The prime benefit of owning a vehicle is that you don’t have to commute. In this regard, comfort while using the vehicle is also something that most vehicle owners consider because there are times where you’re stuck in traffic, and you have no choice but to sit it out until it passes.
A great example of this is a track bike. Track bikes are known for their exceptional capabilities, both in performance and ergonomics. However, motorbikes, in general, can be easily stolen. If you buy a stolen track bike, you can be implicated in a theft case, which you don’t want to happen.
So, how exactly do you avoid buying a stolen track bike? This article will tell you what you need to know. Read on below to learn more.
#1 - Check for Erased Numbers
Some components of track bikes come with identification numbers, such as the engine or the frame. If an engine or frame number has been erased or altered, the bike is likely stolen.
The simplest way to do this is to check for the numbers to ensure that the digits were not messed with. Additionally, you can also conduct an HPI check to know more about the bike’s history.
#2 - Look for a V5C document
A V5C document is essential when buying any secondhand vehicle, and not just for track bikes.
The V5C document, also known as a vehicle registration document, is a document that registers your vehicle into the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
A V5C document includes every critical piece of information about a vehicle that’s being sold, such as the date when it was first registered, its manufacturer, physical attributes, and more. Additionally, it also presents who the vehicle’s registered keeper is.
#3 - Avoid Bikes That Are Written Off
Buying bikes that an insurer has written off is generally a bad idea. For those who don’t know, a write-off is a term used to describe a vehicle that’s either too dangerous to be put back on the road or beyond repair.
There are four main categories of write-offs. These include:
Category A, where a bike has to be entirely scrapped after being written off.
Category B is like Category A, but the only difference is that it can be scrapped for parts, except for the frame that has to be discarded.
Category C can be put back in the road, but the bike will require extensive repairs.
Category D, which is like Category C, but the price for repairs are generally cheaper.
The difference between Cat-C and Cat-D is that a Cat-C bike must have a form V23 filed by the insurer to the DVLA.
Other Signs That a Track Bike Is Stolen
Apart from the things mentioned above, there are also other signs that you can check to determine whether or not a track bike is stolen. The most telltale sign of a stolen bike is its broken parts. After all, no owner would want to sell a broken bike since getting repairs brings it up in value.
Examples of these include a snapped steering lock, a damaged ignition barrel, and aftermarket keys. You should also check if the track bike recently underwent a paint change that can’t be accounted for.
Conclusion
Having your own track bike is a fun experience, but that can quickly go away if you buy a stolen one. Make sure to follow the tips mentioned above so that you won’t have this problem.
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