Motorcycle Auctions
Why not find your dream bike and still have some spare change at the end of it? Motorcycle Auctions are the smart bargain hunters playground and if you're on a budget - look no further! If you keep my motorcycle buyers guide in close reach so that you know how to check for any faults of second hand bikes, then there is no real danger in shopping for your bike at motorcycle auctions. Even better, you can shop at auctions from the comfort of your own home, but taking a mate along and going to a police or goverment motorcycle auction could be quite a trip as well!
I would suggest that you try two sources if you want to buy your bike from auctions:
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Tips for Buying on eBay
The first thing that you need to do is create your free online account at eBay Motorcycle Auctions
- If you are already registered, go straight to the
eBay Motorcycle Listings. You can use the eBay Motorcycle Finder on the left of the page to specify the make, model and
year of the motorcycle you are interested in buying
- The more information that you can put into your search the better. For example, if you are looking for a red Honda VFR you will
get the most accurate results if you search for 'red Honda VFR 750 2000' rather than simply entering 'Honda VFR' which may well give
you a listing including decals, spare seats, owners manuals and other items for every Honda VFR that has ever been built
- Also think about the picking the motorcycle up. You may wish to narrow your search by location, using you postal code
- Never send an advance payment for anything you are buying on eBay
- Check the price of the motorcycle that you are buying by going to one of these UK used bike guides:
- Used Bike Guide
- Parkers - If a deal looks to good to be true then it probably is
- Deposits are usually £500 or 10% at motorcycle auctions
- You will also have to pay a buyers fee in addition to the auction price. This ensures that the motorcycle is subject to a
finance agreement and is not stolen
- Read the buyers guide for information on all of the paperwork that you will need
- You won’t be able to take the bike for a test ride, so it is vital to at least listen to the engine, check for fluid leaks and check the general condition
Buying from a Police Motorcycle Auction
Police departments end up with a lot of confiscated and abandoned property. Once enough has been accumulated an auction is held.
- Car-Auction.com lists has access to secret auctions from not only the police by also agencies like the IRS in every
country in the world. It is a US site and you do have to pay membership (only about £10 for a years membership) BUT motorcycles
sell up to 90% off retail prices, so even if you have to organize shipping for your bike, you could potentially save quite a bit
- Alternatively you can find out where and when police motorcycle auctions are being held in the UK by visiting
Government Auctions
- The best time to go to an auction is during a normal work day, as school holidays and weekends are popular and therefore secure
the highest prices
- When you buy a motorcycle from an auction you are agreeing to accept the goods as is. This does not only refer to the physical
condition of the motorcycle but also tax liens or loans that are against it. Find out as much about the bike as you can before the
bidding process starts
- You won’t be able to take the bike for a test ride, so it is vital to at least listen to the engine, check for fluid leaks and
check the general condition
- The agency that is holding the police motorcycle auctions is required to publish the following:
- full description of items that will be sold
- the date, time and location of the auction
- payment terms
- how long you have to remove the property from the auctions site
- additional legal disclaimers
You will probably be able to find this published on the net or on a popular newspaper local to the event - Always check whether you need to register as a bidder in advance
- Bidders will be allotted time to look at the goods before the auction begins and it is crucial that you use this opportunity to
examine the motorcycle. (For tips on what to inspect, go to the Motorcycle Buying Guide)
- Always have a budget and your maximum price in mind before the auctions begins – and stick to it!
- Always try and take a friend with you to the motorcycle auctions for an extra pair of eyes to suss out the other bidders, to look out for bargains, to help inspect your bike and to make sure that you don’t get to excited and make a rash decision