Originally Posted by USAZorro

I would consider it. Possibly would express interest, then show up and chat the guy up - tell him "I usually buy bikes to flip them, but am looking for a beater to ride around that is less likely to get stolen". Then get a feel for the seller based on how they respond. If it is yours, and you get the sense that they had something to do with its abduction, make the call. If it isn't yours, or you think they really unwittingly bought it, and you're ok with not getting it back, find some excuse to not get it.

If you just want to get the bike back without involving the police, if you show up with the purchase receipt and the police report, showing them the evidence, and telling them you would prefer to not bring the police into it, would very likely result in them giving you the bike back. (presuming they're not crazy)