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🔍 UK HPI/MOT Checklist for Buying a Used Motorcycle
Step-by-step due diligence for used motorcycle purchases in the UK
Contents
Pre-Screen (As Soon As You See the Ad)
Ask for registration plate, make/model, year, mileage, and MOT test number. If they refuse, treat as high risk.
⚠️ Too-good-to-be-true pricing, fake escrow/shipping, and "deposit now or someone else will buy" pressure are the most common scams.
Check MOT History
Check MOT history on GOV.UK:
• Are there repeated failures/advisories? (tyres, brakes, fork seals, corrosion, bearings, lights)
• Is mileage progression realistic?
• Any MOT gaps? (SORN periods, long-term off-road)
• Are there repeated failures/advisories? (tyres, brakes, fork seals, corrosion, bearings, lights)
• Is mileage progression realistic?
• Any MOT gaps? (SORN periods, long-term off-road)
🔹 MOT is a compliance snapshot, not full mechanical assurance. You still need an independent condition check.
HPI / Vehicle History Check
Risks scanned in an HPI check:
• Outstanding finance: is there unpaid credit on the bike?
• Write-off (Cat N/S): has it been declared a total loss?
• Stolen marker: is it flagged as stolen?
• Plate/VIN mismatch: cloned plate risk
• Import/export records: overseas history
• Outstanding finance: is there unpaid credit on the bike?
• Write-off (Cat N/S): has it been declared a total loss?
• Stolen marker: is it flagged as stolen?
• Plate/VIN mismatch: cloned plate risk
• Import/export records: overseas history
💷 Cost: £10–£20 (compare across multiple providers)
V5C and Physical Identity Match
V5C (logbook) details must match the physical bike exactly:
• Registration number (plate)
• VIN/chassis number
• Seller name and address
• Registration number (plate)
• VIN/chassis number
• Seller name and address
⚠️ VIN tampering, label removal, or rivet interference are major red flags. Do not buy without V5C!
Test Ride and Mechanical Checks
Checklist:
• Cold start sound and idle stability
• Clutch bite point
• Chain/sprocket condition and tension
• Front disc warping (brake judder)
• Suspension leaks
• Straight-line stability (handlebar wobble)
• Tyre tread depth and age
• Cold start sound and idle stability
• Clutch bite point
• Chain/sprocket condition and tension
• Front disc warping (brake judder)
• Suspension leaks
• Straight-line stability (handlebar wobble)
• Tyre tread depth and age
🔹 Get an independent pre-purchase inspection if possible (£50–£100). This investment can save thousands.
Secure Payment and Handover
• View at seller's registered address where possible
• Use bank transfer with reg/VIN in reference
• Document cash payments (receipt, serial numbers)
Golden rule: If documents, digital history, and physical bike do not align, walk away.
• Use bank transfer with reg/VIN in reference
• Document cash payments (receipt, serial numbers)
⚠️ Red flags: cash-only insistence, urgency pressure, unusual meeting points, "selling for a friend", "documents coming later".
Golden rule: If documents, digital history, and physical bike do not align, walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: If MOT history looks clean, is the bike definitely good?
A: No. MOT is a compliance snapshot, not full mechanical assurance. Independent inspection recommended.
Q: Should I buy if there is no V5C but price is great?
A: High risk. Do not proceed without proper V5C and identity consistency.
Q: Is it safe to send a deposit?
A: Only after verification and written terms. Urgent deposit pressure is a common scam signal.
A: No. MOT is a compliance snapshot, not full mechanical assurance. Independent inspection recommended.
Q: Should I buy if there is no V5C but price is great?
A: High risk. Do not proceed without proper V5C and identity consistency.
Q: Is it safe to send a deposit?
A: Only after verification and written terms. Urgent deposit pressure is a common scam signal.
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