What the free check covers for bikes
The free check works for any vehicle registered with the DVLA, including motorbikes and scooters. You see the details the DVLA holds, whether the bike is taxed or declared off the road, and when its tax is due. Like cars, motorbikes need their first MOT three years after registration and then one every year, so most bikes over three years old have an MOT history.
Each MOT records the result, the mileage and any defects or advisories. For a bike, look closely at advisories for tyres, brakes, chain and sprockets, and suspension. Problems in categories such as tyres, brakes and suspension that come back on two or more separate test days go on the watch list, so you can see at a glance whether the same issue keeps recurring.
The free check also shows any outstanding safety recall, whether the bike is marked for export and the date the latest logbook was issued.
Mileage on motorbikes
Many bikes cover far fewer miles than cars, and plenty are laid up over winter, so low mileage is normal. What matters is that the readings go up. If a reading falls by more than 100 miles between tests, the report flags it. Our guide on how to spot a clocked car applies to bikes too: compare the wear on footpegs, grips and controls with the mileage. Ask for the service book and check the mileages match the MOT readings.
We also show the average miles a year. The comparison with the UK average of about 7,000 miles is based on cars, so treat it as a rough guide for a bike. A bike that covers very few miles is not a problem in itself, but check the tyres for age as well as tread.
Tax, emissions and the full check
The free check shows the tax status and due date from the DVLA. Our yearly tax estimate is for cars only, so for a bike, look up the rate in GOV.UK's vehicle tax rate tables. Our clean air zone verdict also uses the rules for cars, so check a bike with TfL's vehicle checker before you ride into the ULEZ.
The full history check works for most motorbikes, as long as our data supplier holds a record for the bike. It adds outstanding finance, write-off, stolen and keeper checks. Bikes are a target for thieves, so the stolen check is worth the money.
Before you hand over any money, check the frame number on the bike matches the logbook. It is usually stamped on the frame near the headstock, and the engine number is on the engine casing.