I purchased a few bikes how to state. But, never sent the deposit, always talk to him on the phone, always got the Vin number and ran a check and make sure the bike was currently registered in their name. Even with all that I'd never send any cash. I always say, that we have a deal I'll be out in a week to look at the bike and if it's everything as advertised, will go to the bank together I give you the cash and you give me the title.
I think sending any deposit or payment on anything that's advertised like this, there's a huge chance that you're never going to see the bike or your cash. A couple years back, went to LA twice to look at bikes. Both times even after seeing photos, when I saw the bikes in person, and listen to the engine I pass on the deal. It's really tough to see pitted or bubbling chrome on most photos. And in one case, when I looked at the engine oil, it looked almost black.
One bike I purchased here in California, I learned the hard way that if they didn't keep paying on the registration (a minor fee when listed as non-operating), when the new owner takes the paperwork into the California DMV, you are hit with all the back registration fees as well as penalties.
Also I think when somebody says the speedometer is not working, that's a big red flag. Oh, they may have estimated 6500 miles, but in actuality it may have four times that. I always look at the frame under the engine for how bad it scraped up. These bikes it go to the ground and I have a pretty good idea what scraping should look like with 5 to 7000 miles on the bike.
Just my opinions ...