[chunsberger]

Hi all, new user here. I just got my motorcycle license and am ready to buy a bike, so along with visiting dealerships, I've been perusing Craigslist (with caution, because I've learned the hard way it's not particularly trustworthy).

I found a black 2011 CBR250 with ABS and 1000 miles for $1700. The seller claims no damage or it having ever been laid down, and provided ~20 pictures to prove it. Is it worth checking out, since the seller might simply not know the value of his bike, or should I chalk it up to a scam and move on? After all, it's about half the KBB value.

If it's simply a great price, I'll go for it for sure.

 

[MotoMike]

Sounds too good to be true... Hell, maybe it's stolen? You have to wonder why anyone would sell that bike for half of what it's fair market value is.

 

[Omen87]

I'd send them an e-mail with a disposable e-mail address. Just to test the waters.

 

[GoBigRed]

If you decide to look at it, take someone with you, preferably with MC experience, to help you evaluate it. You should also run a VIN number check, and make sure he has a title and its registered to him. And don't give him any money until he signs the title over and is ready to hand you the keys.

 

[chunsberger]

I ran the VIN. It hasn't been stolen and looks clean. I'll ask him if he has the title.

 

[pricelister]

Walk away.

 

[match1]

Big Red flag. Make sure there are no liens!

 

[chunsberger]

Big Red flag. Make sure there are no liens!

Excuse my idiocy, but liens? What are those?

 

[6fOOt6]

I agree, run the VIN, ask to see title and check for liens.... a lien would be something like if the bike was used as collateral for another loan... the owner would not have the title free and clear until that loan was paid in full.... Good luck keep us up on the latest.

 

[chunsberger]

Here is the photo album of pics of the bike, and here is a screen cap of the NICB VIN results. Not sure if it's necessary but I blacked out the guts of the VIN just to be safe.

He emailed me and said he has the title, clear of liens or loans, in his name.

 

[6fOOt6]

Wow, it really sounds like a great deal, I just can't figure out WHY they are selling soooo cheap.... Go take a look in person if possible like someone already suggested take a experienced rider with you. You should be able to tell a lot not only by seeing the bike in person but also by meeting the seller in person.

 

[live_to_ride]

...and it's abs too. Along with what others have said, I'd be asking for the reason of sale. 1700 is below asking price

 

[racerrrrx]

If you decide to look at it, take someone with you, preferably with MC experience...

...and a gun

This is either a scam, stolen bike, or the deal of the century. I'm betting #1

 

[chunsberger]

I'm ruling out stolen bike since the VIN comes up clean. My dad is coming with me to see it since he not only knows about bikes but is definitely in a position to kick the ass of a potential kidnapper/Somali pirate.

I'll definitely be keeping you all posted on how this goes, and watching the thread for more input/opinions/suggestions.

 

[MotoMike]

I'm ruling out stolen bike since the VIN comes up clean. My dad is coming with me to see it since he not only knows about bikes but is definitely in a position to kick the ass of a potential kidnapper/Somali pirate.

I'll definitely be keeping you all posted on how this goes, and watching the thread for more input/opinions/suggestions.

Good luck... Hope it turns out to be a legit offer, and you end up with a sweet deal on a CBR. If it's not, we'll be curious to hear the rest of the story.

 

[chunsberger]

If it's not, we'll be curious to hear the rest of the story.

Unless you never hear from me again, in which case you can assume it was a homeless crack head who subsequently abducted, ass-raped, and stabbed me to death.

 

[pete_falcone]

Where are you located? Just saw this one in Los Angeles CL
2011 HONDA CBR250R

Just looking at it, there's just waaaay too many red flags... Dealer listed, low-res image, no exif data on those images, no dealer plate or even a placard, no phone contact...

 

[roberthood]

Sounds fishy..doesn't hurt to go look though. Make sure if it's legit and you decide you want it, you get a signed contract with him stating there is nothing wrong with the bike. If he won't sign a written agreement..there is your deal-breaker.

Do you have the link for the sale?

 

[MotoMike]

Where are you located? Just saw this one in Los Angeles CL
2011 HONDA CBR250R

Just looking at it, there's just waaaay too many red flags... Dealer listed, low-res image, no exif data on those images, no dealer plate or even a placard, no phone contact...

That has to be the same bike... as you say pete, the listing does look a little suspect. That bike is just way too low priced. Something doesn't add up...

 

[roberthood]

That has to be the same bike... as you say pete, the listing does look a little suspect. That bike is just way too low priced. Something doesn't add up...

Yea..sounds like this seller has multiple listings. And who is going to take the time to put graphics in their pics? Hmm..I might send an email and ask some questions for the hell of it.