Bike buyers reminded of unseen risks

With the March plate change just around the corner, heralding the start of a new biking season, many motorcyclists will want to upgrade their existing bike for something fresh off the production line.  In turn, the used bike market will enjoy a boost from part exchange or privately sold motorcycles hitting the classified ads, making this a good time for buyers to find the bike of their dreams.  However, vehicle information expert HPI urges buyers to follow some simple but vital steps to pick up the best offers and not a nightmare on two wheels.

“Spring is the season for bikers to start thinking about getting out on the road, and the March plate change traditionally offers those looking to buy a used bike a greater chance to snag a bargain, as people trade in their old motorcycles for something new.” says Nicola Johnson, Consumer Services Manager for HPI. “However with most buyers chasing the same bikes for sale, only those who make informed decisions will ride off victorious.

“People really do need to make sure they don’t make a rash choice and throw their money away on a motorcycle with a dodgy hidden history.  The good news is a bike history check can offer vital protection from unscrupulous sellers, and it is quick and easy to do, giving instant results so you don’t have to delay any decision.

“It is well documented that motorcycles are more likely to be stolen than cars, with recent figures showing 1 in 5 vehicles stolen is a bike,” continues Johnson. “Unfortunately, as they are smaller and less secure than cars, motorcycles are easier for criminals to steal and move on. This presents a huge risk for the motorcycle buyer this plate change, as buying a stolen bike is always bad news – you stand to lose both the bike and the money you paid for it if the police repossess it. However it’s not just stolen motorcycles that buyers should be wary of this spring; buying a bike that has been clocked, previously written-off or that still has finance outstanding against it are all very real risks – 1 in 5 motorcycles we check has some form of hidden history.”

Avoid the top four risks:

Stolen

HPI Checks identify nearly 19 stolen vehicles a day, a number of which are two-wheeled. Buying a stolen bike means you will lose both the motorcycle and the money you paid for it, when it’s returned to the rightful owner.

Outstanding Finance

Nearly 1 in 8 motorcycles checked by HPI are still subject to an outstanding finance agreement. Those who buy a bike which is still on finance could have unwittingly bought one that is still owned by the finance company, who could claim it back at any time until the outstanding amount is settled.

Write-off

1 in 12 bikes checked with HPI have been written-off by an insurance company. A motorcycle may look shiny and new, but the paintwork might be hiding a bike that has been declared an insurance write-off. Whilst some of these can be repaired safely and returned to the road, others are only fit for scrap. The HPI Bike Check not only identifies if a bike has been written-off, but also which category of write-off, helping buyers make an informed decision about the purchase.

Clocked

6 in every 100 vehicles checked by HPI have a mileage discrepancy. The HPI Bike Check uses the National Mileage Register of more than 130 million mileage records, alerting bike buyers to potential mileage discrepancies and helping them avoid paying too much for a used motorcycle that has more miles on the clock than it appears.

Johnson concludes, “Following these simple precautions can help used bike buyers reduce the risk of splashing out on a nightmare on two wheels. Make an HPI Bike Check a crucial part of your motorcycle buying this March to avoid being left seriously out of pocket.”

HPI's Bike Buying Checklist:

1. Set a budget and stick to it! Don’t forget to factor in the costs for insurance, servicing, and tax as well.

2. Make a list of questions to ask before going to buy the motorcycle – then record the answers and ask the seller to sign and date the document.

3. Always check the bike’s registration document (V5) to validate ownership and the accuracy of the vehicle’s age and mileage.

4. Check that the engine/frame numbers match the V5 and HPI documentation.

5. Take a test ride - but ensure that appropriate insurance is obtained.

6. Don’t rely on the MOT as evidence of a bike’s condition.

7. Check for oil leaks, welds, poor paintwork or other evidence of accident repairs. Does the colour and texture of the paintwork match all over and are the lights and electrics in working order?

8. Check for rust and paint bubbles.

9. Does the condition reflect the stated age and mileage? A badly worn bike can signal a higher mileage

10. Don’t pay with a substantial amount of cash – use the banking system - particularly if the motorcycle costs more than £3,000.

11. Know the bike’s market value – if the seller is asking for less than 70% of the market price you should be on your guard.

12. Conduct an HPI Bike Check, this will reveal the things the eye alone cannot tell you.