Bonus for bike buyers

Dealers could soon be forced to reveal the full history of bikes they sell – without waiting to be asked…

The rules at the moment state that a dealer must tell you a bike’s history ONLY if you ask the question. Forget to ask and you’re the loser. Now, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation, Euro legislation could make it the the legal responsibility of the dealer to fully inform the customer without being promopted.

The proposal is due to be finalised this year. Dealers would have to tell you about any damage, or prior ownership details you can’t spot from just looking at the bike.

Graham Coleshill, RMI legal director, explains: “At present there is no legal requirement for a dealer to inform a consumer about elements of the previous history of a vehicle, unless the consumer specifically asks.”

He added: ‘”Most dealers will already be providing this kind of information and will welcome this legislation, as it will bring the customer care standards of many other businesses to their level. However dealers may need to put procedures in place to make sure that they do not end up falling foul of the new rules.”