Advice on a fly and ride (dealer) pls

[boatdetective]

Hey folks- so I might have a deal cooking on a bike that is just over 1,000mi away. I've never done a fly and ride- but thought it might be a cool adventure. Bike has low mileage and is a 2016, so I don't really think it should be an issue. What are your thoughts?  Can the dealer register the machine and get a plate for the trip (which I would have to transfer when i get home)? How can I protect myself in terms of buying sight unseen? Somehow, buy/pray and ship maybe cheapest, but involves a lot of trust. Do I drive out with a trailer (which demonstrates my own lack of trust, yet experience with Guzzi)?

Thank you all for your sage advice.

JKK 

[Dave Swanson]

Hey folks- so I might have a deal cooking on a bike that is just over 1,000mi away. I've never done a fly and ride- but thought it might be a cool adventure. Bike has low mileage and is a 2016, so I don't really think it should be an issue. What are your thoughts?  Can the dealer register the machine and get a plate for the trip (which I would have to transfer when i get home)? How can I protect myself in terms of buying sight unseen? Somehow, buy/pray and ship maybe cheapest, but involves a lot of trust. Do I drive out with a trailer (which demonstrates my own lack of trust, yet experience with Guzzi)?

Thank you all for your sage advice.

JKK

Depending on the state you buy if in will determine the registration requirements.  Most states will turn you loose with a BOS.  That and proof of insurance will get you home.

The dealer's reputation you are buying from has a lot to do with how comfortable you will be with "trust".  Cadre, or Hamlin's, no worries at all. 

[kingoffleece]

If it wasn't Cadre or Hamlin, I'd ask a member here to go check out the bike.  If at all possible.
Additionally, I'd ask here if anyone has any experience with the selling dealer.

[Cam3512]

2016?  What bike?  That’s kind of important info.

[guzzisteve]

Most states have what they call a ferry permit. Would be your state, they give you a temp tag to get home with proper ins & bike info. Set-up ahead of time.

[n3303j]

Wanted to do that a few years ago in Middleboro, MA.
Insurance and police both informed me that Massachusetts will not honor any temporary registration from out of state. Insurance and LEO will consider you unregistered.

On the other hand if you have something you are selling, junking etc. you may move the valid plate from that vehicle to the new vehicle (same type only) and drive the new vehicle for 5 business days on the plate before you must file the papers for rhe new machine at the registry. You have to carry your old registration with it filled out to show the date and disposition of the old vehicle.
I'm sure Marblehead isn't any better. F... Massachusetts.

On the other hand if the fellow will ship you the title you should be able to register the vehicle and obtain a valid plate to bring out to the new bike.

I bought a bike in Connecticut and offered the seller an extra $100 if he would let me ride the bike back to Massachusetts on his plate. It worked. We were both happy. I mailed him his plate. He mailed me signed paperwork.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I did a fly and ride 10-15 years ago, I was working at a job in New York State, On the way home I diverted to Denver where I picked up a 98 EV
I rode back over the rockies and attended a Not A Rally organized by Rocker59
The bike was struggling to get up the hills. When I got to the campsite I pulled it apart and found the fuel filter was plugged with rust.
Then I rode back to Vancouver with the bike running like a champ, it was a fun trip, I would do that again but perhaps not have to troubleshoot the ride.

I can't remember what I did for insurance, probably broke the law
As Cam3512 says what Guzzi is it?

Go for it

Roy

[Bigtime]

 When I bought my Stelvio in 2015 from AF1, I did a fly and ride from Texas back to Kentucky. It's one of my favorite rides experiences. AF1 was great.

[boatdetective]

I can see if I was dealing with a great shop like AF1 or Harper's, that would be one thing. This seems to be a big moto mill with a sketchy reputation. I get the feeling that this Stelvio is out of their wheelhouse and they just want to get rid of it.  Half of me just wants to put the thing on a nice secure UHaul trailer and drive it home. With my luck, a fly and ride would wind up with me getting stranded on the Blue Ridge Pkway.

Listen, I don't mind fettling with bikes. It goes with the territory ("Moto Guzzi- making mechanics out of riders since 1921"). There are plenty of niggling little things that I would not expect normal civilians or even non Guzzi shops to know about.

If there is anyone near Huntsville, AL, please ping me.

Thanks again!

Jonathan

[Perazzimx14]

Pennsylvania "In-Transit" tag will cost $103 and is a tempoary registration good for 30 days. If you go to a Notary inlieu of the DMV to get a In-Transit tag look for them to gouge you an additional $100 to $200 dollars for service fee's.

The best thing to do is call the dealerships and ask them what they need to do for you to be able to travel in from out of state buy the motorcycle and be able to legally ride away. Also verify with them that when you travel in all the people nceissary to make th eentire deal happen will be at work. If you fly in on a friday evening and their notary is not working Saturday you're screwed until Monday. Get everything in writing and also have a contignet travel plans in case things fall apart.

