What protection do I have buying a motorbike from a private seller?

ZaraW

Hi all,
I am wanting to purchase a used motorbike - I was searching on Facebook Marketplace and got in touch with a guy who was selling his bike. I have since been messaging him and have been on the phone with him once. He is based in Birmingham and I am in Northern Ireland. This guy customises bikes and is willing to customise the bike I want to buy to my exact specification. I am just a bit concerned because he does not want to take a deposit from me. He is already doing a bunch of work to the bike for me - he said it will be ready in 2 weeks and he will send me a video of the whole bike and make sure I am happy with every single bit of it - and THEN we can discuss payment. There is a company here who goes over to the mainland and collects bikes and brings them back to NI so that we dont have to pay for boats and train/bus transport. I actually really trust the guy but there is a niggling through in the back of my mind about what would happen if I pay for the bike, then it turns out I have been scammed? Is there any way I can pay for the bike that will protect my money?

Thanks in advance!!!

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

ZaraW wrote: »

Is there any way I can pay for the bike that will protect my money?

Take a trip to Birmingham and pay cash on collection.

Suggest this to the guy and see what he says, if you never hear from him again something wasn't right.

dj1471

It definitely sounds fishy that he's customising the bike for you without asking for any kind of deposit. A professional tradesperson wouldn't do that as there's every chance you won't pay up then they've lost time & money and have a bike that's more difficult to sell because it's customised for you.

I suspect a request for full prepayment by bank transfer will follow shortly, then you'll never hear from him again.

twhitehousescat

in the past couriers have paid for bikes for me after confirming vin no , etc and collect bike and paperwork

mgdavid

Anyone who buys an item of substantial value without first viewing and testing the item is IMO asking to be scammed.
How daft can you get?
He might be the nicest and most genuine honest biker chap in the world - but if he's not it's your risk, not his!