Originally Posted by NightShift

If you show up with a uniformed law enforcement officer and the seller doesn't get nervous, you're probably ok. And in the unlikely event it does turn out to be stolen the cops aren't likely to blame you.
If it's a REALLY great deal, offer to buy a cop lunch and tell them why.


Most legitimate sellers won't mind you showing up with a cop friend. Anyone selling stolen goods is probably going to be very nervous, and may simply refuse to sell (which may prompt the cop to do some checking).

Unless you're best friends with a cop this isn't always practical, but it's worth trying.

Originally Posted by NightShift

You wouldn't get to keep the bike, but it would make it very unlikely that you would be charged with possession of stolen property, and would make it more likely the thief would be caught.