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Why you should run a motorbike check before buying a used bike
No one wants to buy a stolen motorbike, even if it is their dream bike. However, buying a second-hand bike can be risky. Without a proper motorbike check, you could unknowingly purchase a stolen bike, a vehicle with outstanding finance, or one with hidden problems in its history.
Want to take that risk? Studies show that 1 in 3 used vehicles in the UK may have hidden history, which makes running a bike history check extremely important before buying. So, if you know about statistics, you will prefer to check a bike’s history from a reputable history checking service available in the market. When buying from a private seller, it is also difficult to know whether the price is fair. A proper motorbike history check helps confirm the vehicle’s background and gives you confidence before completing the purchase.
There’s no need to take unnecessary risks when you can run a motorbike HPI check to view the bike’s complete history and avoid costly surprises.
Can i get free motorcycle history check using its registration number?
Yes, you can get a bike history check for free, but not a full detailed report and for a good reason. The history checkers provide some information that is impossible to get free because they, themselves, are charged by government agencies to obtain it.
Therefore, be cautious of companies claiming to provide a complete motorbike check for free. Most detailed information comes from paid databases, so full reports usually require a small fee. Common sense, right?
However, some information is free, which are:
- Tax and MOT details
- Mileage at the time of the recent MOT test
- VED status (MOT and tax due date)
- Bikes’ age
- CO2 emission
- Import status
- Bike colour
- Colour Change(s)
What other details does a premium motorbike history check provide?
A premium motorbike history report covers all information required to keep you safe from all frauds. And remember, most information is directly sourced from trusted sources like DVLA, MIAFTR, SMMT, DVSA, and other government agencies.
The information shown in a premium bike history check report is highly reliable when you use a reputable history checking provider, some of which are mentioned below. All genuine bike history checkers’ reports will show the same information, which will include:
- Recorded as stolen
- Insurance write-off
- Outstanding Finance
- Number of previous owners
- Recorded as scrapped
- Imported or exported
- Logbook check
- Number plate changes
- Mileage discrepancies and anomaly
- Make and model
- Full MOT history
- CO2 emissions.
What’s the cost for checking a used bike history?
You may be confused about whether the bike history check is cheaper than the car! You’re mistaken. Whether you perform a motorbike check, car check, van check, or truck check, the pricing structure usually depends on the history report provider rather than the vehicle type.
If you ask how much general bike HPI checks cost, then there is no one correct answer. Everyone has set their own price even though the information they provide is exactly the same and from the same sources. But anyway, here are the prices of some UK’s most trusted vehicle history checking providers:
Note: Motorbike theft continues to be a concern across England and Wales, making it essential to check if a motorbike is stolen before buying a used bike. Its very crucial to check the complete history of a bike before buying it. Here is the statistics made by Statista, one of the leading market and consumer data provider in the UK.
What other details does a premium motorbike history check provide?
Can a bike check show previous owner details?
Absolutely not. Whether for a bike, car, or motorbike, a history check will never reveal previous owner details such as their name or address. You will only see how many previous keepers the vehicle had – not more than that. Because the DVLA restrict this information from all companies and disclosing such information is illegal. You can request the DVLA to reveal the registered keeper or owner’s contact information by filling up v888 form.
Answering your questions
Can I check a motorbike’s history using the registration number?
Yes, you can run a motorbike check using the vehicle’s registration number. A bike history check can show details like MOT history, tax status, and vehicle specifications. For full details, including whether the bike is stolen, has outstanding finance, or has been written off, you may need a full motorbike HPI check.
How to check if a motorbike is stolen using VIN numbers?
You can perform a motorbike stolen check using any of these methods.
- Run a check on VIN numbers through your local police station. Since it’s not publicly accessible, you can request law-enforcement personnel to run a check on it.
- Use a VIN Check tool available at the National Insurance Crime Bureau website.
- Enter the VIN numbers through an online VIN- check service.
Is the free check enough to buy a second-hand bike in the UK?
No, a free check provides only basic details like MOT history and tax status. For a safe purchase, a full motorbike HPI check is essential to uncover hidden issues like outstanding finance, write-offs, or theft.
What is the difference between a bike HPI check and a motorbike history check?
There is no difference at all. Since HPI Ltd was the first company to offer history checking services, it’s now their name used for vehicles or bike’s history checking. Plus, there is no difference in checking the history of cars, bikes, vans, motorbikes, etc.