MCN Bike For Sale Buyer's Pack

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• Doesn't have outstanding finance recorded against it. 
• Hasn't been written-off by an insurance company in the UK 
• Hasn't got a mileage anomaly recorded which could indicate clocking

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Buyer's Receipt

Bike make and model:

Registration number:

Mileage:

Does the bike's vehicle identification number (VIN) match the VIN shown on the V5 document?  Yes  No

Registration Document completed by seller and slip detached for buyer?   Yes  No

Agreed purchase price:

Notes:

The undersigned purchaser acknowledges receipt of the above vehicle in exchange for the sum above being the price agreed by the purchaser with the vendor for the above named vehicle, receipt of which the vendor hereby acknowledges.

Purchaser signature:

Vendor signature:

Date:

Seller's Receipt

Bike make and model:

Registration number:

Mileage:

Does the bike's vehicle identification number (VIN) match the VIN shown on the V5 document?  Yes  No

Registration Document completed by seller and slip detached for buyer?   Yes  No

Agreed purchase price:

Notes:

The undersigned purchaser acknowledges receipt of the above vehicle in exchange for the sum above being the price agreed by the purchaser with the vendor for the above named vehicle, receipt of which the vendor hereby acknowledges.

Purchaser signature:

Vendor signature:

Date:

Safety tips for buying a bike from a private seller

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before viewing, find out as much a possible about the model of the bike you are looking to buy then, when viewing (or before, over the telephone) check the bike you are interested in is the correct specification.

When buying second-hand always ensure that the vehicle you’re viewing is the property of the seller and not been stolen. Privately advertised road-legal motorcycles advertised on motorcyclenews.com have been theft-checked at the time they were first advertised. However, a full history check will also identify whether the given vehicle has been reported as an insurance write-off, has any outstanding finance or has mileage inconsistencies. You can do your own history check, using MCN BikeCheck – www.mcnbikecheck.co.uk. This will protect you and give you current information on the vehicle concerned. However, this check cannot confirm ownership details – it can only confirm the status of the vehicle with the given registration number – there’s no guarantee the bike you’re viewing hasn’t got a false number plate. For maximum peace of mind do your own check after viewing the bike and its documents.

CONTACT DETAILS

When buying privately do your research on the seller as well as the vehicle. Get a landline telephone number rather than a mobile (but you should be aware that it could be for a public telephone box or might transfer to another phone) and always meet any private seller at their home address. Check, too, that the address given on the bike’s V5c registration document is the same address and be sure that the seller actually resides there. If you still feel unhappy in any way trust your instincts and walk away.

VEHICLE NUMBERS & MARKS

Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches that on the documents and has not been tampered with. The motorcycle VIN is the number stamped into the frame, often near the headstock. The VIN is a unique identification number for every motorcycle manufactured. A registration number, by comparison, can be altered and may appear on different vehicles over a period of time, but the VIN is a constant throughout its lifetime. The VIN will be documented on the V5c registration certificate issued by the DVLA or DVLNI, and is also usually in the service book. For motorcycles manufactured after 1980 it will usually be 17 digits long.

Be very wary if there are any signs that the VIN has been tampered with or removed. It is common for numbers to be amended, i.e. 5s and 3s to be amended to 8s etc.

Ensure, too, that the vehicle registration document (V5c) has not been tampered with and is watermarked. Compare the document with another V5c or look at the V5c for your own vehicle. Check the V5c is not stolen. For further information please see the DVLA website

DOCUMENTS

Do not buy a vehicle if the seller cannot produce the vehicle registration document (V5c) plus, ideally, supporting documentation such as MoT certificates. Ideally, check that any MoT certificate is valid (at www.motinfo.gov.uk, you will need the Test Number from the MoT certificate to do this). This check may also show the mileage recorded at past MoT tests so you can check that this tallies with the bike’s current indicated mileage. Check also the bike’s handbooks to confirm service history. If possible call the dealer whose stamp appears on the last service in the service book. Explain why you’re ringing and ask the service department to confirm that the work was done.

