Bikers warned to check before they buy this summer

Last year over 15,414 motorcycles were written-off, 32,111 were recorded as stolen and 67,082 were bought on finance.

With 480,000 motorcycles changing hands last year, could you have bought one with a dodgy history without realising?

Experian has launched, Check ABike, the most comprehensive and up-to-date checking service available on the market to help protect motorcycle enthusiasts from falling victim to fraudsters.

With 10 per cent of all driving licence holders in the UK being bikers, motorcycling is increasing as a popular mode of transport and leisure activity. However, with increased popularity comes increased opportunity for fraudsters to deceive buyers.

Thanks to a unique association with the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA), Check ABike is the first, and currently the only service in the UK aimed at consumers to provide them with the most reliable history check on used motorcycles.

Rob Whalley, Managing Director of Experian’s Automotive division, said: “For a long time now, car buyers have enjoyed the added protection and piece of mind afforded by services enabling them to check the history of a car. Check ABike is a brand new service for bikers with lots of extra information specific to motorcycles in order to help protect their particular needs.

“Check ABike uses data sources that have been specifically built for the bike market, enabling them to be more confident that the motorcycle they are looking at is the right one for them.

“It is just as important for bikers to check the history of a potential purchase as for car buyers. We are launching Check ABike now because July and August are the most popular months for UK bikers to buy and use their motorcycles.

“At Experian, we understand that when consumers are shopping around, they usually narrow the search down to a handful of potential purchases. With Check ABike, they can check up to five different bikes for just £24.99, as long as they have the registration numbers. A single check costs £19.99.”

The Motor Cycle Industry Association is an industry body that works towards ensuring that motorcycling is given the best opportunity to thrive in the UK. The association with the MCIA has enabled Experian’s Automotive division to enhance the breadth and accuracy of its current motorcycle data.

For further information on Check ABike, please visit checkabike.co.uk.