Buying a bike off E-bay.

[Hook#3287]

I won a bid for a  99 GL1500CT out of Maryland.  The main picture of the bike  was a couple of years old and the others were small and couldn’t be expanded with any detail.  That should have been a warning.  When I went to pick up the bike, 450 miles away, there was snow on the ground so I was unable to ride it.  The owner had stated, in the auction, he dropped the bike in TN but downplayed the damaged as just a little road rash on the right bag and a small dent on the tank.  WRONG! 

The right side valve cover had been repaired with JBWELD, the right crash bar was broken off, the tank did have a small dent as stated and a much larger one also.  The rear bag crash bars were dented and pushed up against the bag.   Luckily the bag was not cracked, but the little bit of stated rash was about 16” long and 1 ½” wide.  The backrest frame was pushed over to the left as well as the Hondaline luggage rack on it.  The radiator was pushed down and over on the left side.  The front brake reservoir cover was rashed.

Going back and looking at the small pictures on the auction, I can see the damage, now that I know what to look for. 

I would have been in my rights to walk away. I could have renegotiated the deal.  But, as soon as I saw her, I knew I was going thru with the deal. 

I now consider it a “Valkyrie Rescue”

She has 33K on her.  My first has 103K on her, but is in WAY better shape.

Things that are not crash related, but are related to poor ownership or shady dealing are:  1) Many of the nuts and bolts are from other sources, not oem.  2) Rear tire was a slick with threads showing (no wonder it went down).  3) Choke cable broken  4) Piggy’s cut out with a hatchet  5) No driver backrest as shown in auction  6) No service manual as stated in auction  7) no oem exhaust tips as stated in auction.

We stared the engine.  It was cold and because the choke cable was broken, we forced the chokes closed and held them with screwdrivers stuffed in the works.

The motor sounded fine (loud) and it shifted into gears, the clutch seemed fine.  The oil and antifreeze were full and correct color.

Nothing was so bad as to turn me away.  I knew I could make her “Right”

We transferred cash and paper work.  The previous owner had a set of wheels he had planned on polishing or chroming and he had (has) them listed on VCRR for $235.00 each.  He also has a HD fairing he wanted to move.  I told him I wasn’t interested in the fairing but offered an extra $200.00 for the wheels.  I really didn’t care, at the time, if I got them or not.  I’m glad now he agreed, cause the front came with rotors that still have good life and the rear has a car tire and newer looking damper rubbers.  All the bearings seem fine.

Although there were many negatives, there are also many positives.  First of all, she’s a Honda Valkyrie.  In my opinion, a classic cruising motorcycle that has few, if any, peers.  Honda is one of, if not the best, manufacturing concerns in the world.  Come on, ASIMO? JETS? And that’s just the future stuff.  Every other motorcycle brand owner wants his compressor or generator to have a Honda motor. Some just won’t admit it.

She has some added chrome.   Hondaline bag bars (although bent/dented at the present time).  A triple switch bar for accessories.  Chrome front fender bar.  Chrome bag cover racks.  K&N air filter.  24” truck stacks.  Tank bib.  The previous owner threw in a new choke cable he had.

He also left a bunch of “stuff” in the bags for my enjoyment, but I threw it out.

I called and e-mailed the previous owner to see if we could come to some understanding about the differences in what he offered and what he provided.

I didn’t expect him to do anything about the rider backrest, he must have already traded that away.  I’ve got one on my first and I can only ride one at a time.

I was hoping he would send the manual and exhaust tips and I offered to pay the shipping.  He has not responded.

So why this post?  One reason is personal, to get it off my chest and mind. Even though I feel very good  about the “Rescue” and okay about the deal, I don’t like the fact that he will not return my calls.  I was forth right and straight in my end of the deal and it bothers me that he was not..  Whatever, I already have a manual but it’s getting pretty greasy and I’m thinking his looks brand new.  Don’t really need the oem extensions,  cause if I don’t want the 24” truck stacks, I’m positive someone will want to trade. (Not Yet!, I’ll post it if I’m ready) .  I gave him the amount the auction provided, even though the bike was not what he portrayed.

The other reason is to share my experience in doing a bike deal thru an E-bay auction.  All in all, it was a good experience.  It gave me the opportunity to get a bike I would never had seen without it.  I’m very happy to have another Valk, even thought the previous owner was not up & up. And I’ll do it again someday.

