Hello guys. I am new here, and am going to join the family and buy another bike. First on in the Kawasaki ZX family (zx6r). I was hoping to get some advice, or pointers.
The bike has 5,000 miles on it, and is an 'o7 ZX6-R. No damage, clean title. Completely stock, adult ridden. Purchase is from Craigslist, so I am being very careful, or at least I hope I am. Is there anything I should do since I am buying in person? I am from the Chicago Burbs btw.. If I buy from C-List, should I get it checked out by a mechanic or something? I am not confident enough to do it myself. Really don't want to get stuck with a lemon. Should go to a mechanic (bike shop)? Do I just explain that I am buying it used and to do a full check-up? And do you know how much this costs to do? I'd bring someone with me, but that is ruled out. Dunno anyone super smart about bikes, and all that jazz..
Any tips and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Friday is coming up really quick.
PS: How is the 'o7 ZX6-R for shorter riders? I am 5'8".
This thing's comprehensive. Read through it a few times, highlight the important stuff, and make yourself a checklist of things to inspect when you go and look at it.
Ask for the VIN beforehand so you can get an accurate insurance quote and so you can run a check of it online (it's only $2-$5 to do).
If you want to get it inspected by a shop, it usually only takes them an hour to comb through it. Their rates are anywhere from $70 to $100 an hour. Give them a call beforehand and just tell them you would like for them to do an inspection on it.
See if the the seller would be willing to meet you at the shop for the inspection beforehand. The other option is to write up in the bill of sale/"buyer's agreement" that the buyer is permitted to return the bike for a full refund after x number of days if any problems are found in the inspection.
I'm about 5'10" and I can sit on it flat-footed. You'll fit on it fine. Make sure you're ready to upgrade. The 07/08 is awesome, but it has some bite to it.
-Will
__________________ KEEP CALM AND CHIVE ON "Trust me; I'm a pilot."
This thing's comprehensive. Read through it a few times, highlight the important stuff, and make yourself a checklist of things to inspect when you go and look at it.
Ask for the VIN beforehand so you can get an accurate insurance quote and so you can run a check of it online (it's only $2-$5 to do).
If you want to get it inspected by a shop, it usually only takes them an hour to comb through it. Their rates are anywhere from $70 to $100 an hour. Give them a call beforehand and just tell them you would like for them to do an inspection on it.
See if the the seller would be willing to meet you at the shop for the inspection beforehand. The other option is to write up in the bill of sale/"buyer's agreement" that the buyer is permitted to return the bike for a full refund after x number of days if any problems are found in the inspection.
I'm about 5'10" and I can sit on it flat-footed. You'll fit on it fine. Make sure you're ready to upgrade. The 07/08 is awesome, but it has some bite to it.
-Will
I've been riding for a few years. Not scared of the bike, very excited. This is more me being scared to by from a private party, but you can't beat the winter prices.
Buyers agreement sounds like it might be a good idea. How does that work exactly, is there a structure to it? And obviously it has to be signed and dated by the owner and buyer.
I don't know how things work in your neck of the woods.. Here in Australia the selling deed/agreement is incorporated within the registration/title handover. If you happen to finance a vehicle then a similar document to the one attached on the thread is provided.
Buying from private owners... Well I have been riding for a while,.... 2 decades ... somehow I find it safer to buy from a private owner. Dealers are dodgy no matter where they are.... they need to make their profits and have all the tricks of the trade to ensure they are the ones on the top. With private sales, it is always a hunt, search and a time consuming exercise... always be methodical with checks, ownership history, bike history, have your budget outlined and you will find something which will definitely be a steal.... because there are desperate, quick cash needing genuine sellers/bikers out there
Last edited by hitmanninja; 11-25-2012 at 04:18 PM.
Some states require that the new owner has a bill of sale signed by the seller and the buyer in order to register the vehicle.
-Will
So you do print that out, and get that filled out and signed by him. And you then transfer the title (sign over) and that is it? You just keep this paperwork as proof? It's a little bit confusing. LOL^_^
I bought my bike from craigslist, and couldn't have been happier. Bill of Sale doesn't mean squat now, at least here in TX. They require you to have an "Application for TX Certificate of Title," proof of insurance, registration, etc. You can print that form out online. Print a few copies just in case you screw up signing it in person. Backups baby!
Even though the Bill of Sale wasn't required, I still had the owner sign it just in case. Requirements differ from state to state, so the best thing to do is check the requirements online for title transfers. Keep in mind that you're going to have to pay an additional tax on top of what the seller is selling the bike for.
One more important note. The bike I bought was co-signed by the guy and his dad. Because I didn't have the dad's signature as well, they rejected the application, and I had to have the guy mail me a new application with both signatures on it. They will NOT take a copy of the application, fresh ink only. It was a massive headache on my part, but lesson learned.
You can generally pick out the more trustworthy people on craigslist based on sentence structure, detailed pictures, and actually talking to them on the phone weeds out the suspicious.
Now I am more lost. You have the title, that is what you sign over. And then take into the DMV to pay taxes on it. But I don't recall anything on it with a grace period to allow an inspection. So if that isn't there, I just print out that paperwork you posted (Vehicle Bill of Sale)? So that along with the signed over title will protect me, allowing me to inspect it within the agreed time-frame?
I am in IL. Anyone who can explain what I should do, thank you. Cause I don't get this, and my head feels like it will explode.
Buying 'o7 ZX6-R
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