It's good to be wary of CL, but don't rule it out. There are good deals on the used moto sites. Often a kid gets in over his head and has to sell a moto in brand new condition. This is a good deal for an experienced rider.
So, if you have patience and are easy in attitude, you can check out a moto that looks good on paper. If the seller claims that it's brand new, only 100 miles on it, and you roll by a check out that there is zero loss of paint or zero scruff marks on the pegs or where the boots put pressure on the side, he's telling the truth. If he has pink that matches his DL, he's telling the truth. The next step is to pay him cash, if your research shows that the price matches the value, or offer him what you think the value is. And, you don't need to do this face to face if this causes discomfort, you can call or email him.
If you have no pressure to buy, CL or buying used from a private party, is fun.
The last moto I bought was new, because the two guys with my moto on CL were too high, and wouldn't come down. When I bought my new bike, damn if they didn't come down. But, I didn't care, as I tried. It was still fun for me.
motojava.