INSPECTION

Consider having the vehicle professionally examined before you buy, either through a motoring association, private company or garage.

PAYMENT

There are different ways you can pay for a bike – cash, cheque, banker’s draft, bank transfer or ESCROW. Choose the method that works for you but be aware of the potential dangers. Be very careful about how and where the hand over of the cash/vehicle takes place. Remember: it is dangerous carrying cash, especially when meeting a stranger, so use your common sense and always have someone with you. Cash, cheques and banker’s drafts can be forged or counterfeit and your seller is advised not to accept these. NEVER pay using a money transfer company such as Western Union or Moneygram – these exist for transferring money between people who know each other. An immediate bank transfer can be made using the CHAPS system for a nominal fee, (£20-£30). Consider meeting the buyer at your bank and completing the transaction there. CHAPS payments are irrevocable. ESCROW is safe way of paying for a vehicle but make sure that the company is registered with HMRC - ESCROW or Shipping web sites can be bogus and set up by fraudsters. See the Metropolitan Police Fraud Alert web pages about money transfer, cashback and ESCROW.

This content has been compiled with help from VSTAG – Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group. See www.vstag.co.uk for more information

Bike inspection checklist

MCN Editor Andy Calton gives his top tips for buying a bike:

 Does the seller have both original sets of keys?

 Have you checked the bike for rust, cracks and evidence of repair work?

 Have you checked for any evidence of accident damage, scratches and dents?

 Turn on the ignition to check the engine starts properly and doesn’t smoke, that the clutch doesn’t slip, and there are no leaks under the bike.

 Get a test ride if you can. The seller should let you if you leave some security or if your friend stays behind. Check gears, suspension and brake operation and all that all the electrics are working satisfactorily.

 Make sure the bike will start from cold. It’s common for sellers to warm an engine in advance, so call and ask them not to. Not only will you hear rattles more clearly, but you can check that the choke mechanism works and that the battery is in good condition.

 Check the chain is in good condition, properly lubricated and the rear sprocket isn’t damaged.

 Check the mileage is consistent with the bike’s age and condition – i.e. well worn foot pegs on a low mileage machine should set your alarm bells ringing.

 Check the bike’s logbook to verify matching frame and engine numbers. If they don’t match then the bike has been rebuilt after an accident or stolen.

 Check the machine’s symmetry. Are handlebars straight and well balanced? Is the chassis well balanced? Are the mirrors bent? If anything looks significantly out of shape it could indicate a serious accident.

 Has the bike been raced? Drill holes through bolt heads, tyres with roughed-up edges (covered with ragged rubber in some cases) and heavy-duty aftermarket engine covers are all sure signs of racing history and/or accident damage. If there is evidence of racing then the price should reflect that.

 Check the MoT certificate is real at http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/ and make sure you have seen the V5 and all other relevant paperwork - service book, bills for services etc.

 What aftermarket parts does the bike have? If there is an aftermarket exhaust is it road legal?

 Have the aftermarket modifications affected the insurance premium?

 Are the original tools still under the seat?

 If the bike originally came with a seat cowl, does the seller still have it?

 If the bike has an aftermarket replacement screen, does the seller still have the original?

 For the price of a round of drinks you can buy peace of mind by running a comprehensive history check against the bike. Make sure the machine you’re about to buy doesn’t have outstanding finance against it, has not been written off, or hasn't been clocked. As one in eight of all bikes checked have been written off, it’s just not worth the risk buying without one! See www.mcnbikecheck.com for more info.

Trust your gut instincts. If you’ve done all these checks and are still not happy, walk away!

Looking to sell your current bike?

If you have a current bike, which you’re planning to sell, have you considered selling privately with MCN? 9 out of 10 sellers on MCN get their asking price or very close to it, and with adverts starting at just £13.99 for the UK’s best print AND online exposure, there really is no better place to sell. And as a special thank-you for viewing this buyer’s pack you can save 10% off any advertising package using discount code MCNBP12 (enter this when prompted at checkout). See what other users have to say about selling on MCN, or find out more about selling.