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We’re certain we help provide the best pre-purchase used car inspection service in the UK.

  • Up to 143 vehicle check points
  • Road test
  • Anywhere. Anytime.
  • Upto 50% cheaper then similiar services

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.

Other related FAQs

Looking for more related content to this? We’ve picked a selection of related topics that you may find helpful

Since the UK weather is so changeable, you’ll be pleased to hear that vehicle inspections can be done in the rain. Extreme weather conditions may require that your inspection is rearranged, but this is very rare.

Currently, we can only inspect vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in gross vehicle weight. The good news is, this covers virtually all standard cars on the road today – even luxury vehicles with large engines.

A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is a way of checking the overall condition of a car you’re looking at buying. The inspection report that’s produced will help you discover any hidden issues with that car before you part with any money.

Vehicle inspections are designed to give you all the information you need to decide whether or not a car is right for you. An independent inspector will check the electrical, mechanical, and cosmetic parts of a vehicle; before providing you with a detailed report on their condition.

At Car.co.uk, our vehicle inspection partner offers inspections throughout mainland UK, and can usually complete your inspection within 2-3 working days.

At Car.co.uk, we can provide pre-purchase inspections for imported vehicles. However, it’s important that you let us know if the vehicle is imported when you book – as this gives our inspector time to prepare accordingly.

The cost of a pre-purchase vehicle inspection will start from either £189 or £229 – depending on the level you choose. Your inspection will be promptly carried out by a professional vehicle inspector, and you’ll receive a detailed photographic report about the car.

A vehicle inspection report is a document created when an independent professional carries out an inspection on a pre-owned car. The report tells you everything you need to know about the condition of the vehicle and any hidden issues it might have.

At Car.co.uk, there is no maximum age for Premium Plus vehicle inspections. However, we have a 10-year age limit for our Premium inspection service.

The cost of a vehicle inspection through Car.co.uk starts at £189. When you consider that around 50% of pre-owned vehicles currently for sale have some undeclared damage or negative history, this is a small price to pay to know you’re buying an honest car.