long distance purchasing...

[ff73148]

We live in modern age. I wanted a new California Touring but unfortunately MG discontinued the model. I live in NJ and I found a new 2020 in NC. Spoke to the dealer and we did FaceTime showing me the bike in running condition. I used CRST to transport the bike. They have specialized service to transport bikes. It was loaded on a pallet and delivered to my home in seven days. Here is were you have to be careful. Check out the carrier before you make a deal to ship a bike. Some carriers will pick up a bike and bring it to a central warehouse. From there you have to wait until they have a full truckload of bikes to deliver in your area. I read reviews for one company and one customer waited two months before his bike was delivered.

[Tusayan]

California is stricter with OOS vehicles. I believe they need to be CARB-certified (“50 state certified”) and have at least 7500 miles on them. Your DMV website probably lists the requirements.

OR have 7500 miles on them, a Federal vehicle with 7500 miles is OK.  One issue many miss is that the VIN and sticker can be inspected by a CA state licensed verifier.  In my case this is a Iraqi immigrant owner of a nearby cash wash.  If the sticker looks about right to him, and the mileage is high enough he’ll sign the form.  Then you go to the AAA (auto club) and register it without further inspection.  You can also have AAA inspect it but I like my friend at the car wash. The vehicle never goes near the DMV regardless and I don’t have to explain to a state official (or fee collecting AAA employee) why such a nice looking bike cost only $3500 in Arizona.

Out of state private party purchases can work out well, if you let them.

[Motormike]

I used CRST to transport the bike. They have specialized service to transport bikes. It was loaded on a pallet and delivered to my home in seven days. Here is were you have to be careful. Check out the carrier before you make a deal to ship a bike. Some carriers will pick up a bike and bring it to a central warehouse. From there you have to wait until they have a full truckload of bikes to deliver in your area. I read reviews for one company and one customer waited two months before his bike was delivered.

I've never heard of CRST.  Their web site shows a large, long-haul 18 wheeler type of operation.  Motorcycle shipping wasn't even mentioned that I saw.  I can't imagine they are going to use a tractor-trailer rig without routing in such a manner as to have a full load.  Could you elaborate?

[pressureangle]

The recent thread on what appeared to be a great deal on a V9 Roamer has piqued my interest: Under what conditions, if any, would you make a long distance purchase of a bike? In the extreme, a sight-unseen purchase?

I've made a number of distant purchases- 4 motorcycles, numerous pickup trucks etc.

Not one single time did I refuse the item.

Not one single time was it 'as represented' by the seller. There were *always* numerous significant, if not deal-breaking, deficiencies that ethically, should have been pointed out by the owner- not illuminated, but not... lied about.