Industry data reveals the real risks facing used motorcycle buyers in the UK. These figures are based on actual checks carried out by vehicle history providers.
Getting a motorbike history report takes less than a minute. Here is exactly how the process works.
Type the motorbike's registration number into the search box above. Our system accepts any UK-registered motorcycle, moped or scooter.
Within seconds you will see DVLA registration details, tax and MOT status, engine size, fuel type, emissions data and more, completely free.
For deeper checks covering stolen status, outstanding finance, write-off history and mileage verification, upgrade to a Gold or Full Check report with over 60 data points.
Our free motorbike history check provides the crucial details you need, ensuring that buying a used bike is a transparent and rewarding experience. With just the registration number, you can uncover key information that helps you avoid costly surprises.
Access tax and MOT history directly from the DVLA for official, reliable data you can trust.
Get instant, straightforward motorcycle history reports that consolidate all the essential details into one clear, concise document.
We use advanced technology and trusted data sources to deliver unique insights, enabling you to make smarter, more confident purchasing decisions.
Gain over 60+ critical data points, including details on outstanding finance, write-offs, and stolen records. Get the full story before you buy.
While the free check covers the basics, upgrading to a comprehensive report unlocks deeper insights. Our full reports reveal if the bike has been involved in accidents, identify outstanding finance agreements that could lead to repossession, and confirm if the bike is recorded as salvaged or written off.
By understanding a bike’s past, you’ll negotiate from a position of strength, ensure legal ownership, and avoid future repair bills caused by hidden damage. Investing in a full motorbike history check is a small cost compared to the potential losses of buying the wrong bike.
Simply enter the bike’s registration number on our homepage and select the Gold or Full Check option. If the motorcycle is reported stolen, our report will indicate when it was stolen and, if available, provide relevant police contact details.
Enter your bike’s registration number and choose the Gold Check. We’ll alert you to any recorded damage. For full details on loss date and damage category, opt for the Write-Off Report to see insurer-recorded incidents.
Visit our MOT check page and enter the bike’s registration number. You’ll see a full MOT history, including failures, advisories, and warnings, sourced from the DVLA. This info is critical before buying a used bike. For insurance verification, check the Askmid website.
Upgrade to a full bike check to see if the motorcycle is under any active finance agreement. Buying a bike with outstanding finance can result in repossession, leaving you without the bike or your money.
Yes. Our comprehensive checks often include the number of previous keepers, helping you understand the bike’s ownership history. Multiple owners in a short time can be a red flag, indicating potential issues.
Yes. Motorbikes can be assigned similar write-off categories (A, B, N, S) indicating the severity of damage. A full bike check will clarify which category, if any, applies, helping you understand the extent of repairs needed.
Absolutely. Spending a small amount upfront for a comprehensive motorbike history report can prevent you from facing expensive repairs, legal issues, or the loss of your newly purchased bike. It’s a crucial step in making an informed buying decision.
Our paid reports pull data from the DVLA, DVSA, Police National Computer and trusted third-party sources to give you a complete picture of any motorcycle.
Confirms whether the bike is currently recorded as stolen on the Police National Computer. Buying a stolen motorcycle means it can be seized by the police at any time.
Reveals any active hire purchase, PCP or loan agreements secured against the bike. If finance is outstanding, the lender can legally repossess the motorcycle from you.
Shows whether the bike has been written off by an insurer and which damage category (A, B, S or N) applies. Around 70 bikes a day are added to the insurance write-off register in the UK.
Compares recorded mileage from MOT tests and other sources to flag any inconsistencies. Clocked bikes are sold with artificially low mileage to inflate the asking price.
Checks whether the DVLA has issued a Certificate of Destruction for the vehicle. A scrapped bike should never be returned to the road and cannot legally be re-registered.
Lists all previous registration plates linked to the motorcycle. Plate changes can be innocent personalisation, but they can also be used to disguise a bike's true identity.
Confirms whether the bike has been imported into or exported from the UK. Imported motorcycles may lack full UK service history and could have different specifications.
Shows the number of previous registered keepers from the DVLA records. A high turnover of owners in a short period can indicate recurring problems with the motorcycle.
Verifies details from the V5C registration document to confirm they match the bike. There are over 200,000 stolen logbooks in circulation across the UK, making this check important.
Since October 2017, motorcycles follow the same insurance write-off categories as cars. Understanding these categories helps you make an informed decision about any bike that has been previously damaged.
The bike is so severely damaged that the entire vehicle, including all parts, must be crushed. Nothing can be salvaged or resold. These motorcycles should never appear for sale.
The frame must be crushed, but individual parts such as the engine, wheels or electronics can be stripped and resold. The bike itself cannot legally return to the road.
The bike sustained structural damage but has been professionally repaired. It can return to the road, though resale value will be lower. Always confirm the quality of repairs before buying.
Covers cosmetic or electrical damage, such as scratched panels or faulty wiring. The bike can be repaired and sold. Category N bikes are common and often represent fair value if the repairs are sound.
Our free motorbike check gives you the basics: DVLA registration details, tax and MOT status, engine size and emissions data. This is useful for verifying what a seller has told you, but it does not cover the checks that matter most when spending your money.
Stolen records, outstanding finance and insurance write-off data all sit behind separate databases that require paid access. These are the checks that protect you from losing your bike to the police, having it repossessed by a finance company, or discovering hidden damage after you have already paid.
Motorcycles are roughly six times more likely to be stolen than other vehicles, according to industry figures. That heightened risk makes a full history check more important for bikes than for cars. The cost of a comprehensive report is small compared to the potential loss of buying a motorbike with a hidden past.
A paid report also gives you a stronger negotiating position. If the check reveals a previous write-off or a high number of previous owners, you can factor that into your offer or walk away before it is too late.