Guides
Plain-English guides to buying, checking and owning a used motorbike — written for UK riders.
Motorbike keeper history
You cannot get a motorbike owner's name from a registration in the UK. What keeper history does show, how to read it, and the one legitimate route to more.
Read the guideBuying an imported motorbike
What an import marker means on a motorbike, the difference between grey and parallel imports, what a Q plate costs you, and what to check before buying.
Read the guideSafety recalls on used motorbikes
How to check a motorbike for outstanding safety recalls, why the notice never reached the current owner, and what a recall means when you are buying.
Read the guideHow to check a motorbike frame and engine number
Where to find a motorbike frame number and engine number, how to check both against the V5C, and what altered stamping looks like.
Read the guideHow to spot a clocked motorbike
How to check a motorbike's mileage against official records and read the physical wear, so you can spot a clocked bike before you buy.
Read the guideWhat a used motorbike is worth
How much a used motorbike is worth: private, trade and retail values, and what mileage, history, modifications and the season do to the price.
Read the guideHow to avoid buying a stolen motorbike
How to check a motorbike is not stolen before you buy, what the police records show, and what to do if a bike comes back marked.
Read the guideBuying a written-off motorbike: what Cat S and Cat N mean
Thinking of buying a Cat S or Cat N motorbike? What each write-off category means, what it does to value, and why Cat N never shows on the logbook.
Read the guideWhat to do if a motorbike has outstanding finance
Found finance owing on a motorbike you want to buy? What a finance check shows, how to get a settlement letter, and how to complete the sale safely.
Read the guideHow to check a used motorbike before you buy
The paperwork, the walk-round and the test ride — plus the three things a physical inspection can never tell you about a used bike.
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