January 28, 201511 yr Does anyone have thoughts on buying trials bikes that have no paperwork. I'm trying to buy one for my son,I have paperwork for mine but I've come across a couple for sale with no paperwork. Is this accepted practice here in the UK for off road vehicles that are not going to be used on the road. Obviously my aim here is to avoid buying anything stolen.
January 28, 201511 yr If it's never been registered it's unlikely to have any meaningful paperwork. If it's too cheap it's to good to be true, generally. If you don't trust the seller, it's not a good start. If they won't meet at their home for ANY reason, alarm bells.
January 28, 201511 yr New bikes at least come with a receipt. Wise owners will pass this on with each sale. I'd want to see this at least.
January 28, 201511 yr I agree with the comments but they are not always possible. meet at the house - see some photographic id and if possible take copies -create your own purchase invoice and give the seller a copy!!! If they won't do any of these give it a miss ......genuine sellers will understand why you are asking them to do so !!! Cheers as always the Wobbler
January 28, 201511 yr Author Thanks for you replies I had one of those moments today:- Too good to be true Too easy to be knocked down on price No documents Mention of any receipts was bypassed Wouldnt deal from their own house My gut instinct was telling me no way and I didnt ! Nice to clear up a few thoughts on the paper work side of things thanks.
January 28, 201511 yr I personally won't sell a bike from home because of the fear of inviting in the thieving gits who prey on genuine sellers. It works both ways you know!
January 28, 201511 yr As above, arrange to meet at local police station, it is difficult on both sides and gut feeling has to be followed along with the right questions being asked on both sides.
January 28, 201511 yr You guys have obviously never had a theft or attempted theft of your bike after showing it to some scumbag posing as a genuine buyer!? These days I meet people elsewhere first so I get the chance to see if I believe them to be genuine, if I am happy then I will complete the sale at home. Anyway with regard to the paperwork I bought my Evo new and direct from John Lampkin and I chose not to get it registered as I have absolutely no need to. However now I'm thinking about selling it, all I have to prove ownership is a hand written receipt!, kinda wish I'd registered it for this reason alone! So my point I guess is there will be genuine bikes out there with very little paperwork. Good luck with your hunt
January 28, 201511 yr always meet propective purchaers at the local police station. i think they ve become used to trials bikes been 'tested' in the car park. only once has a buyer said no. classic bike buyers are the worst for just wanting to come and look trials riders always buy classic bike mob just want to come and kick tyres and say i ve others to look at..
January 29, 201511 yr Best to buy one that is registered with a V5 present if you can Bike with V5 maybe done a few road trials, SSDT, SCOTT etc. Bike no V5 done a year of club trials Pay your money take your choice?
January 29, 201511 yr Bike with V5 maybe done a few road trials, SSDT, SCOTT etc. Bike no V5 done a year of club trials Pay your money take your choice? Not necessarily, all I am saying is it's best to have either a V5 or a receipt of purchase if they are the first owner. My bike has the V5 and I doubt it's been to the SSDT or the SCOTT. A year of club trials can be hard on a bike too depending on the owner Edited January 29, 201511 yr by hrmad
January 29, 201511 yr No proof of ownership/paperwork ask to take a photo of their driving licence or other form of I.D. ask if they mind you taking VIN number to police to check out. Never forget that anyone can forge a receipt which may make you think the bike is legit.
January 29, 201511 yr No proof of ownership/paperwork ask to take a photo of their driving licence or other form of I.D. ask if they mind you taking VIN number to police to check out. Never forget that anyone can forge a receipt which may make you think the bike is legit. Personally, if I felt I had to take a photo of their Licence, I'd walk away.
January 29, 201511 yr the law couldnt care less what recipts photos etc you have or proof of ownership ( and v5 have it written in large letters on the front that a v5 is NOT proof of ownership) if someone else can prove its thiers thats where the story ends.. get a named and dated reciept from the person you give the cash too with details of vin engine number and thats all you can do..
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