Buying long distance

[49Reo]

Bought my '02 in January 2008, 650miles or so, (give or take a few) from home. Private deal. Many emails, many pics, owner had it safetied, I sent a $500.00 deposit (refundable) ahead as a show of faith; bike was as good or better than promised. First time I had dealt on any big ticket item that way, and had good luck with it. I got a great bike in great shape, never looked back.

Good luck, keeps us posted;

Regards and such,
49Reo

[CDNRatMan]

  I spent 3 years hunting and surfing Kijijij everyday found 2 for sale in Barrie a 4 hour drive from here. Managed to get both sellers to confirm to a date and diffrent timings, for a look see. Took the chance and went to see them and see who was the more willing to deal and who was the better sales person. I really lucked in and got mine for the Blue Book price and then it only needed both sprokets and chain replaced, but it passed its safety so it was not a big deal. I would have travel any where in the province to get the deal I got .

[cochise]

I bought my 02/800 a couple yrs ago off the net, sight unseen . It was about 700 miles away and its the first big ticket item I've ever bought on line. It had 7500 miles on it and was the original owner. I had numerous e mail ,pics, and phone calls. I may have taken a leap of faith buying it like that but it was exactly as represented. The seller did" safety check  "it as part of the deal ( that showed it was safe to be registered ). You may have to trust the seller to take it to a local shop , and a professional shop isn't likely to put their name and business in jeopardy by not describing the bike as it is. If time is not a factor, keep searching , one will come up within a resonable distance , ( usually the day after I bought it on the other side of the country !! )

[DC]

Hi guys.  New to the board.  I've been looking at 1500s for a while and, like a lot of people, looking pretty much anywhere in the country.  What I'm still trying to get sorted is how to find a reliable, trustworthy mechanic to go and check a propsective bike out 1000 miles away.  What's the best way you've found to get a bike checked out if you can't do it in person?  Thx