How To Buy a Motorcycle Long-Distance

You’ve found your dream bike, but it’s hundreds of miles away. In the past, buying a motorbike long-distance was filled with friction and potential failure points, but not anymore. Don’t let distance stop you from getting the motorcycle you want.

You could fly to the seller, finish the deal in person, and ride the motorcycle home, but that’s time-consuming and expensive. DealNow facilitates long-distance private-party motorcycle purchases by giving you the tools you need to buy a bike quickly and securely no matter where it is. From inspection to payment to shipping, find the bike you want and let our intuitive mobile app guide you through the sale.

We’ll walk you through the long-distance motorcycle purchasing process using DealNow and show you why it’s the only good way to buy a bike far away.

1. Create a DealNow Deal Room

You’ve found the motorcycle you want. Now it’s time to make it happen. Start by setting up a DealNow deal room.

Create a DealNow profile and link your bank account
Set up a deal room in the DealNow app
Invite the seller to join the deal room via a custom link

Explain to the seller how DealNow will facilitate the long-distance transaction. Highlight the following benefits:

Instant payment upon completion of the sale
Identity verification protects against scams
No need to share sensitive banking information
Digital bill of sale provides legal protection for both parties

By creating a DealNow deal room, you’re setting the stage for a smooth, secure transaction. The app provides a centralized platform for all communication and transaction steps.

2. Verify Seller's Identity and Motorcycle Details

Once the seller joins your deal room, it’s time to verify some information. Start by using DealNow’s identity verification feature to confirm the seller’s identity. This step protects you from scams.

Next, order both a title check and a vehicle history report through DealNow. These two reports serve different but equally important purposes:

The title check cross-references the seller’s verified identity with the title and DMV records. This ensures the seller is the legal owner of the motorcycle and that the title is clean and free of liens.
The vehicle history report gives you a background on the motorcycle. It includes information about past accidents, repairs, ownership changes, and maintenance records. While detailed, this report doesn’t verify the current owner’s identity.

By running both checks, you get a complete picture of the motorcycle’s legal status and history, as well as verification that the seller is indeed the rightful owner. DealNow makes it easy to order and review both reports within the app, giving you the confidence to proceed with your purchase.

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3. Schedule an Inspection and Shipping

With the seller and motorcycle verified, it’s time to get eyes on the bike. DealNow’s in-app features make this process a breeze.

Use DealNow’s scheduling tool to set up a professional inspection. You can order and pay for this service right in the app. No need to hunt for a reputable inspector or worry about payment logistics.

While you’re at it, arrange for motorcycle shipping through DealNow. The app integrates shipping services, so you can compare quotes and book transport without leaving the platform.

Here’s the kicker: DealNow’s streamlined process eliminates the usual headache of coordinating between buyer, seller, and inspector. No more juggling phone calls, emails, or text messages. Everything happens in one place, on your schedule.

By handling inspection and shipping through DealNow, you’re not just saving time. You’re dealing with a standardized, reliable process that protects both you and the seller. It’s one more way DealNow takes the stress out of long-distance motorcycle purchases.

4. Remote Inspection and Test Drive

With the logistics sorted, it’s time for the most important step: getting expert eyes on your purchase. DealNow’s remote inspection process bridges the gap when you can’t be there in person.

The inspector serves as both a skilled examiner and your agent. They’ll thoroughly inspect the motorcycle, verifying its condition against the seller’s description.

During the inspection, you can communicate with the inspector via phone. This direct line allows you to ask questions, request specific checks, or get real-time feedback on the bike’s condition.

The inspector’s primary task is to confirm the motorcycle matches what was advertised. They’ll document their findings, providing you with a clear, objective assessment of the bike’s state.

This step is vital in a long-distance purchase. It protects you from potential misrepresentation and gives you the confidence to proceed with the transaction, even when you’re miles away from the motorcycle.

5. Complete the Purchase

With the inspection done and everyone satisfied, it’s time to seal the deal. DealNow makes this process smooth and secure:

Sign the digital bill of sale in the DealNow app. This legally binding document protects both you and the seller. Once you’ve signed, the seller receives a notification to add their signature.
After both parties have signed, you can send payment instantly through DealNow. No need for wire transfers or cashier’s checks—your funds move securely and immediately within the app.
The moment your payment goes through, the seller receives a notification. They’ll know right away that the funds have arrived, eliminating any uncertainty or delay.

This streamlined process solves the classic “trust problem” in long-distance sales. The digital bill of sale acts as an escrow-like safeguard, while instant payments remove the usual delays and risks associated with traditional methods. With DealNow, you can close the deal quickly and confidently, no matter where you and the seller are located.

6. Title Transfer and Shipping

With the sale complete, it’s time to transfer ownership and get your new motorcycle on its way.

Here’s how DealNow handles this final stage:

You notify the inspector that you’ve completed payment. The inspector then tells the seller to sign over the title.
The inspector receives the signed title and keys from the seller.
Using registered or certified mail, the inspector sends the title to you. This ensures secure delivery of this important document.
The inspector coordinates with the shipping company. If the shipper is immediately available, the inspector oversees the loading of the motorcycle. If not, the inspector arranges for a later pickup and provides instructions for proper loading.

