Buying Advice

Additional Information

Important Read these notes before you part with your money. Essential buying advice - even if your check was clear.

Please Read Carefully To Reduce The Risk Of Fraud

Our check list and these notes have been produced to provide some general advice that you should follow before purchasing your motorcycle. MCN Bikecheck will give you a description of the motorcycle and it will tell you if it currently has a finance agreement secured against it, if an insurance company has written it off in a total loss claim or if it is currently recorded as stolen on the Police National Computer (PNC).

A check with no adverse data does not necessarily mean that the motorcycle will be problem free. To reduce the risk of losing your money you should follow our guidelines before purchasing. If you or the vendor cannot meet any of these guidelines you should reconsider the transaction.

  • The motorcycle must have a full new style DVLA (Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency) or DVLNI (for Northern Ireland) Vehicle Registration Document (V5C).
  • Do not accept an old style V5 Registration Document as from 1st July 2005 these have been replaced by the new style V5C, a four-page document.
  • The motorcycle must have a valid MOT certificate where applicable. Check the status of a new style MOT Test Certificate on www.motinfo.gov.uk.
  • Check the data supplied carefully against the motorcycle and the V5C, including the engine number.
  • Check that the VIN on the VIN plate and the VIN stamped onto the frame match the number recorded on the V5C. Ensure that you confirm the VIN on the MCN Bikecheck site before you purchase the vehicle. If the VIN does not match there may be a problem with the bike. The identity of the vehicle may have been changed fraudulently.
  • Private sale - you must purchase from the registered keeper. You should visit the address given on the V5C and check the ID of the seller, such as a passport and a recent utility bill. All these details must correspond. Obtain a receipt, showing the vendor's details and signature, the motorcycle details, including mileage, the date and the price paid.
  • Bike dealer - visit the premises to ensure it is a genuine sales area. Bike dealers do not normally conduct a legitimate business from a private address. Obtain a VAT receipt with full company details.
  • Do not allow a vendor to bring the motorcycle to you, and do not meet them in a car park or other neutral ground.
  • You must question the reason for a motorcycle being sold below the current market value. A 'quick sale' may not be all it seems.
  • If you believe the motorcycle is covered by a manufacturer's warranty we suggest you contact a franchised dealer, quoting the registration number and VIN, to verify this.

The MCN Bikecheck cannot tell you:

  • If the motorcycle has been damaged, unless written off by an insurance company.
  • If it is a 'clone' bearing false Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If it is a clone the data supplied will be for a different, but identical, motorcycle.
  • If it was originally purchased in another EU country, not the UK.
  • If it is roadworthy.

A mechanical examination is always recommended before purchase.

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