cleanharleys.com. Keep reading to learn more about the right way to buy a motorcycle online here. Remember, when making a purchase of anything online, information is the best way to ensure that the desired results are achieved.

1. The Possibility of a Scam

Take some time to do a bit of legwork to get to know some of the most common online scams that may occur. After doing a bit of research, it’s time to find out if the bike’s owner can really sell the motorcycle. While that may seem to be an obvious conclusion, there are several scams where people attempt to sell a bike they don’t own. Before sending any money, it’s important to receive a copy of the bike’s title along with a picture of the vehicle’s VIN -; Vehicle Identification Number. Be sure the two match.

2. The Extras

If there are major accessories pictured in the image posted online, and a buyer wants that to be a part of the deal, be sure to ask the seller about it. They should state they are included in the purchase price. While it may cost a buyer a bit more, it’s a good idea to use an online escrow company. This will ensure the money spent is held until the transaction is complete. By using the services of this type of company, there’s a certain level of protection from a possible scam, which will provide some peace of mind. Make sure payment is never sent as a pre-paid credit card.

3. Proper Documentation

If the seller is able to demonstrate that they are the owner of the motorcycle, it’s important to find out if the title is completely “clear.” If the title is clear, it means that the owner’s title doesn’t have any type of lien. If a lien is present, it can make the sale much more complicated. Without a lien, however, the transfer of the title will be smooth and easy.

If there is a lien on the title, the lender that holds the lien will have to discharge it before the motorcycle can be titled in someone else’s name. The current owner needs to handle the discharge of the lien that is on it. Don’t ever pay for a bike that has a title that isn’t completely discharged.

4. Get a Bill of Sale

Be sure to get a Bill of Sale with an online motorcycle purchase. At the very least, it’s necessary to have the bill of sale include the purchase date, the name, and the address of both the seller and the buyer. It’s also necessary for the bill of sale to include the year, model, and make of the motorcycle, along with the bike’s VIN number. It should state if the motorcycle is free from accidents or defects, too.

If the buyer has negotiated any accessories with the sale of the bike, such as auxiliary lighting, performance exhaust, top box, panniers, or anything else as part of the deal, be sure the Bill of Sale lists these things as “included.”

5. Seller Ratings

If a person has decided to purchase the motorcycle from an online auction site, they need to ensure they look at the ratings the seller has earned. Don’t only check the total number of “stars,” read a few reviews and get to know what the best and worse features of the seller are. It’s also a good idea to find out how they have treated past customers who have bought from them.

6. An International Transaction

If a person tries to purchase a bike from a different country, this is something that can be tricky. At the very least it’s necessary to ensure that the machine is able to meet the safety and emissions standards for the U.S. This is extremely important. A motorcycle that is made in any other country besides the U.S. may not have ever been made to meet the regulations in the U.S. If they aren’t it can be extremely expensive, or even impossible, to make the bike U.S. compliant. Even if the bike being purchased meets current U.S. regulations, a letter of compliance from the manufacturer of the bike may be needed. Remember though, this is a process that can be tricky and take a lot of time.

7. The Shipping

If a person isn’t buying their motorcycle from a local seller, they need to think about the cost of having it shipped. There are several methods for shipping a motorcycle. Just make sure to know how much it is going to cost to get the bike “home.” If the plan is to use a company that specializes in shipping motorcycles, be sure it’s a reputable company. Look at the online reviews and figure out if free insurance is offered, along with the limits. If the coverage isn’t free, be sure to find out how much it costs. Think about how the bike will be moved too -; for example, in an enclosed carrier or not.

When it comes to buying a motorcycle online, there are more than a few factors to consider. The tips and information will help a buyer make the right decision and purchase a quality bike while avoiding a scam. Remember, scams are everywhere, so it’s important to know what they are and use plenty of due diligence to make sure that the right bike is found and purchased and that it arrives at its new destination without any issues, including scratches or damages.