Honestly at 1000 miles away if you have access to a truck, it might be better to just go pick it up. It'll be cheaper than a F-N-R and you don't have to worry about tags and registration and you also have a ride home if you find you have to walk away from the sale for any number of reasons.

 

[rocker59]

Talk to the dealer.  They should provide you with a temporary tag.  You'll need the temp tag, and your bill of sale from the dealer, along with proof of insurance from your insurance provider.  With those things, you will be good to go.

Make sure the dealer has performed a pre-sale service on the bike.

Enjoy the ride home.  post up a report here on WG.

[red stripeguz]

I can see if I was dealing with a great shop like AF1 or Harper's, that would be one thing. This seems to be a big moto mill with a sketchy reputation. I get the feeling that this Stelvio is out of their wheelhouse and they just want to get rid of it.  Half of me just wants to put the thing on a nice secure UHaul trailer and drive it home. With my luck, a fly and ride would wind up with me getting stranded on the Blue Ridge Pkway.

Listen, I don't mind fettling with bikes. It goes with the territory ("Moto Guzzi- making mechanics out of riders since 1921"). There are plenty of niggling little things that I would not expect normal civilians or even non Guzzi shops to know about.

If there is anyone near Huntsville, AL, please ping me.

Thanks again!

Jonathan

Sounds like a Ride Now dealership

On the bright side, if you break down on ride home, then you can rent the U-Haul for the rest of the way :)

[inditx]

Mileage
Service record(s)
Access to previous owner to speak with?
Vin check by a good dealer
Good close up pics especially of tires with date codes

Personally, unless I know the dealer and/or service history, I would ship or trailer it.

All the above unless you’re the adventurous type and will roll with the punches so to speak
GLWP
inditx

[Vagrant]

I've heard of several cases of the bike not being as represented in the pics when it gets unloaded at your place. At a minimum I'd ask for a dated video of a slow, close up walk around of the bike that very day. Look closely for low side damage, battery acid, working lights and most of all, two separate keys starting and stopping the bike while you watch the dash. One key drops the price 2K as far as I'm concerned.

[cliffrod]

Imho Truck or trailer it after seeing it in person.  You don’t owe the seller any semblance of trust beyond the obvious contractual issues.  It’s a financial transaction.  If I was free enough to have an open schedule and ample funds to spend on an impromptu adventure just because, maybe I would do it.  Adventures are fun, but basically I’m beyond proving it.  Now I would rather be cheap and save the potentially $$$ extra issues for actual repairs on the bike once home than spending it on tow truck-hustling tools & parts-extra nights on the road trying to get it home.  That’s not fun anymore.

And I’ll echo what vagrant said.  I have personally bought my two older cars states away that, had I just shipped them here on the seller’s description alone, I would have been very unhappy.  Not that I think they were trying to deliberately mislead me, but they were missing significant details.  Both purchases were intended to be a drive-home scenario.  one was about 2 1/2 hrs, one was 8+ hrs.  But after seeing & evaluating them in person, neither would have been cost effective to risk it.  Getting them transported/trailered home was not as much fun, but it was the right move for me.

[Perazzimx14]

Imho Truck or trailer it after seeing it in person.  You don’t owe the seller any semblance of trust beyond the obvious contractual issues.  It’s a financial transaction.  If I was free enough to have an open schedule and ample funds to spend on an impromptu adventure just because, maybe I would do it.  Adventures are fun, but basically I’m beyond proving it.  Now I would rather be cheap and save the potentially $$$ extra issues for actual repairs on the bike once home than spending it on tow truck-hustling tools & parts-extra nights on the road trying to get it home.  That’s not fun anymore.

And I’ll echo what vagrant said.  I have personally bought my two older cars states away that, had I just shipped them here on the seller’s description alone, I would have been very unhappy.  Not that I think they were trying to deliberately mislead me, but they were missing significant details.  Both purchases were intended to be a drive-home scenario.  one was about 2 1/2 hrs, one was 8+ hrs.  But after seeing & evaluating them in person, neither would have been cost effective to risk it.  Getting them transported/trailered home was not as much fun, but it was the right move for me.

I find that a sellers definition and a buyers definition of "condition" can greatly vary.

I would also be a bit more apt to buy a bike F-N-R style from a private seller verses a dealers. At a dealership you are likely paying top dollar and eve if they offer a warrany who cares, its not like you are going to take it back if somethgin breaks. I also find a lot of dealers are a bit less truthful that private sellers and private sellers don't spring hidden fee's on you.

