BUYING A TOURING MOTORCYCLE : eBay Guides

This is one way to buy a Honda Pan European ST1300 on eBay. This is how I bought one.

For about two months I was bidding on the touring bikes that interested me.... small bids that I knew would not end up winning. This was a fun way to get to know the market and watch bidding behavior. I noticed that often bikes previously sold often reappeared in new auctions or sometimes with a claim of timewasting by the seller. I'm sure it happens but also I'm sure that shill bidding and other shady practices are being employed, so watch out. This period of watching is a good way to spot suspicious activity and learn how to avoid it. A motorcycle is a big expense for most people so it is wise to be cautious. I knew how much I could afford to spend and was keen to get the best bike I could for the money. Reading the listings carefully and increasing the bids I was gradually bidding more until I was almost always second place bidder at close of auction. When I actually won the motorcycle I was bidding on.... It was a shock! Bidding ended and there it was.... my eBay ID and reserve met. It was almost an accidental purchase. I phoned the seller and the following week inspected and picked up the bike after exchanging paperwork.

I suppose the point I'm trying to make is that if you're in no hurry and can afford to bid in a relaxed fashion, then this is a fairly good way to end up with the bike you're after, for the best price.  The Honda ST1300 Pan European I purchased has been in my possession for over five months. It's a fantastic motorcycle, to my mind it is the ultimate touring bike and I have not regretted the purchase for one second. Dealer prices for these bikes are very high. My process of buying meant I ended up buying at a low price when I half expected to loose the auction. More than £1,000 under the private sale book price.

I realise that this isn't the ideal way to buy for everyone - If you're in a hurry or have very specific requirements (colour, year, mileage etc), then this is probably not a good way to proceed. It is just the route I took, and if my experience helps someone else to nail a bargain then this guide will have been worth the effort.  If you are patient and careful there are still some great deals to be had on eBay.

I hope this advice is helpful to someone - Good luck with your bidding.