Hi guys I'm after some help I've seen a bike I like a 1989 Honda it's a long way away but im prepaired to travel anyway the bike has been in a tattoo shop on show by the owner for the last two years never been on the road so the mot ran out in 2016 and it's never been renewed the owner purchased this bike off his mate two years ago and never rode it he just wanted it for his collection so he said he never sent the log book off so it's still in his mates name Is this ok and also I checked the reg out on DVLA MOT check site and only the last mot showed up for 2015 no other mot history and it's a 1989 bike so I'm trying to think why so I'm just not sure yeat I'm trying to find a way to check this bike is good and not going to be a problem if I buy it like Cat c or something I know I can do a check any ideas
Motorbike history advice help Ect ASAP
- Thread starter Newbmw
- Start date
I owned one back in 1989 I had good memories so I would like to own one again guy said he'll mot it in the morning but just don't understand why only one mot shows on dvla site and why log book wasent sent off he said that it's the new V5 log book and it's ok if I just sent it off so I'm trying to find out if this is all ok or am I getting into a trap
raymond.harper
Senior member
https://www.bikeregister.com/bike-checker you need a frame number
Had a reply it came into uk in 1995 and guy had it since 2006 in boxes and built it up over time then mot it in 2015 first time in years and said dvla site goes back like to 2005-2006 so that's why it's the first mot on they site ?? So now I'm unsure about this I asked about frame engine numbers Ect he said they never match on Honda bikes only yamaha bikes I'm not sure bike is on e bay location Yorkshire Honda VFR NC30
Regarding the Log book /ownership - It could be that there's some issue of ownership and the bike came in lieu of a debt . . . with it not signed over who owns it? There's a difference between the owner and the registered keeper by the way. It could be stolen and you'd lose all in that case or it could be held in extremis - legally you'd still not own it. I think you're right to be trying to clarify this point before all else. Has he got a bill of sale or can you contact the previous owner - his mate? Has the bike been Sorned then?
If you can get past the ownership issue then you may know lots about buying bikes and I'm no expert but for what it's worth I wouldn't be too worried about a bike of this age having such a history unless you are looking for an immaculate investment. Of course do all the checks you can and listen to advice of others and walk away if uncertain but basically looks like you're buying a rebuild and it's quality depends upon that rebuild. If you've owned one of the models before then you'll see or know if something's not right. Checking everything is straight might be important and a test ride would be a big help for that. Even if it's an effort it sounds like you're keen on the bike so invest in the travel and take a look - if it feels wrong then use your gut instinct and walk away - there will be others, eventually. Are you wanting the bike to ride or just own?
Another point is that if the bikes been stood for a couple of years then things such as rubber seals and bearings may have dried up and could cause issues and problems? These can be sorted out over time but would be a pain. I'd prefer a bike which has been used fairly regularly. But buying older bikes you have to expect such problems. Normally, unless such a bike is mint and very low mileage it'll call for extra checks and maintenance - just makes sense. There'll be specialist forums for these bikes (VFR RC30?) so why not contact them and see what their view is - it's a bike with a terrific reputation for reliability and handling when first out but may have been well 'used'
(You may be aware of all this. . . so just ignore my twopenneth on this bit about the bike being stood and rebuilt).
If you can get past the ownership issue then you may know lots about buying bikes and I'm no expert but for what it's worth I wouldn't be too worried about a bike of this age having such a history unless you are looking for an immaculate investment. Of course do all the checks you can and listen to advice of others and walk away if uncertain but basically looks like you're buying a rebuild and it's quality depends upon that rebuild. If you've owned one of the models before then you'll see or know if something's not right. Checking everything is straight might be important and a test ride would be a big help for that. Even if it's an effort it sounds like you're keen on the bike so invest in the travel and take a look - if it feels wrong then use your gut instinct and walk away - there will be others, eventually. Are you wanting the bike to ride or just own?
Another point is that if the bikes been stood for a couple of years then things such as rubber seals and bearings may have dried up and could cause issues and problems? These can be sorted out over time but would be a pain. I'd prefer a bike which has been used fairly regularly. But buying older bikes you have to expect such problems. Normally, unless such a bike is mint and very low mileage it'll call for extra checks and maintenance - just makes sense. There'll be specialist forums for these bikes (VFR RC30?) so why not contact them and see what their view is - it's a bike with a terrific reputation for reliability and handling when first out but may have been well 'used'
(You may be aware of all this. . . so just ignore my twopenneth on this bit about the bike being stood and rebuilt).
Hi Paulgs thanks for reply yes I spoke to the previous owner who told me all about the rebuild and also about the guy who now has the bike in his shop the log book is still in the previous owners name but he said it was because the new owner only wanted it for his shop collection and not to use also he said ,when he first built the bike it didn't have a reg number but a dealer in Doncaster trraced it back and found the reg number so in 2014 he received a log book also shows 9 previous owners I have photo of log book with 11 dig ref number 42385830038 it is showeing at the moment on the dvla site as SORN and mot expired on 20/03/2016 but the guy whom has it now in his shop is putting it through a MOT today
That sounds plausible and makes sense of a lot of your concerns. Is the bike that rare or is it at a price you can't ignore?
If the shop owner had his name in the log book you'd feel better about the sale but now you've had some answers are you still uncertain?
If still in doubt leave it and look for one that's got a more concrete history you're comfortable with.
If the shop owner had his name in the log book you'd feel better about the sale but now you've had some answers are you still uncertain?
If still in doubt leave it and look for one that's got a more concrete history you're comfortable with.