Motorcycle identity details
Review available registration details, including the make, model, colour, age and place of registration. Compare these with the bike and its documents.
Free Motorbike Check
Check a UK motorcycle by registration. Review available vehicle details, MOT and mileage information, and key history records before you buy.
- Vehicle details and status
- MOT and mileage information
- Instant registration check
What is a motorbike history check?
A motorbike history check uses available registration and vehicle records to help you understand a motorcycle before buying it. Depending on the information available, a check can help you review details such as the bike's identity, MOT history, recorded mileage and selected status information.
A free bike check provides selected information. A Standard or Full vehicle history report can include additional checks, such as finance or insurance write-off records. The exact information depends on the report you choose and the records available for that registration.
Use the results as part of your checks, not as a substitute for examining the motorcycle, verifying its frame number and paperwork, and asking the seller about anything that does not match.
What can a free bike check show?
Start with the available vehicle details and status information, then investigate any gaps or concerns before you commit to a purchase.
Stolen-status information
The check may identify a stolen marker in the data available to the report. Treat any result or mismatch seriously and seek confirmation before proceeding.
MOT history
Review available MOT status and test history. Previous test results can help you understand recorded issues and the bike's inspection history.
Recorded mileage
Where readings are available, compare recorded mileage over time and investigate unexpected changes or gaps in the record.
Tax and export information
Review any tax-status or export-related information included in the result. For current tax status, you can also check the official GOV.UK vehicle enquiry service.
Other available details
The report may include additional details, such as an insurance group, where that information is available and included in the selected check.
Not every motorcycle will have a complete record for every category. A missing result does not automatically mean a bike has no issues; it may mean the information is unavailable in the sources checked.
Why check a motorbike before buying?
A motorcycle can look well cared for and still have a history worth investigating. Checking the available records helps you ask informed questions before paying.
Check for possible theft records
Review available stolen-status information and compare the registration and frame number with the paperwork. Do not proceed if the bike's identity or status is in doubt.
Investigate finance and write-off history
A fuller history report may reveal outstanding finance or insurance write-off records. These can affect the purchase and should be understood before you agree to buy.
Compare the details with the bike
Check that the model, colour, registration and frame/VIN details match the motorcycle you are viewing and the documents supplied by the seller.
What does a full motorbike history check add?
If you are considering buying a used motorcycle, a fuller report can help you investigate more than the basic registration details.
Outstanding finance
Review finance information included in the report. If finance is recorded, ask the seller for clear evidence that it has been settled and verify the position before purchasing.
Insurance write-off and salvage history
Check for available insurance write-off or salvage records. These can indicate that a motorcycle has previously suffered damage and may need further investigation.
Previous keeper and history details
Review previous-keeper information and other vehicle history details where they are included in the selected report and available for that motorcycle.
A wider set of vehicle checks
The Full Check includes more than 80 data checks. The exact results available for a particular motorcycle depend on the report and the records held by the relevant data sources.
You can see how information is presented in our sample vehicle history report. Only rely on checks that are explicitly included in the report you select.
What should you verify before buying a used motorcycle?
Use the report alongside the bike, its documents and a careful inspection.
Match the frame number
Compare the frame/VIN number on the motorcycle with the registration documents and any available report details. Stop and investigate if they do not match.
Ask about missing records
Ask for service receipts, MOT paperwork and evidence of repairs where records are missing or a mileage reading appears unusual.
Inspect the motorcycle
A history report cannot assess every mechanical or safety issue. Inspect the bike carefully and consider an independent motorcycle inspection before committing.
If a report suggests that a motorcycle may be stolen, do not complete the purchase. Seek confirmation from the appropriate authorities rather than relying on the seller's explanation alone.
Check motorcycle MOT, tax and insurance details
A vehicle history report is one part of your checks. You can independently confirm certain current details using official services:
- MOT history: Check official MOT history on GOV.UK, including recorded mileage and test results for motorcycles.
- Vehicle tax: Check tax status on GOV.UK using the registration number.
- Insurance: If you need to confirm your own vehicle's insurance record, use the askMID service.
These services cover different types of information. A current MOT or tax result does not confirm that a motorcycle is mechanically sound or has a clear ownership and history record.
Where does motorbike check information come from?
The information in a motorcycle check can come from official vehicle and MOT records and, for additional history checks, relevant third-party or industry data sources. Which sources are used depends on the report and the check being performed.
Records can be incomplete, delayed or unavailable for some motorcycles. A clear result should not be treated as a guarantee that a bike has never been stolen, damaged, written off or subject to finance. Always check the report details, verify important information and ask for evidence where needed.
Motorbike check FAQs
What is a motorbike check?
A motorbike check uses available vehicle records to help you review a motorcycle's identity and history before buying. Depending on the report, it may include registration, MOT, mileage, status and additional history information.
Is the motorbike check free?
The free bike check provides selected information. Additional checks, such as finance or write-off history, may be included in a Standard or Full report. Check the details of the report you choose to see exactly what is covered.
Can a bike check tell me if a motorcycle is stolen?
The report may flag stolen-status information found in the records checked. No database check can guarantee that every stolen vehicle will be identified. If a result raises concern, do not complete the purchase and seek confirmation from the appropriate authorities.
Does a motorbike history check show outstanding finance?
Outstanding finance information may be available in a Standard or Full history report, rather than the free check. Review the package details before ordering and verify any finance record before buying.
Can I check a motorcycle's MOT history?
Available MOT history can be included in the check. You can also use the official GOV.UK MOT history service to review recorded tests and mileage. Digital records are available for motorcycles tested in Great Britain since 2005 and in Northern Ireland since 2017.
Why is some motorcycle history missing?
Not all records are available for every motorcycle. The bike may have limited recorded history, the relevant source may not hold information for it, or records may not be available at the time of the check. Missing information is not proof that there are no issues.
Does a bike history check replace a mechanical inspection?
No. A history report cannot assess every mechanical, structural or safety issue. Inspect the motorcycle, verify its frame number and paperwork, and consider an independent inspection before you buy.