Help Finding Pre Purchase Inspection Services

I am looking to purchase a used Silver Wing off of either Craigslist or eBay. Now before we get into the debate about whether buying online is a good or bad choice, the number of available used Silver Wings with the ABS brakes where I live in Minnesota is about zero, and flying to a scooter to look at it seems a bit of a costly hassle and then I'm almost required to buy the thing because I can't go flying around the country looking at used scooters. So lets assume I am going to buy something from Craigslist or eBay. What I'm trying to find is a trustworthy pre-purchase, pre buy vehicle, scooter, motorcycle inspection service or company that will go look at the scooter for $XX dollars and tell me if the online photos are even real and anything else they will offer in regards to starting it, looking at the options or other things like that.

I don't know which state I will end up purchasing the scooter from so it needs to be a company that covers either nationally or regionally.

Anything like this out there?

Appreciate in advance any help.

I would think the neariest Dealer would do tht if the seller brought the scooter to them! :lol!:

Hello rlehs,

What year Silverwing are you looking for?

DennisB... I'm looking for a 2007 or newer with ABS in decent shape, no drops with under 10k miles for a total price for the scooter, delivery and all the rest for $5k.

You might want to look at left over Dealer inventory

I bought my 2007 new for $5900 pus tax and tags.

Evidently the Silver Wing has not been a hot seller for Honda here in the
U.S. so you might be able to find a left new non current model for a good price

Wow, that's a great deal. The wife wants us to have ABS, but getting a new ride for just a few dollars more in a later model year works for me. I've done some checking where i know to look and haven't seen anything like that but I'll keep my eyes open.

Six miles away at Honda Town has this 2004 with 1282 miles on it! I know you said ABS but really worth a look. NADA average retail is $2800
http://hondatown.net/USED%20SILVERWING.htm
Personally I think you are going to drive yourself crazy trying to get this deal to work for you.

In your introduction you indicated you were a newbie, I interpret that as having little or no saddle time. Here is something to think about: ABS alone is not going to save your life. Good riding skills and defensive riding technique can be just as effective. Take some of that cash and sign up for the MSF safe rider course, what you learn there WILL save your life.

Lucian thanks for that great explanation! God bless you for being able to share your experience with us. I have had a few pucker moments myself. My intent here is sincere. I am not anti-ABS just the opposite. After reading all of his posts and everyones responses, no one suggested the riders safety course. Our advise here is to nuture new riders on all kinds of topics; Silverwings, safety gear, riding techniques, places to go things to see etc.

I apologize in advance if I have bent any noses

Welcome to the site rlehs and the mrs too!

Hey "riehs",
As a brand new rider, I bought my 2005 SWing off of Craigslist ('bout 3 years ago) but it was through a dealer in Wisconsin. Took them at their advertising word about the bike being in great shape as to mileage, shape, etc, and it was. They also set up the delivery thru another company (which I paid about $400 for) and had it here in pretty short order.

As it turned out, thru much online shopping, I got the SWing right at blue book price (actually about $500 under since I got the ABS but then had to pay the freight) Lucky? Guess so. Worked for me tho. Good Luck to Ya'. Oh yeah... and let me welcome you to the forum also!

If you cannot fix yourself unseen used can be quite a hassle. Best to buy from dealer near home. Leftovers can sometimes be found by dealers at decent price.

Remember while the SilverWing is fine scooter, it ain't cheap to fix. Leftovers do have warranty bought from Honda dealer.