This process provides a secure transfer of both ownership documents and the motorcycle itself. By having the inspector manage these crucial steps, DealNow eliminates the risks of miscommunication or mishandling that often occur in long-distance sales.

You can relax knowing that professionals are handling the final details of your purchase, from title transfer to shipping coordination.

Traditional Problems With Long-Distance Motorcycle Purchases

Buying a motorcycle from afar used to be fraught with challenges. Let’s break down the main issues.

Clunky Payment Methods

Wire transfers and cashier’s checks are slow and risky. You’d wait days for funds to clear, all while worrying about sharing your banking info with a stranger. And forget about verifying the seller’s identity—you’re on your own there.

Excessive Coordination

Organizing inspections and shipping separately is a logistical nightmare. You’re juggling communication between yourself, the seller, the inspector, and the shipping company. It’s a recipe for miscommunication and delays.

The Trust Problem

Here’s the catch-22: you don’t want to pay until you have the bike, but the seller won’t ship until they’re paid. Traditional solutions like mailing signed bills of sale are slow and impractical. This trust issue often kills deals before they even start.

DealNow: Long-Distance Motorcycle Purchases Made Easy

DealNow isn’t just another payment app—it’s a complete solution that revolutionizes long-distance motorcycle buying. Here’s how we tackle the traditional headaches:

Clunky payments? Gone. DealNow offers instant, secure transfers. Pay when you’re ready, and the seller gets funds immediately. No delays, no risky bank info exchanges.
Excessive coordination? Eliminated. We integrate inspection and shipping services right into the app. Schedule, pay, and track everything in one place.
Trust issues? Solved. Our digital bill of sale acts as an escrow-like safeguard. You get the confidence to pay, and the seller gets the assurance to ship. Plus, seller identity verification means you know who you’re dealing with.

DealNow is your transaction hub. From finding a bike to its arrival at your door, we’ve got you covered. Make offers, arrange inspections, handle payments, and coordinate shipping—all through one intuitive platform.

No other service offers this level of comprehensive, end-to-end support. With DealNow, buying a motorcycle from across the country is as easy as purchasing from your local dealership—maybe even easier.

Ready to experience the future of long-distance vehicle transactions? Your dream bike is just a few taps away.

Motorcycle buying FAQ

What's included in a vehicle history report?

A comprehensive motorcycle history report typically includes:

Title information: Clean, salvage, rebuilt, or other title statuses.
Ownership history: Number of previous owners and duration of ownership.
Accident history: Reported accidents or damage.
Service records: Major maintenance or repair work.
Odometer readings: Helps verify if the current mileage is accurate.
Recall information: Any open recalls on the motorcycle.
Lien status: Whether there’s an outstanding loan on the bike.
Registration history: States where the motorcycle has been registered.

How do you interpret a vehicle history report?

When reviewing the vehicle history report:

Check for title issues: A “clean” title is ideal. Rebuilt or salvage titles indicate significant past damage.
Look at the ownership history: Frequent ownership changes could be a red flag.
Review accident reports: Minor accidents aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, but major incidents should be carefully considered.
Verify the mileage: Compare reported odometer readings to ensure they’re consistent and match what the seller claims.
Check for open recalls: These should be addressed before you buy the motorcycle.
Confirm the lien status: Make sure there are no outstanding loans that could complicate the sale.

While a clean vehicle history report is a good sign, it’s not a guarantee of the motorcycle’s current condition. Use this information in conjunction with a professional inspection for a comprehensive understanding of the bike’s status.

By leveraging DealNow’s integrated vehicle history report feature, you can easily access this information, helping you make a more informed decision when buying a motorcycle long-distance. This step is invaluable for remote purchases, as it can reveal issues you can’t see in person and provide peace of mind about the motorcycle’s background.

What to ask the seller when buying a motorcycle long-distance?

When buying a motorcycle remotely, a vehicle history report and professional inspection will reveal most issues. Asking the seller some questions can provide valuable insights. Here are some questions to consider:

Why are you selling this motorcycle?
How long have you owned it?
Can you describe its maintenance history?
Who was the primary rider and what were their riding habits?
What type of conditions was the bike mostly ridden in (city, highway, off-road)?
How was the motorcycle stored when not in use?
Is the bike still under warranty? (Most used motorcycles aren’t, but it’s worth asking)
Have any major modifications or repairs been done?
Do you have service records available?
Does the motorcycle have a clean title? (If it has a branded or salvage title, you’ll want to know before arranging an inspection)

With DealNow, you can easily communicate with the seller through our built-in messaging feature. This keeps your contact information private while allowing you to get the information you need about the motorcycle.

How do I check the VIN on an old motorcycle?

To check the VIN on an old motorcycle, first locate it on the steering neck or on a plate attached to the frame. Clean the area with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime.

Read the VIN carefully; it should be 17 characters for motorcycles made after 1981, while older bikes might have shorter VINs. Cross-check it with the title and registration documents, and use online VIN decoders to verify the motorcycle’s specifications.

DealNow is the easiest way to close your own vehicle deal, anytime. It’s the safe and simple way to avoid fraud, sign documents, and instantly transact, all in one app.

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