Help & Advice

Additional Information

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

Buyers Check List

Take care, not all sellers of used bikes are as truthful as you would wish. Read these notes carefully to make sure you buy the bike of your dreams, not a nightmare.

Check List - Print this now and take it with you to the vehicle

Essential Checks

  • MCN Bikecheck it!
  • Check ID of seller.
  • Visit seller's address.
  • Check V5C matches bike and MCN Bikecheck's details.
  • Check V5C is not a forgery (tip: compare it with the one from your current bike).
    • Colour
    • Watermark
    • Font types and sizes
    • Data aligned correctly
  • Check the V5C is not stolen.
  • Check the VIN on the VIN plate and the one stamped into the chassis of the bike.
  • VIN confirmed on the MCN Bikecheck site
  • Valid receipt?

Nice To Have

  • MOT certificate (if over three years old)?
  • Service history?
  • Is the manufacturer's warranty valid?
  • Get mechanical inspection to ensure that it is roadworthy.

A check with no adverse data does not necessarily mean that the vehicle 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.

How To Avoid Fraud

There are risks involved when buying a used bike, but if you take care you can reduce your risk. The basic rules to follow are:

  • Know who the seller is and check their identity
  • Check all the documentation
  • Be wary of paying in cash
  • Don't buy a 'bargain' - it may not be all it seems
  • Get an independent mechanical inspection
  • Check the bike now

Who is the seller?

Always find out exactly who you are buying the vehicle from. Do not allow a vendor to bring the vehicle to you, and do not meet them in a bike park or other neutral ground. Ensure that you enter the premises. Don't do a deal on the pavement outside the given address.

A Motor Dealer

Visit them to ensure they have commercial premises and are not selling from home or a public bike park. A dealer usually has several vehicles on the premises for sale. They should supply you with a printed invoice giving all the company details, VAT registration number and full details of the bike. Never let them bring the bike to you, however far away they are and however willing they are to do so.

Private Sales

Visit the address recorded on the V5C document and only buy from the registered keeper. Ask to see proof of identity, such as a passport or recent utility bill, to ensure the seller is the keeper. Obtain a receipt, showing the vendor's details and signature, the vehicle details, including mileage, the date and the price paid. Never let them bring the bike to you, however far away they are and however willing they are to do so.

Documentation

The vehicle must have a full DVLA (Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency) or DVLNI (for Northern Ireland) Vehicle Registration Document (V5C).

The DVLA have advised that a number of V5C Vehicle registration documents have been stolen, and may be used fraudulently. The serial numbers of these documents can be found on the DVLA. If you wish to check whether a certificate is genuine, prior to the purchase of a vehicle, you should ring the DVLA helpline on 0870 241 1878.

The vehicle must have a valid MOT certificate where applicable. Check the status of a new style MOT Test Certificate on www.motinfo.gov.uk.

Compare the MCN Bikecheck data carefully against the vehicle and the V5C.

Check that the VIN, or chassis number, on the VIN plate (found in the engine compartment) and the VIN (stamped onto the bike body shell) match the number recorded on the V5C. Ensure that you confirm the VIN on the MCN Bikecheck site before you purchase the vehicle.

Check the service history carefully, and obtain confirmation that any warranty is still effective.

If you believe the vehicle is covered by a manufacturer's warranty we suggest you contact a franchised dealer, quoting the registration number and VIN, to verify this.

The vehicle

You must question the reason for a vehicle being sold below the current market value. A 'quick sale' may not be all it seems.

A cash sale is not traceable, always try to pay by cheque or Bankers Draft.

MCN Bikecheck cannot tell you:

  • If the vehicle 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, vehicle.
  • If it was originally purchased in another EU country, not the UK.
  • If it is roadworthy.