Do you carry out inspections on motorcycles?
We’ve provided pre-purchase inspections for countless vehicles right across the UK – so it’s not uncommon for people to get in touch with our team to talk about booking an inspection for a motorcycle.
Although we cannot provide motorbike inspections, we can tell you a little about what you’ll need to look out for from a provider that does.
Pre-purchase inspections for motorbikes
Although our inspectors only work with 4-wheeled vehicles, we know what makes us the UK’s favourite pre-purchase inspection providers – so we can help you find a reliable inspection provider for your next motorcycle.
Where is the bike?
The first thing you need to think about is where the bike is currently located. Some national inspection services will work anywhere in mainland UK – whereas many local garages are not equipped to perform inspections outside their immediate area.
Do you have a trusted bike mechanic in mind?
Lots of motorcyclists have a local garage or dealer they prefer to use for their MOT and service needs – and if this is the case, you might want to talk to them about inspecting the bike for you.
If the bike is nearby, there’s a possibility they have worked on it before, which can give you some insight into how well it’s been looked after by previous owners. Of course, not all local garages have a formal inspection process, so they might not be as thorough as a dedicated inspection company.
If you’ve got a preferred local mechanic or company, it’s worth giving them a call to see what they can offer. You’ll want to talk to them about exactly what they’ll check and whether they’ve got the means to look into the bike’s history.
Using a dedicated inspection service
While a dedicated national inspection service might not have the same personal touch you’d get from a local garage, they’re often better equipped to carry out a full inspection that leaves no stone unturned.
When we inspect a car, we’ll look at up to 318 points – from mechanical and electrical components to panels and tyres. You can expect a good bike inspection company to do the same – although don’t panic if there aren’t as many points covered; there’s generally slightly less to cover on a bike.
A reputable bike inspection service will generally use a standard report that lets them comment on each part of the bike in turn. For instance, you’ll get a section of the report that’s dedicated to the engine, another to the transmission, another to the electrics – and so on.
Most inspection companies will also offer a short test ride too. 10 miles is usually the standard, but you might see that increase if you purchase a slightly more in-depth service.
Will a motorcycle inspection tell me whether or not to buy the bike?
Unlike an MOT, a bike inspection isn’t designed to either pass or fail a motorcycle. Instead, the report will tell you everything you need to know so you can make the decision whether or not it’s right for you.
Bike inspections work this way so you know exactly what you’re taking on. You might be looking for a bike that you can jump on straight away, but then again, you might be happy with a bike that needs a little work. By getting a motorcycle inspection from a reputable company, you might be able to haggle on the price of your next bike slightly – or, if everything’s exactly as expected, at least ride away with complete peace of mind.
