So after months of research, I am sure a Diavel is the one for me. So I've decided to get a Panigale instead Imo, its beautiful enough to have it in my lounge (missus will probably disagree :Rage and whilst I'm young I'm thinking I should have some fun. I've come across a private seller, asking price is too good to be true. I should walk away right? Well I'm not. Unfortunately I'm not motorcycle savvy and I could get my fingers badly burnt. I'm intending to: - do a visual inspection (for what its worth) - have it professional looked at by a dealer - do hpi check - cross reference registration docs against bike & address. Anything else guys?!? Oh, I'm not allowed to take it out for a test ride . Many thanks
Your last bit that 'your not allow to test ride it' would worry me a little, having said that I've never test ridden any bikes I've bought before BUT I was always given the option by the seller. I'd look up this on Google 'what to look for when buying a used motorcycle' I'm sure this will give you lots of tips on what to look for. I've always had a gut feeling when meeting the seller. If it don't feel right then walk away.
Test ride at full wad of cash deposit for full amount plus proof of insurance needed or I wouldn't let anyone test ride one I was selling The docs need to match, fdsh, maybe find out where it was serviced and call them see if they can help with any history. And check outstanding finance....lots of these bought on pcp
Thanks. Indeed I thought it was quite standard not to allow punters to test ride their bikes. The professional inspection I refer to is actually a service, which I'm told includes a test ride, so it will be ridden but it just wont be me.... Bradders: I may just turn up with a full wad of cash you refer to. Re the insurance, I'll call a few companies trrow but seeing as I'm not the registered keeper, I'm assuming this would need to be arranged by the registered keeper wouldn't it?
Hmm... The lack of test ride is always tricky. I've never let anyone test ride my bikes unless they've had insurance specifically for my bike including the cash in my hand. Also there's nothing to stop them getting snapped at 160mph on a test ride landing you in the shit!. Luckily no one has ever asked. Equally I've never taken a bike out before I've bought it. But doing you're homework is very important. My biggest worry when buying a second bike is whether it's been tracked a lot. A tip I would give if you're bothered about buying an ex track track bike, and it might sound stupid but I do it when looking at bike is look around you, if you're in the garage look for spare parts and track paraphernalia, ask if you can use the toilet. One your way look at all the photos and pictures hanging on the walls. I was once told a bike had never been near a track but when I went to the toilet I spotted loads of photos of said bike leaning at 60 degrees on numerous tracks around world and considering it was low mileage I suspect that's where it had lived most of its life. The owner had simply taken the track fairings off and put the shinny OEM ones back on together with a set of new tyres and it looked like it had only been used for an occasional Sunday run.
HPI check before turning up. Once you're there check the log book and inspect the engine/frame numbers before doing anything. It wouldn't take much for someone to put a clean (unstolen/financed/etc) plate on it and walk away with your cash when you're test riding. Happened before.
True. After all that's what they're built for but when you're handing over a big wedge of money for a bike you've been sold as being used for Sunday rides out only turns out to have been constantly thrashed round a track you're going to be a pissed off. Good point about checking the numbers. In all the bikes/cars I've sold over the years no one has ever checked them!. Maybe I look too honest! :Angelic:
There aren't many people out there that can thrash a modern superbike. Sunday bimbles and commutes do far more harm believe it or not (acid+moisture build up in the engine etc). I deal with a lot of contracts for a living and apply the same diligence to emotive purchases
Have you been to your local dealer and actually ridden both Diavel and Panigale to check which you prefer to be on as opposed to be seen on ? Most importantly you say the asking price is too good to be true. If that really is the case ask yourself what advise you would be giving if another member here was asking you what to do . You sound full of doubt about it and I think buying a bike like that should make you feel excited give you goose bumps as opposed to fill your head with doubts.
Take a mate with some good experience when scoping out the bike. Price too good to be true? Often is.
I was talking to a very reputable southern Ducati Dealer about track bikes and what to look for and they were saying that all the track spec bikes they see are usually better maintained and looked after than the majority of roadbikes, never see any salt, regular oil changes, used as the purpose for which they are intended, different body work fo the OEM stuff is in great nick, lower mileage etc. As long as they haven't been crashed, are cat d, c etc then I wouldn't hesitiate on a tracked bike.
