My Top 5 Deal Breakers Buying Used Motorcycles on Craigslist: How To Avoid Garbage Deals

[@JonsMotoGarage]

What are some reasons you walk away from used moto deals?

[@soorajsaikumar]

Sometimes the gear box will be f'ed up, and after buying the motorcycle only we ill find out that their is an issue. Second reason is the sellers, their attitude towards the buyer and their non-negotiable price tags

[@alectucker7815]

If they post videos online doing wheelies XD or say in the post that it's a wheelie machine. That's fine and dandy, but I won't be doing wheelies so it's not the bike for me

[@JonsMotoGarage]

@@alectucker7815 hahaha!

[@Tragic5]

Can I get a shout out

[@Tragic5]

Plz

[@jamessouthworth1699]

Dont forget the guy who "cant find the title but will include bill of sale" This guy will swear its easy to get a new title....yet he didnt do it himself....???

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha! Oh yeah! Those are the best! Lol. I try to filter those out before foing out to see the bike. Hahaha!

[@XtermanboyX]

Well there is the Vermont way of getting a title 👀

[@roughjeepliving5394]

​@@XtermanboyXshhh 😂

[@jasem6684]

Lately I've been dealing with pushy seller's. Seems like a great bike and a decent deal but the seller just keeps pushing me and pushing me which is just turning me off.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, I can't stand pressure sales tactics. That's a no-go for me as well.

[@codyfischer7888]

Something I always look for when buying a car or motorcycle... the persons house, yard, and other vehicles. If I see a clean yard/ house / other Car/ Bike, it tells me the seller understands proper upkeep. If I see a bunch of rust buckets in the driveway or overgrown grass and weeds, it tells me the person is probably lazy and didn’t do proper maintenance/ care on the vehicle. Speaking of leaky oil, always good to take a peak at the oil and air filters if possible. I’ve seen some dirt bikes with really low oil levels and some where it looks all gummed up, typically paired with dirty air filters. Gotta walk from those.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

All great points! I hate to judge a book by its cover, but I tend to make the same observations. Lol.

[@michaele1201]

I would pass on a bike that has too many mod's from back yard mechanic's.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha! Yeah, the chop shops are no good. Lol

[@Larrymopac]

I think number one thing to check is open the oil fill cap when the bike is running. Check for smoke blow by and take a small water bottle with a spray nozzle and wet the exhaust headers to see if all cylinders are working. It should evaporate immediately.

[@coachron3524]

One thing I ALWAYS check, the positive stops on the steering neck frame. If it’s cracked or broken off, walk away.

[@longbeachgary]

A thing that people should be wary of when buying used are - Title and registration not in the name of the person selling you the bike. Usually means that person selling never transferred title and registration to their name. You as the new buyer may wind up having to pay fees and penalties in order to get the bike registered. In some cases, the name of the person selling the bike may not even be known to you. Can be a big hassle.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

For sure! I like going to third party DMV's where you can two care of the title transfer right there on the spot.

[@tsrwakemaster]

Dents or scratches on tank Mods, except for pipes, some air cleaners repainted Bike must be original or have the parts to restore to original.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, I typically pass on anything with dented tanks as well. Sometimes I'll look past minor stuff, but it has to be dirt cheap. Lol.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

The first thing I do with new cars or bikes is tires, brake pads, oil changes, and coolant flush. But I don't sell them.

[@saddle8bag]

Guess you won't be buying my high mileage bikes. Just have to run em into the ground I guess. As to salvage, I wouldn't be so quick to blow them off. There was a shop in town where I had my bike in for service. The service dept just happened to catch on fire while it was there, so I got a check. The service dept was concrete walled off from the rest of the dealership, but afterward, the whole place was smoky. Every bike in their showroom got salvage titled. I saw one of them on Ebay in Kansas, I'm in Ohio. Imagine scoring a brand new Duc for less than half price because it was in a smoky room. Deal of the century!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

There can always be exceptions. Lol.

[@getoffmygrass6974]

That would be sweet, if you don't mind the fact that if you wreck the bike you won't get a dime for it but I'd personally take that chance on a brand new Duc. Pretty Sure all Warranties would be non existent at that point also but whatever.

[@saddle8bag]

@@getoffmygrass6974 Good point.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

If the seller seems nervous. 🚨 👨‍👩‍👧 ❤

[@JonsMotoGarage]

That's a good one! The best is when you don't even ask a question and they start talking a mile a minute telling you all kinds of nonsense about the bike. Lol.

[@davidpeterson943]

5 good points I'd add no title. Think your ready for the drag strip.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Oh yeah! Title is always good to have! Lol. I always overlook the most obvious. Hahaha! Drag strip, here we come! Hahaha!