I will say that all the bikes I've bought that I have traveled to get or had shipped in have I never disapointed or was mislead by the seller. I also mostly deal in European "gentlemens"  bikes that typically get a hgher leve of respect from the owners verses a Asian Big-4 sport bike that the previous 6 owner together ages add up to less than 60. I;ve gotten to the point on oil cooled R1200GS's that I don;t even test ride them anymore. Start them for a few seconds to make sure it doesn;t sound like a 7.3 Powerstroke on cold startup and look to see if the rear main seal is weeping. If both check out, hand the seller a wad of cash push the bike on the truck and head for home. Last one I bought the seller had a mobil notary waiting in the kitchen. I only saw the bike for 5 seconds as I walked by it on th eway into th ehouse to meet the notary. Did the title transfer, handed the seller the cash and helped me push the bike into the truck. He left for another appointment as the wife and I tired down the bike she said don;t you think you should make sure it runs? I really hadn't given it a thought in all the hub bub and said really what the point now. Seller is gone, the bike is legally mine...anyway turned the key to "on" stabbed the starter and it roared to life and purred like a kitten. Around 30 minutes from the time we arrived to when were were pulling out of the seller driveway with the bike laoded up and headed back home 350 miles.

[Kiwi_Roy]

We need you to do this
Waiting on the ride report.

[Perazzimx14]

We need you to do this
Waiting on the ride report.

Most F-N-R reports are picked up bike blasted interstate/hiighway home to get back as quicly as possible. I will say I did sell a bike to a feller in California. He and his wife flew in to NJ to meet her family then he too the train to Harrisburg PA where I picked him up with the bike in the bed of my truck. Did the paperwork and he headed back to NJ to meet back up with his wife for a couple of days and when she flew home he was akeing a week+  to ride back. 

[Motormike]

You just never know what you will find.  I just bought a 2021 Harley from an independent dealer only 200 miles from my house.  Wife drove me up and I rode back.  I didn't bother to take anything along with me in the way of tools, etc. not even a tire gauge. BIG MISTAKE.  The bike only had 2000 miles on it and looked like new.  How bad could it be? Little did I know.  First gas stop, I checked the oil...at least a quart low, so I had to make do with a quart of 20-50wt from the Quickie-mart.  Then when I got the bike home, checked the transmission fluid...didn't even register on the dip stick!  Who knows if I burned up the tranny? Both tires only had about 22 psi in them.  Then, a couple of days later when I went to change the oil I was stunned to find the drain plug only finger tight!  Amazing it didn't fall out on the ride home.  At this point, I'm suspicious that the bike was a repo and the owner may have deliberately sabotaged the bike as revenge for losing it.  Doesn't look like an odometer roll-back, cosmetically the bike is perfect.  How else to explain low oil, low tires, loose drain plugs on a bike with only 2000 miles?  I should have taken some basic tools and checked over everything before I left.  Might have backed out of the deal if I'd done it the way I should have.  Getting too old and stupid to keep this up. Buyer Beware...ALWAYS!

[yackee]

I did a fly and ride 20 years ago from Madison Wi to McAllen Texas for a t3 with 30k miles. The scariest part was the plane ride and hitting severe turbulence over Eastern Texas. That and the blinding rainstorm. And the drug-addict Holiday Inn. But this was from a private seller who was a Guzzi fanatic (Charlie Taliferro (spelling) and my much younger self trusted him when he said it was fit to ride back home. I wouldn't trade that adventure for anything. It could have gone south, but I had the money to "self insure".

I didn't worry about the plate. I don't remember if I brought an old plate or used his. I think I used his. I figured I'd just tell the cops I bought the bike and was driving it home. 9/10 they would think that was cool and let me go?

[Bulldog9]

I've done several, they are great.  All depends on your and the bikes preparedness.

The dealer should be able to give you a temp tag, or do what I do, make sure it is insured, and grab a plate off one of your other bikes.

It's a Stelvio-What year? if pre 2013-14, I'd pass unless you have visual proof an early rollerization.

I'd want to know from the dealer many of the things mentioned above like tire age and condition, service history, miles, etc.

FWIW, two of my FNRs were on older models, a 2008 1200 Sport with over 60K miles, and most recently, I bought a 2012 Norge with over 50K, flew and did a 2000 mile ride home. BUT........ both were from trusted sellers. Neither trip was drama or issue free, but the bikes got me home safely and without major issues.

I did a Ride and Ride to pick up a new MGX 21 back in 2019....... The Batwing fairing came loose and dropped down and the left handlebar stub almost came off while on the trip home......

More history and condition on the bike would be helpful, but I'd say do it........... Fly down with your gear and a couple tools, be prepared to go over the bike, and have the dealer address anything you find and embrace the adventure......... BESIDES, even a known well serviced bike can and will leave you stranded. That's part of the adventure right?

