Used Motorcycle Buyer's Checklist

Before you hand over the money on any used bike, walk it through this 30-point inspection. It's the same PDI (pre-delivery inspection) our workshop runs on every Motorvibe bike — adapted so a private buyer can use it.

Documents (do these first)

  1. V5C log book — name, address and VIN match the bike in front of you
  2. VIN check — frame stamp matches the V5; no signs of tampering
  3. HPI / MIAFTR check — paid, not the seller's "I've done it" promise
  4. Service history — book stamps or digital records present, mileage consistent
  5. MOT history — gov.uk shows continuous coverage, no big gaps
  6. Finance settled — outstanding finance is the most common scam vector

Bike sat cold (engine off, 5 minutes before starting)

  1. Oil level — within marks, clean, not milky
  2. Coolant level and colour (where applicable)
  3. Brake fluid level + colour — front and rear reservoirs
  4. Chain tension and lubrication; sprockets show no shark-fin wear
  5. Tyre tread depth (>2mm) and date code (no older than 6 years)
  6. No visible fluid leaks on frame, engine cases or under-belly
  7. Forks — wipe for oil traces around seals
  8. Frame — no cracks, weld repairs, or paint touch-ups around the headstock

Lights and electrics (key on, engine off)

  1. All warning lights illuminate, then clear correctly
  2. Headlight high/low, indicators, brake light (front + rear lever), horn
  3. Dashboard clear of error codes — phone-photo it for reference

Engine running

  1. Cold start without choke struggle (modern bikes) — clean idle
  2. No engine management light at idle or under throttle
  3. Exhaust note even; no excessive smoke once warm
  4. Clutch bite point feels normal; no slipping
  5. Gear selection clean through all gears (in neutral, blip the lever)
  6. Charging system: ~13.8–14.5V at the battery with engine at 3,000 rpm

Test ride (insurance permitting)

  1. Brakes pull straight; no judder front or rear
  2. Steering feels neutral, no headstock notch
  3. Suspension settles cleanly over bumps; no dive or wallow
  4. No abnormal noises from drivetrain or chain
  5. All gauges and dash functions work at speed
  6. Fan kicks in at the expected temperature (radiator-cooled bikes)
  7. Cold and hot restart both clean

Red flags to walk away on

  • Owner refuses an HPI check
  • "I've lost the V5, I'll post it"
  • Service book "is at home"
  • Engine warm before you arrive (hiding a cold-start issue)
  • Different VIN on frame vs V5
  • Aftermarket exhaust + no original = often hiding louder problems

Buying from a specialist instead

Every Motorvibe bike has all 30 above (plus 25 more) completed by our workshop, every defect rectified, then a 6-month warranty applied — before it's listed for sale. That's the difference between a private buy and a specialist buy. Browse current stock →

Browse current motorcycles