[@nonofyourbusiness7631]

Valve noise is normal on a lot of bikes. Valves need adjustment and are super easy to do.

[@getoffmygrass6974]

it's when you don't hear the valves ticking, then it's time to be concerned

[@markyoung2062]

@@getoffmygrass6974 Yep, remember that old saying "a tappy engine is a happy engine" LOL

[@rockbay79]

I've been buying and selling motorbikes for over 40 years. It has always been a "Side-hustle" for me. A way to make extra money. I have found three "conditions" that make for a Super Deal. What are these conditions? They are Death, Divorce or a New Baby! Someone dies and the family no longer needs the bike. A Divorce and typically the Wife wants the bike gone! And finally, an unexpected pregnancy will provide for a good deal. I seldom review older bikes or damaged bikes, because they take longer to sell. I always liked quick turn overs like a week or so. I've yet to buy a bike I could not sell at a profit.

[@pintopilot]

Deal Breaker (on private sales): Title not in the seller's name. I don't care what the back story is. Got burned really bad once. WALK AWAY !

[@ianmcfarland5957]

I was ON THE WAY to pick up a bike, when the guy calls me and tells me he "looked everywhere, and just can't find the title". I wasn't in the mood to be the co-owner of an used bike with this guy's ex-wife, or get arrested for possession of stolen property.

[@Galaxiemann]

Slick video man. You rode past my work in this video. Pretty hardcore to do wheelies on the Res. I can’t even imagine what the fines would be if the tribal police got you for reckless driving keep up the good work dude.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, brotha! Lol. Yeah, I cross my fingers noone rolls through since it's kind of in the middle of nowhere. The i10 is close enough for a quick get away. Hahaha!

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

I obviously dont do the whole motorcycle used and resell thing like you do but in terms of why I only want to buy a brand new bike? Because when it comes to used you never know who did what to the bike over their milage. I just can't trust other people. You never know what someone might be hiding. Me I'm only looking at new bikes, sure they're way more expensive, but I'm willing to pay the cost so that I can get something I know was handled properly before being 2nd handed. You can't tell if someone caused a problem in waiting during the breakin period. You can never tell if someone tinkered with things they shouldn't have or skipped on an oil change or something liek that. I just dont want to inherit someone's problem bike. If its new, I don't have to deal with any of that, if there's an issue, "BAM WARANTY, fIxit." I'll be able to break in the bike properly like the manual says. Ill be able to change the oil with the oil that I want to have and the filter I want, and not worry about someone who maybe got lazy. The whole used bike thing is too sketchy for me.

[@nonofyourbusiness7631]

Buy smart and your fine. Compression test. Inspect carefully.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

There are definitely pros and cons to buying both new and used. I can see the appeal to buying new, especially if you plan to keep the bike long term/forever (and can afford it).

[@getoffmygrass6974]

@@nonofyourbusiness7631 Not sure about how many people are going to let you compression test their motorcycle but if you can and have the patience and time then for sure do it! Open V twins like my Buell would be pretty easy but my first Gen R6 would take some doing, not hard but i wouldn't let anybody strip my bike down to do a leak or compression test on a used bike, would save a lot of headaches for buyers though if we did it every time.

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

Some bikes just have noisy engines. Both my 1000cc VStroms had noisy engines because of the clutch basket. Clutch works fine, they are just noisy.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I hear ya! I had a moto guzi with a dry clutch and that thing was wicked noisy. I had to do some research on it cause I was sure there was an issue. Lol.

[@scottheath7405]

I would say you are absolutely right on weird noises and absolutely NO salvage/rebuilt titles.That just creates a bad reputation about you as a seller. Mileage and tires wouldn't be a deal breaker for me and actually is a solid negotiating point.You can roll back your price some by telling the seller that the miles are high or it needs tires.You may not be feeding your family with what you make turning bikes but you owe it to your business to buy them as good as you can.Remind your sellers that you are paying in CASH,that's a big deal today.The last thing that would scare me is condition or maintenance. You have definitely looked at some stuff that wasn't cared for. People will pay you better for a bike that's clean and well maintained.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

All great points! Reputation is huge!

[@simonclark8176]

Great vid and all good points when it comes to buying someone else's used bike ,thanks for sharing Jon

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, brotha!

[@paulvelez9688]

Awesome videos man. A common deal breaker for me is I show up and something is wrong with the bike that wasn’t listed, like the bolt with the engine light. If you’re leaving that out, what else are you trying to hide?

