General

Always arrange to have someone accompany you when buying or selling a motorcycle. Notifying a third party of your whereabouts, what you plan to do and expected return time is highly advisable.

Take note of the other party’s vehicles and registration numbers, in case you ever need to trace a person.

If you intend making a deal try to get landline numbers from the other party as well.

Look at classifieds on the internet, newspapers and magazines to get a good idea of prices of your vehicle.

Selling

Do not accept other items or "schemes" as part payment for a vehicle.

Be very suspicious if a buyer wants to buy a vehicle he/she has never seen or offers to pay more than the advertised price if you accept other forms of payment or delayed payment.

If a person want to test drive a vehicle, ask permission to take a photograph of the person before handing over keys. It is especially tricky with a motorcycle to let a stranger take it for a test ride. One solution might be to ask a mechanic from a motorcycle shop to test ride it and confirm that judging by a short test drive, everything seems OK.

Only hand over a vehicle and registration papers once the full purchase amount has been paid. Keep the registration papers separate and only have it available once the funds have been paid.

Deposit slips – these can be faked. Telephone the bank to confirm the transaction.

Want the best price for your vehicle? – ensure it is clean, well maintained with receipts to proof any servicing and repairs.

Buying

Ask different people for opinions, especially when it comes to expensive and exclusive motorcycles.

Make sure the motorcycle you intend buying will suit your needs. It will be costly to buy the wrong vehicle and sell it again.

Consider maintenance costs of a motorcycle and find out how much services cost for a specific model.

Avoid unlicensed motorcycles Call the traffic department to confirm the outstanding additional penalties and also possible fines.

Should you test drive a motorcycle remember that it might have different handling, power and braking characteristics to what you are used to on your own motorcycle.

There is usually one or more small faults you only discover after purchasing a motorcycle – allow for this in your bargaining.

Ideally the seller should do the roadworthy certificate. Even if the buyer pays for it, it minimizes your risk a lot.

Do not let the excitement of buying or selling a vehicle override your common sense.