In closing, I guess what I learned is, in the future, I’ll ask A LOT more questions.  If things are not as they were portrayed, I’ll renegotiate.  (if it’s a Valk, most likely not).  I’ll try not to let my emotions get in the way again, as I did at first sight.

But I’m glad I did.

[hubcapsc]

I bought mine on eBay, and had to travel a long way to get it. It was much tireder than
the picture (!) on the auction lead me to believe, but it has good tins and runs like
a Valkyrie, so now, many HDL trip$ later, it seems like a fairly well rescued Valkyrie...
Good luck on yours! 



-Mike

[Kaiser]

Kudos to you for not acting out of emotion.  Were I in that situation, I doubt I would have been able to get past the initial let-down and think critically/logically in the moment.

Best of luck getting her back in shape.  Post some pics whenever you get the chance.

(on edit): A search of the classifieds for "rim" will return a recent listing from someone in Maryland (not sure if this is the person in question or not, so I'll refrain from possibly falsely accusing someone here).  Perhaps it is a good idea to keep this information in mind should additional items show up for sale later from the same seller.

[Dave Ritsema]

Your a much better man than I, good for you that you have the glass is half full mentality. 

The VERY least he could have done is given you the wheels for free. They were posted on our classifieds? Shame on him if he is a VRCC member that did this to another member.

I wish you the best of luck on your "rescue", bring her to InZane this July and let us see your work! 

[Hook#3287]

This is what she looks like now.

[Kaiser]

This is what she looks like now.

Holy crap!  You did get jipped!  Half of the bike is missing!

 

[Hook#3287]

Yeah, I can’t claim that those wheels, hd fairing, and Interstate wiring harness are from my “Previous Owner” cause the e-mail is different.  But it’s either the same town or the one next to it that I picked up my bike from.  I picked my bike up in Germantown, MD and the classified states Gaithersburg, MD. Don’t know how many people in Maryland have extra wheels AND a damaged burgundy HD fairing.

Got alot of stuff coming from the UPS guy, she'll be looking and running good by spring!

[John Schmidt]

Was the person strictly an individual selling his bike, or did you get the impression he moves a lot of stuff. Reason I asked, there are a couple characters in the "eastern half" of the U.S. that thrive on that. Some of the members have had dealings with them....one in particular, so input would be beneficial.

[Hook#3287]

John;  No, I felt he was a private, one bike seller down on his luck and selling something he liked.  I say liked, not loved, cause I could never treat something I loved like the way he treated his bike.

Kaiser;  The emotion I had to fight was love at first sight, and I'll glad I lost.

Here's the rear tire I took off.

[G-Man]

I am so sorry for your troubles.  I KNOW THIS BIKE, and so do others riding that day at Inzane 7 when it went down.  I wish I could have warned you.  I read that e-bay ad and shook my head, knowing someone was gonna get stuck.

Here's a little I know of the seller.  Since knowing him, I have seen him use 3 last names, multiple jobs, and still owes me and another Valkyrie brother cash that he borrowed before crashing. 

And that fairing looked like crap before the crash, especially the "bakery" mounting hardware.

If he reads this, please don't leave me any more voice-mails or e-mails.

[9Ball]

I remember who this guy was.  He tried to keep up with much better riders without the skills to do so.  Based on his posts, he seemed like a very immature person trying to gain acceptance and this deal he did with you is the proof.

There is such a thing as karma...and you deserve some good for your outlook.  I would have walked away with no regrets and reported him to ebay.

[iliveforcurves]

You should let everyone know who this character is so we can be careful when dealing with him.

[Hook#3287]

Well, I wanted the bike.  Do you know if there were any running problems?  Don't seem like there were but I couldn't take it down the road due to snow there and here.

[Hook#3287]

Someone else will have to do that, I've got enough on my plate and fixing the bike is my main concern.

[Jabba]

I bought my first on EBay in 2003.  it was a 2002 with 2765 miles on her, and PERFECT.  The deal was flawless and I still converse with the PO.  I drove from Indy to NorthWest of Green Bay to get her.

The second I bought off of craigs list.  I flew from Indy to Richmond Va and rode her home.  She was not perfect, but was not portrayed as such.  That was a good deal too.