[@benjaminhurst8207]

Just got a sg and had a mechanic go through it and the bikes perfect but a huge red flag for me was the previous owner greased the steering column and he got grease fucking everywhere like just didn’t stop pumping or something, literally was in every nook and cranny all over the front end.

[@jaredjerrell]

How do you not have more subscribers?? Your intro alone is dope 👍🏽

[@sergiojmena]

Love the channel, whom ever is giving you beef over how you take off, ask them if they can wheelie a Harley like you do 🤙🏼

[@californiapoontappa]

My forst bike was bought from copart it had a salvage title just cuz they never had a pink slip when they got it but it was great for first bike

[@runtylerrun3898]

Honestly a bike that has been bored out motor wise or any significant motor work.

[@NeilEAnlin]

I'm gonna see if Aaron Palos will shout you out on his channel. He likes to help up and coming KZbinrs.

[@11bbasterd]

I'm going to look at a 72 today. I've always wanted one but I'm like a fiend since I sold my hammer S. Watching your channel has been like methadone lol. I was trying to get out of debt but I drive a ram rebel and 96 miles round trip comes out to 9k in gas a year at colorado prices.....Soooo I'm justifying buying my first sportster 72 looks great, and great gas mileage for my lil go to work/bar hopper. If I purchase this bike this weekend just know 60% of the decision making will be at the fault of your videos. Keep killing it brother.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I'll accept all blame for the purchase as long as you end up digging rhe bike. 😂😂💯🤙

[@11bbasterd]

@@JonsMotoGarage I should hear if I got the approval today I think it's a 2013 72 in the same red as the one you had. Arlen Ness intake, vance and hines side shots, DK tank riser, a few other goodies 2 seats included. The mileage is 12k, he wants 7500 but he said he's willing to come down. Pictures will be sent to you if I get it. Shit I might need to run down there and let you ride it. I wish you could buy the 3.3 iron tank painted in that kandy kustom color.

[@11bbasterd]

@@JonsMotoGarage Bought the bike found you on IG and sent pictures. Love this thing. I've only owned a victory hammer s. When I took it on the test drive yesterday getting used to the higher bars and forward controls took a bit to get used to, also the turn in on this thing is so much nicer then the hammer. Only thing I might end up changing about it is seeing if I can find a 3.3 peanut tank, but making it match the red flake is probably going to be expensive.

[@josephfriedrich9792]

I used to buy and sell alot of bikes and cars etc. My biggest thing was asking about a lower price even when they say they are firm on it. (I'm not talking low balling, but like 4500 down from 5000). Some will be okay, some will haggle, and some will get soo offended they won't even sell it at full asking. I always shoot my shot haha

[@JonsMotoGarage]

*almost never hurts to ask. Lol. 💯🤙

[@josephfriedrich9792]

@Jon's Moto Garage haha I know! I've been giving her a week to lull it over and going to ask again haha. I don't mind paying the full asking price, but shoot saving 5-700 is always a plus(03 fxdl 10k on the clock for 4600)

[@leudwigvonshwartsenhelm3624]

I have a chopper with an evo motor in it and the title says 0 miles and there is no speedometer on the bike so I have no idea how many miles are on it. So sadly I'm probably never going to sell it except for a really low price, truth is though there aren't very many miles on it I'd be shocked if there were even 5000 on the thing. Here in Oregon where I live the only thing you need on a motorcycle to get it licensed is a headlight and a brake light. Nothing else is required.

[@Luis.M.Castillo]

50k miles lol

[@adonaiyahteemann4030]

Just got back from a ride

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Heck yeah! Hope it was a good one!

[@jpetrik144]

Jon... once again great video my man. Would be very interested to hear you expand your thinking on this into some brand specific concerns as far as resale goes. For example, if you encounter an issue on a Harley, given the same amount of profit margin on the back end, are you more apt to ignore certain things due to the ease of resale on them opposed to some imports? I hope that makes sense. Thanks again man!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, brotha! That's an interesting one. I try to avoid anything that will be a headache to me when it comes to selling the bike. I guess it really comes down to price. If the price is right, I'll look past certain things and just sell the bike as-is at a steep discount, and disclosing the current condition. I'm just not a fan of spending time wrenching and/or taking em to the shop and waiting on repairs.

[@jpetrik144]

That’s understandable for sure. Thanks again man!

[@SC-ug5mk]

great video bro very informative and those wheeles you a beast!!

[@Paul20661]

Yeah I know u were gonna say about the oil leaks from watching the vids :)

[@JonsMotoGarage]

hahaha! I'm too predictable!

