Buying your first motorcycle can be an amazing and exciting experience; however, it can also be nerve-wrecking and full of pitfalls. Here at Zenith motorcycles, we want your first motorcycle go to go as smoothly as possible, and this blog will help you avoid some of the common pitfalls you may experience along the way. Whether you’re buying a used motorcycle or maintaining your own, knowing how to check bike service history is essential. This guide will cover how to check if your motorcycle has been stolen been involved in an insurance claim, and what to look at when viewing a motorcycle for the first time.
How to Check if Your Motorcycle is Stolen
Before diving into deeper history, it’s important to ensure that the motorcycle you are viewing hasn’t been stolen. Here are the steps to verify this:
- Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): The VIN is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle when it’s manufactured. You can usually find it on the frame of the motorcycle or on the engine. Verify that the VIN on the motorcycle matches the one on the registration (V5) documents and that the stamping of the VIN has not been tampered with.
- Use Online Databases: Several online databases allow you to check if a motorcycle has been reported stolen. These websites all use a system called HPI check (Hire, Purchase Investigation), and depending on the level of check you select, you will be shown the history of your vehicle in regards to finance, theft and insurance. You can use the HPI checker on this HPI website. A basic check costs around £10, and we strongly recommend you doing this before you make a final purchase decision.
If a Motorbike I want to buy has Been Through an Insurance Claim, is that a Deal Breaker?
| Category | Repairing the Vehicle | Using the Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| A | Cannot be repaired | Entire vehicle has to be crushed |
| B | Cannot be repaired | Body shell has to be crushed, but you can salvage other parts from it |
| N | Can be repaired following non-structural damage | You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition |
| S | Can be repaired following structural damage | You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition |
A Category N write-off applies to motorcycles that have a small amount of damage and can be repaired. Typically, this type of damage may consist of cosmetic issues, such as fairings or damage to steering locks. It’s not uncommon for a motorcycle to be written off by insurance companies, even for relatively minor damage. The decision to write off a bike is often based on the cost of repairs compared to the bike’s value, with insurers sometimes opting for a write-off due to potential future issues or the difficulty of finding replacement parts.
Many people are put off by category N vehicles and would never consider purchasing one. As soon as people hear the word “insurance write off”, they feel that the bike may be unsafe. In my experience, if you go into buying a category N vehicle with your eyes open, you will not often be unsatisfied. Common myths of buying a CAT N bike go from “I won’t be able to get insurance for it” to “it’s a write-off”. Both of these are totally wrong. Insurance on a CAT N bike is no different and costs no more, and at no point has the bike been a write-off. You can get some really good CAT N bargains, just make sure the bike has been repaired safely, and you are paying 20-30% less than a non-CAT bike.
Outstanding Finance
Selling a motorcycle with outstanding finance is generally not advisable and can be illegal in some cases. If you have finance on a motorcycle you’re selling, you’ll need to arrange for the outstanding balance to be settled before the sale can be completed. You can either pay off the finance yourself or work with the buyer to arrange a settlement with the lender. As a buyer, never buy a vehicle with outstanding finance until the vendor provides proof that any outstanding finance is paid in full.
Service History Check
Once you’ve confirmed that your motorcycle is not stolen or has outstanding finance, the next step is to check its service history. A well-documented service history ensures that the motorcycle has been maintained properly and helps prevent future issues.
Request Records from the Seller: If you’re purchasing a used motorcycle, ask the seller for maintenance records. Honest sellers should have no problem providing this information.
- Contact Previous Owners: If you have access to the contact details of previous owners, reach out to them and ask for any service records they might have.
- Examine the Service Book: Many motorcycles come with a service book where the service history is recorded. Check for stamps, dates, and details of services performed.
How to Check Bike Service History Conclusion
Checking the history of a motorcycle is a critical step in ensuring its reliability and longevity. By following the steps outlined above, you can verify the history of any bike you wish to buy.