Ask a lot of questions.  Ask for Pics.  Ask for pics that include a dated newspaper if you're worried.

Be ready to walk away, and have an exit strategy.

You never said what you gave for her, so I hope it was a good deal, despite the let downs.

Good luck.  It'll be like rescuing an abused dog.  She'll LOVE you forever.

Jabba

[Chillerman]

I remember a thread about this particular bike http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,24223.0.html.  I took a look at the Ebay ad and that main picture sure looks nice.  Too bad there are people like this who will misrepresent themselves and their merchandise and won't own up to anything.  I hope you get the bike fixed up the way you want it and it turns out to be a gem for you!   

[G-Man]

I remember a thread about this particular bike http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,24223.0.html.  I took a look at the Ebay ad and that main picture sure looks nice.  Too bad there are people like this who will misrepresent themselves and their merchandise and won't own up to anything.  I hope you get the bike fixed up the way you want it and it turns out to be a gem for you!   

Yep, that's him.

[Buda]

Good info....my saved seller list is more like a do not buy from list

[Hook#3287]

Okay, obviously, Katman, Ken, Kevin, Katz or whatever his name is, is a dirtbag Mother Trucker.  So be it.  But the bike is what it is.  My only concern now is some hidden internal damage not yet discovered.  I sent an e-mail to Goody asking what he knows, hope it's not to bad a subject that he'll blow me off.  I was unable to ride it due to snow on the roads in Maryland and FORGET ABOUT IT up here in New England.  I will say I've learned ALOT today.  Maybe I'll get to Inzane this year on her.

[Ice]

I wish you would have let me know I am not far from Germantown I would have gone up and looked.
Hope she works out...

[MP]

Okay, obviously, Katman, Ken, Kevin, Katz or whatever his name is, is a dirtbag Mother Trucker.  So be it.  But the bike is what it is.  My only concern now is some hidden internal damage not yet discovered.  I sent an e-mail to Goody asking what he knows, hope it's not to bad a subject that he'll blow me off.  I was unable to ride it due to snow on the roads in Maryland and FORGET ABOUT IT up here in New England.  I will say I've learned ALOT today.  Maybe I'll get to Inzane this year on her.

You are on the right track.  It is what it is.  I bet it runs pretty good.  Cosmetics can be fixed.  You got at a pretty good price, so you have room to fix.

Make it your own, you will love it!

MP

[Oss]

Congratulations on the Valkyrie purchase. I wont be forgetting that day, it was the day we was riding to Upsanddownsranch (Don and LD's place)  Hard 6 also went down that day.

Back then I wasnt the slowest Valk in the pack lol  times have sure changed

 I think the road that Ken or whatever his real name is went down on  was 16 which goes from virginia to west virginia a very windy road, we were in a fairly large group maybe 14 of us and my recollection is he just had rode off the right side of the road after a left turn and failed to get the back wheel  back on the road. One of t he valve covers had a hole in it and Don got a trailer and took it to the ranch and it was a long time before the bike left  G and I  made sure Ken was able to get home and also let him stay in our room as he said he was broke.

Did the bike still have  the toyo racing tire on the back?

I'm not sorry I am one of  the people who helped him at the time, it could happen to any of us and I would help any brother out again

I am sorry that you did not get what you thought you were getting.  Hope to see you on one of the many New England VRCC rides this year

[Spirited-6]

 sorry, but I would have shot the SOB that lied about the Valkyie. I`m glad I was not the buyer here as I would be in jail at this time. There is a old saying " He is nutter than a fruit cake" The addage to that is don`t F$%^ with a "fruit cake"  

BTW, I bought two other Valk.`s on Ebay and walked away from both. SOB` lied about condition. And I did not shoot anyone. Almost, one would not give my $500.00 back.
I would not shoot anyone, I`m a nice guy. 

[hubcapsc]

sorry, but I would have shot the SOB that lied about the Valkyie. I`m glad I was not the buyer here as I would be in jail at this time. There is a old saying " He is nutter than a fruit cake" The addage to that is don`t F$%^ with a "fruit cake" 

I won't be late for "kickstands up" on the next ride 

-Mike

[Hook#3287]

Goody e-mailed back and added more info about Ken/Kevin/Katman.  He really cemented my opinion that the "Previous Owner" is a dirtbag.  Good bye to him, I'm glad I rescued the bike.  Spirited-6, I understand your feelings and also don't want to see the inside of a jail.  The thought of shooting him never entered my mind, but lucky for him, cause I was equiped for that.  I had the right to walk away.  Oss- thanks for the info and I agree, no reason feeling bad for helping a fellow biker, even if he turns out to be a jerk.  The bike had metzlers on.  The extra rear wheel has a yokohama car tire on it.  To everyone, thanks for the support, help and info.

