I'm looking to buy a late model used harley, it looks like they are quite a bit cheaper to buy from the Eastern States even with the freighting cost to WA.  I'd prefer to get one through a dealer but have been told to be wary of buying a write off that has been repaired or a bike that's been imported ffrom the US or Japan. Can any one say how much of an issue this is and what checks can be made to tell if a bike has been repaired or is an import.

regards, Nilo

I'd never buy a bike these days unless I could (or could get a mate to) check it out - I don't like getting ripped off. And as for checking the details of a bike, I don't know what its like it WA, but in Vic you walk into your local RTA and give them as many details as you can and they'll check for you - didn't cost me a cent unless I wanted a printed copy.

G Day Nilo, I just bought a bike off Ebay a couple of months ago. I had the same concerns you or anyone would have. Im from Vic and the bike was currently registered in NSW. The bike was being sold through a shop but not buy a licensed dealer. So with the power of the internet I did a bit of research Google street view (for the shop front) Ebay history and the yellow pages just verify it was in fact a genuine business. Make sure the seller has a land line, from Google street view I managed to confirm the land line number.

Just remember get as much info as you can extra pics, etc and don't be afraid to call them several times you will get a feel for the type of person they are.

And like Bonkerz said with the Reg No, VIN and Eng numbers you can via the Vic roads site check to see if the numbers line up and whether or not it has been reported stolen, etc. That being said when I pushed the button I was shitting myself for the 4 days it took to arrive. I could just imagine the missuss' face if the bike didn't show.

By the way it arrived safe and sound and I'm stoked.

Good luck!

 

Edit: Missing words and spelling...its too early

Harley Davidson has got to be one of the best second hand buys of anything. You have to be awefully unlucky or completly dumb to get snagged with a dodgy one. There are so many that sit in sheds until some suckers wench whines the crap out of a guy to sell it so she can have a new sewing machine or such.

Be patient, that low Klm second hand bike is about to be put up for sale that will suit your needs perfectly.

Mate .. they are THAT cheap at the moment ... if you want late model just buy NEW .... you might get accessories for nothing on a second hand one but new is 2 years warranty etc ....with new models coming in october from now till then it perfect time to buy ... saw an 08 rocker the other day at peter stevens in SA for 27,000 NEW and i got my muscle for 26,000 ON ROAD 2010 model

 true ... they not making that model rocker anymore and i think looks wild but i do a bit of 2 up so not good for me ...... maybe for a 2nd bike .... have to convince the boss on that one