[@jdleestirringthepot6421]

i agree wth all 5 , 1 more i would add is i dont by dents

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, dents are usually a hard sale. I'll get em if the price is wicked good. And then I always regret it lol

[@richardalvis4695]

Wheelies. I don't buy bikes from showboat people. If its stock, really stresses the bike. Price is everything. I buy bikes for parts sometimes. The engine goes in golf carts or retrofitted go carts. Parts are expensive. Now I have tanks, forks, bags and ect...

[@rubberlover666]

Unreasonable seller with insane price expectations.

[@soorajsaikumar]

Agreed 👌🏽

[@JonsMotoGarage]

For sure! I wont even go near those. Hahaha!

[@rubberlover666]

@@JonsMotoGarage For example, just this past weekend I went to check out a late 80's evo sportster. The dude had it listed for cheap so I figured there'd be some room to come down on the price given the condition of the bike. He flat out refused my ceiling offer (which was more than generous) claiming he spent nearly $500 more than my offer to buy it initially. I thought "then why didn't you just list the bike for more so people would haggle down from that?" After some back and forth he literally would not budge on $100 even though I was there with a truck and cash in hand. Whatever. People are weird sometimes.

[@ericiglesias4313]

Almost every harley guy out there with "too many mods to list"

[@rantsfromthesofa4653]

List the price with firm after it. I won’t bother going to see it.

[@gadamwoll]

How much do you normally get in profit when you flip a bike? About how much work do you have to put in the one before you have to sell it?

[@ismaelharo100]

Yikes! Brother you have the best intro ever! Esta bien chido!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Jajaja! Gracias, compadre!

[@zachary8339]

Hey jon, thanks for the videos. What do you think about victory motorcycles. Since they are no longer made replacement parts could be an issue I hear, should they be avoided in your opinion?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Truth be told I haven't done much research into the parts availability. But aside from that, I like the bikes. Wish they would've kept em around.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I don't like modified motorcycles. Pipes are ok, airfilter too. Apes are no way in hell, where are you going to find custom cables when one breaks out on a trip? Fly by wire throttles dont work as well for as long modified. Stock wheels, brakes, and suspension are a must. New tires add exactly $0 to the value of any bike but can be a deal maker or breaker. To launch you must lean forward....which you can't do with those bars! You should put a reticle like in a scope made of wire between those bars at the top, like an old fighter aircraft. Your GoPro is aimed almost perfectly for that position!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha! I was trying to lean forward as best I could. Lol. But yeah, these bars aren't the best for that.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@JonsMotoGarage If you lean too far forward with those bars they may poke your eyes out!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

@@upsidedowndog1256 hahaha! Now you'll know why my helmet shield is cracked! Lll

[@Luis.M.Castillo]

You haven't seen a seller with a swapped odometer yet? Or that says the odometer is swapped, that the bike actually has less miles? Lol.

[@anthonysmalawipredators8794]

My dude scrapes pegs running a straight line

[@MrCyclee]

Do you title transfer and update tags with all the bikes you buy and sell?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, az requires registration with the title transfer.

[@TrippHPjunkie]

Great advice man.....your snatching that thing right up now.....why do people give you crap about your take offs....weird...✌✌✌

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Lol. I've never practice actually taking off and a while back when I did a few "drag races" some keyboard warriors were giving g me a hard time. Hahaha!

[@briannielsen7176]

Great advice!

[@debbieriley9303]

You brought up some great valid points. I always take my x .lol who knows the major as well as minor thing that could b wrong on a bike....It sucks to go for a great bike ..decent miles looks awsum only to find out it is a definite problem to deal with.. however this little bites that you get that you would think for the price they would be something wrong and they end up being excellent bikes for the price so basically it's good to just to just take someone who knows enough about bike to let you know whether you're getting your money's worth how are you getting a fantastic deal or whether to stay totally away from the by completely but the advice you gave is grade common knowledge that people should know regardless of whether they have some wrong with the Menard those are five break points that I would consider as well

[@fearsomename4517]

Reason number 6, never buy a bike like he's riding, doing wheelies and beating the shit out of it. It appears to be a show off video.

[@timjohnson1199]

I have a 2012 NC700X Honda for sale. Runs like new, recent service, new tires/chain/battery. Has a windscreen. 18,000 miles. 65-70mpg. Listed for $3500. Obo.

