Pre-purchase check? (when buying from a Wellington dealer)

**mynemesis** · 3rd August 2015, 16:35

Hi

Just hoping for some experienced thoughts on the following.

I'm thinking of buying a bike from a bike shop in Wellington (I'm in Auckland), but feel it would idiotic to purchase without inspecting or riding it first. Obviously though that's a very long trip to make for a test ride and I don't just want to take a sellers "word" for the overall condition, whether bike shop or private.
So where does that leave me? Are there private bike inspection services (although I don't know if I would trust them anyway based on past experience with private car pre purchase inspection service).....

Do I just wait for the rush of spring time sellers and source something closer or what?

Thanks for any info or insults

**pritch** · 3rd August 2015, 16:56

You have missed some important information, like which bike shop. Wellington Motorcycles seem to have a good name, I had a good experience there although it was mechanical rather than buying. KBer Pete "Crasherfromwayback" used to work there but he's now at Boyles I think. There were other KBers used to work at other shops too.

If you say which shop the locals should be able to give you an idea of how the place is regarded.

Good luck.

**mynemesis** · 3rd August 2015, 17:09

Hey Pritch

It's MotoMart fwiw.

**mossy1200** · 3rd August 2015, 17:11

Is it a bike from the showroom or a trade in special sold as parts from out the back?

**mynemesis** · 3rd August 2015, 17:20

Hey Mossy

I think it's a bit of both. As in, it's likely a trade in, but it is for sale on their website as used stock.

fyi http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes...ts/2345948.htm

**mossy1200** · 3rd August 2015, 17:44

Is that the type of bike your after or the amount you want to spend?

**jellywrestler** · 3rd August 2015, 17:51

Originally Posted by mynemesis

Hey Mossy

I think it's a bit of both. As in, it's likely a trade in, but it is for sale on their website as used stock.

fyi http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes...ts/2345948.htm

why not get the shop to take up close up shots, like real close up, they cost nout and are easy to transmit, or do you trust a stranger to do the assesment, remember it will be to their standards

**Ender EnZed** · 3rd August 2015, 17:57

Originally Posted by mynemesis

I think it's a bit of both. As in, it's likely a trade in, but it is for sale on their website as used stock.

fyi http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes...ts/2345948.htm

That's easily "on the showroom floor" enough that they will have had a look at it. At least to the level of any pre-purchase inspection you'd have done on it. Motomart has been around a long time and they do sell off their older trade ins on $1 reserve to (sensibly) avoid responsibility. That Hornet is obviously above the level they consider a "cheap trade in" and is still covered by the CGA.

**FJRider** · 3rd August 2015, 18:02

Most Motorcycle shops will do a pre-purchase inspection if it can be brought into their shop.

However ... without splitting the cases ... or lifting the head ... they can only go by their observations of it's general condition. (in other words ... an educated guess)

Most (of said) Motorcycle shops will not (cannot) guarantee that their opinion of the motorcycle ... IS as they believe it is (more ... as it could be) ....

Unless those testing are psychic ... do not expect the perfect (accurate) result/report everytime ...

**mossy1200** · 3rd August 2015, 18:04

Originally Posted by Ender EnZed

That's easily "on the showroom floor" enough that they will have had a look at it. At least to the level of any pre-purchase inspection you'd have done on it. Motomart has been around a long time and they do sell off their older trade ins on $1 reserve to (sensibly) avoid responsibility. That Hornet is obviously above the level they consider a "cheap trade in" and is still covered by the CGA.

I agree. Its a floor stock bike and will be treated like any other. 6 Grand is a hard price range as it includes newer high millage bikes and older lower millage. Im not very into the 5-8 grand price range bikes value wise but if im out that way tomorrow ill stop and have a look.

Alternative bike if you can find another grand is

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-862892075.htm

Its in your area to have a look at.

**cheshirecat** · 3rd August 2015, 18:21

Bought my 95 VFR off them some years ago. They gave a month guarantee, still riding it 8 years later and no problems.

**Drew** · 3rd August 2015, 18:34

Originally Posted by cheshirecat

Bought my 95 VFR off them some years ago. They gave a month guarantee, still riding it 8 years later and no problems.

Oh, well let's all go buy a bike there. Based on this experience they only sell perfect machinery.

**BMWST?** · 3rd August 2015, 19:37

if you pay them to do a pre purchase inspection they should report to you every aspect of the bike that a prudent buyer would be likely to make.Will it be infallible....no.Will it be cheaper than you flying down to do the same.....probably.
But if you want to take the risk,grab a cheap flight,get a bus to the welly rail station,then get on a train to Meling station ,they are about 400 metres over the bridge and to the left,grab a test ride,pay the monies and ride the sucker home.

**mynemesis** · 3rd August 2015, 20:10

Wow thanks everyone for your input. I jumped in the car home and switch on to all of the above.

Unfortunately for me I also got home to an email telling me that the bike I was interested in has already just sold today. So another one bites the dust.

Thank you for the offer to take a look for me by the way, that's a surprisingly unexpected nicety (yes it's a real word as I just made it up).

Yeah I know pre purchase checks aren't infallible. But I've learnt over the years with cars, that someone with a good arse (Nikki Lauder "Rush" reference) and half a brain (excludes alot I know), can usually rule out most major problem within 15mins of riding and listening.

I've just been off the road so long now, that I don't really trust my own skills. Another reason for picking between a hornet and a bandit as they are both famously reliable.

Anyway, once again, many thanks for the input. And in regards to the z750. Although I think it's a damn fine looking bike, I'm now pretty much committed to either the bandit or hornet at this stage. But thanks for help.

Well I guess I better go wash my pos, I mean gt650 and try make some money for this upgrade. Maybe I'll be luckier being a cash buyer....?