Are you buying the bike for the right price?

Or simply how can I find the right selling price?

The very first tool you should use to your advantage is the search facility; you should use this to do a little research on the same make and model of the bike you are buying. By searching for a bike of the same age as that you want to buy will give you great ideas as of how much you should pay for the bike, of course you will have to take into account whether or not the bike is in better condition than the one you are researching, but at least it will give you some indication.

Few people would buy a bike from a dealer without test-driving it first, and the same is true when dealing with a private-party seller. It may seem odd for a stranger to give you his bike keys, but the process should run smoothly if you follow these tips:

• When possible, bring along a friend for peace of mind, and make sure family or friends know of your plans.
• When riding along, point out all the features you love about the bike, including things you didn't have room to mention when you first saw the bike.
• Pre-plan a general route that allows the seller to experience a variety of driving situations during the test drive. create an opportunity to drive on a dual carriageway and in local traffic.

Buying a bike can be a daunting prospect, but by knowing what to expect, you can avoid being caught out by time wasters or criminals. Knowing how to haggle about the price; it's all part of buying a bike. You need to be firm, without being unreasonable. Set a price beforehand and keep it in your head during negotiations.

Whether you're dealing with a seller in person, via email or over the telephone, always be careful when making payment. Scam artists are good at what they do; remember these steps to make yourself less vulnerable:

• Never wire money to a potential seller under any circumstances.
• In an ideal world, pay cash during normal office hours .
• Stick to your timeline and don't rush the transaction. If the bank is closed when the seler wants to be paid, hold off until you can pay from a safe area.
• Obtain a receipt from the seller, stating the bike is being sold and make sure you both sign it. For more information on payment and buying tips, read our scams to be aware of. More