Bike Trader

To ensure that you do not fall into some of the pitfalls of the used motorbike market, Vehicle Check has set out some guidelines to help make sure you get the best deal.

• Research the market place thoroughly If you are interested in a particular make or model, compare prices from advertisements in different publications e.g. Bike Trader. Make sure that you can afford the running costs such as maintenance and insurance premiums before you buy your dream machine.
  
  
• Check that the seller actually owns the motorbike Check all documentation - the V5, service and insurance records, MOT certificate and receipts where available to ensure everything tallies. If the seller cannot provide the V5, walk away. There will be plenty of similar motorbikes on the market to choose from.
  
  
• View the motorbike in daylight and at the seller's address Make sure you view the motorbike in clear daylight and don't go alone - take a friend with you. It is also important that you visit the motorbike at the seller's house. Do not arrange to meet at a service station or lay-by and do not let the seller bring the motorbike to you. Check the seller's address is the same as that recorded in the logbook.
  
  
• Find out if the motorbike is on finance Ask the seller if the motorbike has any outstanding finance owing and check this out by investing in a Vehicle Check. If the finance has not been paid off, the motorbike could still be the property of a finance house which has the right to reclaim it.
  
  
• Check out the mechanical integrity of the motorbike Make sure you get the vehicle independently inspected to ensure it is mechanically sound. It could save you from making a costly mistake.
  
  
• Check the motorbike hasn't been 'clocked' Reducing the mileage of a vehicle by turning back the odometer, or 'clocking', is a common trick used by unscrupulous sellers to obtain a higher price. You should assess whether the mileage is consistent with the age and condition of the motorbike.
  
  
• Check the motorbike isn't a 'ringer' 'Ringing' is when a motorbike is stolen and its identity changed using the documents of an identical make and model. Check the VIN thoroughly and make sure it hasn't been tampered with.
  
  
• Take the motorbike for a ride Make sure that you ride the motorbike on a range of roads for at least 10-15 miles. You will need to make sure you are properly insured before taking the bike out.
  
  
• Look at the motorbike's history Obtain as much information as possible from the seller, but realise that their objective is to sell you the motorbike. Don't hand over any money until you have completed a Vehicle Check - this will provide you with the vehicle's true history.
  
  
• If in doubt - walk away, there are plenty of other motorbikes out there.