[@franmitch3589]

Know this is an old post but yeah I've got my own issues on buying used, don't mind working on simple shit like tires to me easy, but parts availability on some of these models ughhhh next I'm a harley fan boy but OMG hate the dyno tuning/ fuel management topic but carbs is another issue that's going the way of the dinosaur

[@FOPEZ]

What’s up man. I’m looking at a 2017 r3 with 12,500 miles for under 3k. Is that a good deal? I’m a beginner and looking for a used bike. Thanks man

[@moisesvargas7341]

I’m currently looking at a deal on Craigslist.. seller is selling a 1999 Harley Davidson dyna super glide for 11k. Only has 6 thousand original miles on it. And as well he’s the original owner to the bike.. would you pass up on it or ? He has mods like crazy on the bike as well.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Seems a bit steep for a '99. But I guess with the right build it might fetch that price. I would have to see the bike/extras to make a more informed decision.

[@moisesvargas7341]

Jon's Moto Garage losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/mcy/d/los-angeles-1999-harley-davidson-dyna/7050995281.html Let me know what you think bro!

[@NeilEAnlin]

Are you in to Jiu Jutsu or any form of trained fighting or defense? I see you do all these wild ass flips and youre always jumpin around....thought I'd ask.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I'm not, but have always wanted to get into something of the sort. I think I'd enjoy it and could use the work out. A shout out would be rad from a big channel that has similar stuff. That's part of the KZbin equation I've yet to have. Lol. As always, huge thanks for the support!

[@bobsaget3874]

why do you have a check engine light? just curious.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

O2 sensor. Happened after I started doing wheelies. One of em basically rattled loose. Lol.

[@jhask64]

I’d pass on bikes that have been wheelied constantly.

[@andrewissagholian4663]

Hey jon, are you selling any bikes?

[@NeilEAnlin]

7:23....are you peg scrapin?? I always peg point scrap!! It's annoying! Sorry for so many messages.....lol

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, peg scrape. These ones dont have the peg point, but still scrapes pretty easily. I was just binging a few of the aaron palos vids. Lol. I've seen some way back when but wasn't subscribed. Good stuff!

[@bikebilderbear6786]

My top reason is money🤣🤣

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha! That's always a valid reason!

[@shano81]

how did you learn to do a wheelie?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Check my video description for a link I did with a how to wheelie. I break it down in that vid. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@shano81]

@@JonsMotoGarage you rule! thanks1!

[@ItsShane79]

Hey amigo, finally found you on Insta, added you! ;)

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Heck yeah! Thanks, brotha! I appreciate the support!

[@lexkantoor6514]

Nice bike

[@BikesBoatsBivouacs]

Bikes with shoddy maintenance records

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

Most people change the oil themselves. I don't expect to see records on that. But major scheduled service it's nice to see a receipt from a mechanic. My DL1000A had a recall on the ecu and it had about 14K on it so I had the dealer change out the fork oil and brake fluid and also check the valves and put new plugs in. That is a nice receipt to have.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Maintenance records are always a plus!

[@NeilEAnlin]

Is that thumbnail photoshopped??🤣🤣 It looked like a 3 wheeler at first.....

[@JonsMotoGarage]

LOL. Yeah, it does kind of look like a 3 wheeler! Hahaha!

[@davidkutzer9245]

How much is that bike

[@paulh6101]

So pretty much if it's not an easy flip I Dnt want it... Ha

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Lol. Yup, that sums it up.

[@michaelsmith1094]

I live up north in WA. I look at a lot of Harleys on Craigs list and they sit and sit and sit. low miles right year,perfect shape and reasonable price. I am an older rider and I remember in the 70's and 80's I could buy a bike sell it for more than I got it for and they never took more than a week to sell. Being older 66 has another drawback in the market up here, If I were to kick off all of a sudden I wouldn't want my wife to have to deal with it. Jon sounds like a rare guy these day's he has a conscience like myself I don't want to con anybody about things that may be wrong with the bike. I am not a used car sales man LOL.

[@ryanedwards2233]

Can we buy motorcycles from you? If yes where can we buy them from you

[@lastnline1]

Crash damage

[@lastnline1]

If it doesn’t run , no title or lost title can’t test ride it before purchase and tires and brakes

[@JonsMotoGarage]

All great ones! Brakes will do it for me too, especially if there grinding!

[@SirShoddrick]

So you’d pass up a good price on bike for old tires?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

All comes down to price...

[@rsv4rf978]

what is your age?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I'm a few decades old. Lol.

[@rsv4rf978]

@@JonsMotoGarage lol 👍

[@Victor-w4b8d]

Wirst bikes ever made hondas are way better.

[@Joe-wheels]

Bro the intros are out of hand at 1:30

[@richardalvis4695]

I sale the shit outta rebuilt titled motorcycles.

[@Tragic5]

Can I get a shout out

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I gotcha, bro!

[@atrain882]

Shit bro with all them bikes you should be able to work on them yourself at least learn some Never know if you don’t try