[boatdetective]

I was right at the point of putting a deposit down on the bike- and the dealer tried to hit me with $2,000 in "prep & BS" charges. Real ass. I countered with what was perfectly reasonable, but it left me with a bad taste in my mouth. If it was a Guzzi dealership, I would have some trust. The problem is that the machine is just too far away and my trust is pretty minimal at this point. I doubt the bike has any serious issues, but with my kind of luck...  In the end, I would be more comfortable buying from someone here.

JKK

[Vagrant]

A "Ride Never dealership in Tucson tried to add over $5000 in BS fees (less than 500 was state sales tax) to a $6000 new bike a few months ago.
No wonder new sales suck! How many totally stupid people are there? I've walked out of their door at least four times in the past ten years with a check book in my pocket and ready to buy. The last time they wanted $500 "to check out" a used Triumph. I told them they wouldn't have taken it in as used if they hadn't already checked it out!
The Mfg's have really backed themselves into a "NO win" corner with these mega dealers.

[Bulldog9]

I was right at the point of putting a deposit down on the bike- and the dealer tried to hit me with $2,000 in "prep & BS" charges. Real ass. I countered with what was perfectly reasonable, but it left me with a bad taste in my mouth. If it was a Guzzi dealership, I would have some trust. The problem is that the machine is just too far away and my trust is pretty minimal at this point. I doubt the bike has any serious issues, but with my kind of luck...  In the end, I would be more comfortable buying from someone here.

JKK

Good call......

[kingoffleece]

Hamlin and cadre both have fly and ride.  Two best dealers in the USA.
You can find a good price on some brand new leftover bikes.  And both are no BS dealers.  Are there fees? Yes.  reasonable?  Yes.  Up front?  Yes.

[Dave Swanson]

I was right at the point of putting a deposit down on the bike- and the dealer tried to hit me with $2,000 in "prep & BS" charges. Real ass. I countered with what was perfectly reasonable, but it left me with a bad taste in my mouth. If it was a Guzzi dealership, I would have some trust. The problem is that the machine is just too far away and my trust is pretty minimal at this point. I doubt the bike has any serious issues, but with my kind of luck...  In the end, I would be more comfortable buying from someone here.

JKK

You dodged a bullet!!  A good bike will come your way for a fair price. 

AND - what are you looking for?  There are a lot of eagle eyed peeps on WG.  We love to help spread the Guzzi virus.   

[Perazzimx14]

I did a fly and ride 20 years ago from Madison Wi to McAllen Texas for a t3 with 30k miles. The scariest part was the plane ride and hitting severe turbulence over Eastern Texas. That and the blinding rainstorm. And the drug-addict Holiday Inn. But this was from a private seller who was a Guzzi fanatic (Charlie Taliferro (spelling) and my much younger self trusted him when he said it was fit to ride back home. I wouldn't trade that adventure for anything. It could have gone south, but I had the money to "self insure".

I didn't worry about the plate. I don't remember if I brought an old plate or used his. I think I used his. I figured I'd just tell the cops I bought the bike and was driving it home. 9/10 they would think that was cool and let me go?

Or they impound the bike, haul you in and your trip just got delayed and a lot more expensive.

[Perazzimx14]

You just never know what you will find.  I just bought a 2021 Harley from an independent dealer only 200 miles from my house.  Wife drove me up and I rode back.  I didn't bother to take anything along with me in the way of tools, etc. not even a tire gauge. BIG MISTAKE.  The bike only had 2000 miles on it and looked like new.  How bad could it be? Little did I know.  First gas stop, I checked the oil...at least a quart low, so I had to make do with a quart of 20-50wt from the Quickie-mart.  Then when I got the bike home, checked the transmission fluid...didn't even register on the dip stick!  Who knows if I burned up the tranny? Both tires only had about 22 psi in them.  Then, a couple of days later when I went to change the oil I was stunned to find the drain plug only finger tight!  Amazing it didn't fall out on the ride home.  At this point, I'm suspicious that the bike was a repo and the owner may have deliberately sabotaged the bike as revenge for losing it.  Doesn't look like an odometer roll-back, cosmetically the bike is perfect.  How else to explain low oil, low tires, loose drain plugs on a bike with only 2000 miles?  I should have taken some basic tools and checked over everything before I left.  Might have backed out of the deal if I'd done it the way I should have.  Getting too old and stupid to keep this up. Buyer Beware...ALWAYS!

People feel better buying from a dealership because they think when the dealership takes a bike in on trade they then soend endless amounts of hours and money servicing and going over the bike with a finetooth comb assuring everthing is right and readying the bike for resale. The reality is most deaelrships do a little as possible and if the bike is already semi clean they just roll it out on the showroom floor and hang a price tag on it.