Bike Trader

Find out general details about your preferred bike - engine size, insurance cost, etc. Ring the insurance companies that advertise in Bike Trader. Good research will make the task of choosing a bike much easier. The colour photo ads in Bike Trader are the actual bike for sale and of course help immensely in your choice.

Look through Bike Trader and Auto Trader paper and on-line editions to get a feel for current prices.

Arranging a meeting with the seller

• Always check a bike in daylight - darkness may hide faults.
  If you're not mechanically minded, have the vehicle inspected by an expert, a service provided by motoring organisations. It could save you money.
• Beware of 'between 5pm and 6pm' adverts which could mean a phone box is being used. Try calling outside this time.
• If you meet the owner away from their home, make sure the meeting point is public and check proof of ownership.
• Beware of mobile telephone numbers which may not be traceable.
• Is the seller familiar with the vehicle and its controls?
• Check all the documentation for PROOF OF OWNERSHIP If you buy a stolen bike, you have no right to keep it.
• Registration plates may be false if they appear newer than the bike, have too many screw holes or appear to have been removed.
• Check all the parts of the bike well. Take your time.
• If the bike has a security system, does it work?
• Has the locking petrol cap been forced and replaced?

Dealers

Bike Trader checks the dealers advertising in the magazines thoroughly. However, if you do ever have a problem with a dealer you have four options:

• Most dealers provide warranties with bike sales. Check the small print before you buy. The warranty is the dealer guarantee.
• Remember, being good natured initially always helps.
• If the dealer is a member of the Motorcycle Retailers Association he has to comply with the MRA's arbitration service. The MRA are contactable on 0171 580 9122.
• Contact your local Trading Standards office.
• Contact a solicitor. Check costs. You have rights under the Sale of Goods Act.

Final Advice

• Never feel pressured into buying.
• Obtain proof of identity from the seller. They should hold the vehicle registration document, MOT certificate, and a log book.
• If you have doubts WALK AWAY!
• A banker's draft is safer than cash. Always ask for a receipt.

Remember

You will have no right in law to ownership of a stolen vehicle. You will LOSE BOTH THE BIKE AND YOUR MONEY!

We try to ensure that motor trade advertisers state 'Trade', but some still break the rules. If you're suspicious that a private seller is really a trader, inform your local Trading Standards Authority.