Pulling The Pin: Yamaha XT1200Z Mail Order [US]?

[hoak]

I'm ready to do it, there are great deals to be had on 2014 Yamaha XT1200Z's everywhere but close to me; and right now the travel time to an out of state dealer that has the bike I want at a price that's irresistible is just too much time out of my schedule to get it done.

I've never purchased a bike over the phone to have it shipped; it seems fairly straightforward and reasonably safe, but if anyone that has experience with this I'd greatly appreciate your input, recommendations, and suggestions.

Inter-City Auto Transport, Inc. gets good reviews on US Ship. I haven't settled on a Dealer, but something closer to Minnesota (my home state) might save a little on transport costs, but the cost differences are small so reputable dealer and transport company recommendations are more important and would be very welcome.

Lastly as I'll be paying cash, with a cashier's check or money wire I assume, so I'm obviously concerned about how to make a safe payment settlement safely on a large purchase like this remotely. While I trust most reputable Dealers will do the right thing, is there anything to look out for here or a best way and means to settling the sale?

 

[jbrown]

Make sure you know who gets the sales/use tax. In California, if you bring a new or nearly new car into the state, you need to pay California use tax (which is at the same rate as sales tax). I don't know what Minnesota's tax situation is.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Calling Fredz43 to the white phone.


Fred is a retired guy who works part time in an Illinois dealer and has a lot of good experience.

 

[Dogdaze]

While living in Switzerland I have bought two bikes from the UK (another country), over the phone, sight unseen. Got them to email me a pro-forma or invoice and the let them have my debit card over the phone. 10 mins later I get am email with copy of receipt attached to the invoice. Simple. And if all goes wrong I have the details that match the card and also protected by the distance selling laws in the UK (I can return it or hand it back within 14 days if I'm not happy). You should be able to do the same, wire transfer with the VIN# as reference should also work. Make sure the transport company is bonded.

 

[fredz43]

Calling Fredz43 to the white phone.


Fred is a retired guy who works part time in an Illinois dealer and has a lot of good experience.

Hi Hoak,

Yes, there certainly are some bargains on leftover Super Teneres right now. First off, I wouldn't limit your search to just 14's. There are a couple of very good dealer incentives from Yamaha USA right now and the differences in price between a 14 and 15 are minimal. For example, the incentives between a standard model 14 and 15 is $500, while the difference in those incentives on ES models are only $250, so you should be able to find some very comparable prices on bikes that are a year newer. Since I work part time at a dealership, I get very good prices on my bikes and right now I could get a new 15 ES for less than I paid for my 14 ES last July.

You had me a bit confused on the shipping when you mentioned US Ship. It is actually uship.com. I have used them personally on bikes I have bought and sold and my dealer has used them a few times. I have had no problems. This works like a reverse auction and if your time schedule for delivery is flexible you can get some very good prices. These are mostly independent truckers that may have room in their rigs and are already going your way, so they can pick up a few extra $$. Be sure to check each shipper's feedback from other customers to see how they did on other shipments.

As far as payment, it depends on how the dealer wants to handle it. If you go with a reputable dealer, you shouldn't have any problems.

If you want to PM me, I think I can get you a price on a 15 ES that even surprised me when I saw it recently at my dealer. Heck, as checkwrecks said, I am retired and I'll even ride it from IL to MN and all you have to do is get me a return airline ticket. Instead of a fly and ride, that would be a ride and fly, I guess. ;D

I haven't bought any bikes remotely like that, but have bought several cars that way in the last few years and had no problems.

Best of luck with your search. I have been riding for 49 years and am on my second Super Tenere and they are the best bikes I have ever owned.

 

[racer1735]

If you don't do a fly-and-ride, I would suggest using Federal Shipping. I have used them to ship bikes on three occasions and each time has been painless (and damage-free). They are AMA sponsors, as well, so you get a bit of a discount if you are an AMA member.

http://www.funtransport.com/

Good luck!

 

[regulator]

+1 on Federal. Good prices and good service.

 

[hoak]

Wow! I'm overwhelmed! Didn't expect such a friendly and helpful response! Thank you jbrown, Checkswrecks, Dogdaze, fredz43, racer1735, and regulator -- every one of you offered exactly what I was looking for in the way of information, and reassurance!

Actually the idear of a fly-&-ride is really appealing; I've been putting in 72+ hour work weeks and could really do with exactly this kind of escape; though if it's as far as east or west cost, time and rude surprises (part of any real adventure I know) could be a limiting factor.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Minnesota is a long 2 day ride from the DC airports, where you can get to the great prices at both Romney and Parkersburg.

 

[Donk]

A friend bought a FJR from Rock River Power Sports in Johnson Creek WI. He had a great experience, they arranged the shipping and he got a super deal on the bike.

I think if you are working with a reputable Yamaha dealer you'd be in good shape. You can always check with the Better Business Bureau before making a deal.

 

[ejr10mm]

I did a fly and ride years ago when I was stationed on Long Island. I drove back home for
a weekend put the break in miles on in 2 days changed the oil and flew in the following weekend to ride it back. itll give you time to bond with the new bike. ::001::

 

[hoak]

Well 'I gone and done it!' I'm a 2014 Super Ténéré owner! Thanks everyone for posting! Only issue so far is my right front turn signal is out, everything else exceeds expectation.

::022::

 

[Tyke]

Welcome from the U.K hoak, and enjoy your new ride ::26::

 

[shrekonwheels]

eBay is probably a good venue to buy a new bike safely, although any reputable dealer should be fine.

I was inches from buying a fly n ride myself.honestly I wish I had, what a great excuse for an adventure.

Working lots of hours is nice onthe pay pocket, but that is time you never get back, nobody wishes they had worked more when they are dying.

 

[hoak]

Working lots of hours is nice onthe pay pocket, but that is time you never get back, nobody wishes they had worked more when they are dying.

That! Is quotable, and something I'm contemplating at the end of every 72 hour work week...

???

 

[AwesomeUsername]

Well 'I gone and done it!' I'm a 2014 Super Ténéré owner! Thanks everyone for posting! Only issue so far is my right front turn signal is out, everything else exceeds expectation.

::022::

Congrats! Enjoy the bike (from a fellow MN Tenere owner)! ::014:: ::003::