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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Also...the Autoexpresssouth website has no motorcycles listed.
They guy on the ebay page claiming to be Tom looks 'English' (Not that that's 100% evidence, but along with other red flags, I think it may stand out)
But, as others have said, if you can go to look at the bike in person and he can give you evidence that the bike is in his sole name to sell it to you, then go for it.
Just make sure you have the bike before you hand over the cash.
I would definitely leave the cash at home and ask him to meet you in a neutral site with the bike, i.e. mall parking lot. There have been some craiglist robberies in my area where the buyer goes to see the bike at a personal residence. When the buyer gets there, he sees the bike up at the top of the driveway and everything seems fine. Then the buyer gets robbed of the cash. Turns out the house was a foreclosure and was abandoned. be careful!
Well, considering the eBay user has 100% feedback I'm gong to assume that their listing was legit, and Craigslist is the scam. Some of the feedback says how "Tom was so helpful, yadda, yadda." I think it's safe to assume there is no bike.
Question about liens. I know when you have a loan on a bike or car, the loaning bank holds the title until the vehicle is paid for. If you used the vehicle for collateral on another type of loan wouldn't the loaning agency either hold the bike or the title?
Typically, yes. However, (at least in NC) if the lien is registered with DMV, then they won't release it until the lienholder says it's ok. So, while you might have the Physical title in your hand, you can't transfer it to anyone else.
Crap. That's the same photos, graphic, everything. It's a scam.
I hate everything. Thanks a lot though, you guys are the best. Might have saved me from getting robbed. I'm going to confront him about the pics since he doesn't have any information or anything.
Yea.... This REALLY looks like a scam! You know what they say about things that seem toooo good to be true..... Way to go on checking into it, as others have said this could have been of those Craigslist robberies!
Made offer, bringing neighbor - who is a cop with me.
This is the reply from seller:
From: Elwood Jordan [mailto:elwoodjordan@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 3:04 PM Subject: RE: 2011 HONDA CBR250R - $1700
Hi,
The bike is in perfect condition, no electric problems, no accidents/liens/loans. No scratches, never been repainted. I have all the bike manuals, title,documents. I'm selling this bike because my child of only 25 died 4 months ago in a car accident, a drunk driver hit him and his fiancee. He was with his fiance's car coming to our home at his little brother birthday of 14 years old. The bike belonged to my son and it brings me bad memories and that's the reason I want to sell it. The final price is $1.700. Me and my wife travel a lot with our business and we want to make this deal through eBay's Buyer Protection Program. Please tell me if you are interested.
We hope to hear soon from you.
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY to this e-Mail if you don't have the amount available, or if you don't intend to be serious.
P.S. For more pictures please click the link : http://s1062.photobucket.com/albums/t486/2011HondaCBR/?albumview=slideshow
Thank you for your interest!
Jordan and Nina Elwood
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Motorcycle.com Free App
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