Avoid buying a stolen motorcycle with HPI Bike Check

Figures revealed in Motorcycle News (MCN) state that one in five stolen vehicles is a motorcycle, despite them making up just one per cent of all vehicles on the road.  With this increase in stolen bikes on the road, HPI is warning buyers to remain cautious when making a used bike purchase. Despite the fact bikes make up a small percentage of vehicles on the road, they accounted for 22% of overall thefts in 2010, up 17% from 2006. HPI warns used motorcycle buyers to be vigilant against this growing threat and get protection with the HPI Bike Check.
 
“Unfortunately, whilst cars have become more difficult to steal, motorcycles remain an easy target for thieves,” says Nicola Johnson, Consumer Services Manager for HPI. “Bikes are smaller and less secure than cars, making them easier to steal and move on, which presents a huge risk to consumers. Buying a stolen bike means consumers could lose the bike and the money they paid for it when it’s returned to the owner.
 
“Used motorcycle buyers can avoid these risks by simply carrying out an HPI Bike Check, which will tell them if their potential purchase is registered as stolen with the Police National Computer. They can also use the HPI Check information to verify the engine number of the bike as well.”
 
Buying a stolen vehicle is just one of a number of risks facing used bike buyers. Outstanding finance continues to be a problem, with 12% motorbikes checked by HPI still having finance on them.  Anyone who purchases a bike with an outstanding debt could face losing both the motorcycle and the money they paid for it as the bike still legally belongs to the finance house.  In addition, just over 7% of motorcycles checked by HPI have been written off by an insurance company and could be potential death traps if they haven’t been repaired properly.
 
Johnson concludes, “Used bike buyers face a number of threats which could see them end up severely out of pocket or worse. A situation where a bike is confiscated and returned to the rightful owner is a heartbreaking reality to some; the HPI Bike Check will tell buyers whether their potential purchase has been stolen, written-off or is still on finance, offering valuable peace of mind before they buy.
 
“Our dedicated bike check offers an easy and quick way for customers to discover the facts before they buy.  What’s more, the HPI Bike Check comes with a £30,000 guarantee in the event of the information we provide being inaccurate, giving the fullest possible comfort to any buyer.”
 
For further information, visit hpibikecheck.com.