[Jabba]

Good luck Hook.

Let us know what we can do to help out.

If you need something, don't be afraid to post a WANTED on the classifieds.  There are a lot of us with some parts lying around.

Jabba

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

That dude is something else...He was riding with us when he crashed...The bike was trashed pretty good...He posted old pre-crash pic's in his e-bay ad...IMO you was deceived a couple of us posted about this guy with hope's it would be a ....Heads-up...Buyer Beware

 http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,24223.0.html

[Highbinder]

The minute I started reading the description of the damage, I new what bike this was....I was leading the ride he crashed on, what a day...Strider was following the guy, said he ran off the road and the bike did a 180, lucky the guy didn't get killed...he did stick the hospital too.....I didn't trailer the bike to my place, I rode it...JP put a valve cover on it that I had at the shop.....after I got it home, I decided if I left that side cover on it, I'd never see it again, so I JB'ed the pieces of the old one back together....the bike sat here for about 2-3 months, I offered him 2500 for it but he turned it down...the bike ran alright, at that time the handle bars were bent, it got me to my place about 20 miles or so...good luck with your project, check it out real good, because it did flip...

[Hook#3287]

 Smokinjoe:  You know, when I was bidding on this it never dawned on me to check with my fellow Valkyrie Brothers here on the VRCC.  I've been a member since 2003 but have been away for a while.  The bike was damaged for sure but I believe it to be mostly bent metal and rash, I'll fix it. I'll post the pics of the finished product.

Jabba: Thanks for the support. I won't be bashfull and will ask for help when needed.

DIRTBAG UPDATE:  Ken/Kevin/Katman called!  I hung up!

[Hook#3287]

Highbinder:  The handlebars must be new.  The triple tree and forks are good.  The frame looks fine.  The JBWELD has held. Got a new used cover on the way. Glad to hear you put 20 miles on her, that makes my feel better.  The flip explains why the front brake caliper cover is rashed.  Thanks for the info!

[highcountry]

Congrats on your new Valk regardless of how you got it.  Keep us posted on its progress.

I bought my Valk on eBay from a bike dealer with 100% feedback and was very happy with the transaction.

[T-Bird]

Well like my maw says....it's all water under the bridge now!
and my paw says all gals look good at 50 ft.
just move on and get that fat gal looking her best 

( I am glad you posted this info, I had heard of this dude before, but forgot who he was  )

[Tropic traveler]

God bless you Hook... rescueing that Valk will be a fun & rewarding process.
Rescue is a good word for it, I don't think that fellow had the means or smarts to do the bike justice! I have had a similar experience with my '99 without the misrepresentation from the seller you had. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking the '99 from a neglected Standard to a really nice Tourer & I'm not done yet! As long as the Valk runs good & is straight as yours appears to be you will have no problem bringing her up to your expectations.
Been there, doing that & still enjoying the process.
Before.


Now. Even this pic doesn't have all the changes done so far!


Keep up the good work!!!!

[Stormrider65]

Hook, first off, congrats on your purchase(even though the circumstances weren't that great). I have bought a few things off ebay.  I haven't done too bad.  I bought my first Valk (Wall-E) off Craigslist.  Got her at a dealership.  I was able to got see and test ride before I put cash down.  When I was looking seriously at buying I went to ebay first.  My wife, Lisa, lovingly slapped me upside the head and told me to not get something like that online unless they are close to go look at.  Thankfully, I was smart enough to listen(for once).  The way I see this, you have saved a Valk from being abused further than she was.  I'm sure she's at a great home and will be pampered and treated like she should be.  I hope to see what she looks like when you get done fixing her up.  It does my heart good to see someone who cares about a bike like this club does.  Buying my Valk and joining VRCC is the best thing I could have ever done.  I love happy endings.

Walt

[Chiefy]

While we're on the subject.......

If you made a deposit through Paypal, and the bike is mis-represented, can you get your deposit back?