How to Buy a Motorbike in the UK: Complete Guide 2024

Getting Your Motorcycle Licence

Before you can legally ride a motorbike on UK roads, you need the correct category of motorcycle licence. The process varies depending on your age and the type of bike you want to ride. There are three main categories: AM (mopeds up to 50cc), A1 (light motorcycles up to 125cc), A2 (restricted bikes up to 35kW), and full A (unrestricted). Your choice directly affects which bikes you can purchase and how much you'll spend on training and testing.

The licensing process involves passing a theory test, a practical riding assessment, and a hazard perception test. You'll need to book these through the DVLA, which typically takes 6-12 weeks depending on demand. CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is mandatory for all new riders and takes one day at an approved training centre. Most people spend £120–£200 on CBT alone. After CBT, you receive a certificate valid for two years, allowing you to ride with L-plates while waiting for your practical test appointment.

The full test process costs approximately £80 for the theory test and £160–£200 for the practical test. Many riders book private training lessons beforehand, adding another £30–£50 per hour. Plan for 10–20 hours of training before attempting your test, so budget £300–£1,000 for professional instruction.

Understanding Your Budget and Bike Costs

Total ownership costs go far beyond the purchase price. New riders often underestimate expenses like fuel, maintenance, tyres, and protective equipment. For a realistic picture, break down your first-year costs carefully.

The bike itself ranges from £500 for a used 125cc scooter to £15,000+ for a new middleweight sports bike. First-time buyers typically spend £1,500–£4,000 on a used bike aged 3–10 years. Add these costs on top:

Protective gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, trousers): £400–£1,200
Insurance: £200–£800 annually depending on age, experience, and bike type
MOT and servicing: £50–£200 per service, required annually after three years
Tax: £15–£89 annually depending on engine size
Fuel: £30–£80 monthly depending on usage and bike efficiency
Tyres: £150–£300 per pair, replaced every 3,000–10,000 miles
Parking or storage: £30–£150 monthly if needed

A realistic first year costs approximately £2,500–£6,000 when including the bike, gear, insurance, and training. Budget for this before committing to purchase.

Where to Buy Your Motorbike

You have several options for purchasing a motorcycle, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Dealerships offer new or nearly-new bikes with manufacturer warranties (typically 2–3 years). You'll pay premium prices, but parts availability and after-sales service are guaranteed. Expect to pay 15–25% more than market value for this security.

Private sellers advertise bikes through AutoTrader, eBay Motors, and Facebook Marketplace. Prices are lower, sometimes £1,000–£3,000 cheaper than dealers, but you buy as-seen with no warranty. Always arrange an independent inspection before purchasing from private sellers. This costs £80–£150 but prevents costly mistakes.

Auction sites like Copart and BVA offer repossessed or trade-in bikes at genuine bargains, sometimes 40–50% below market value. However, you cannot inspect the bike before purchasing, and many have hidden damage or high mileage. Only use auctions if you're mechanically confident.

When choosing where to buy, consider:

Warranty coverage (dealerships offer this, private sellers rarely do)
After-sales service availability
Return policies if issues arise within 30 days
Whether the seller will provide maintenance records
Your ability to transport the bike if you can't ride it home

Inspecting and Testing a Motorbike

Never buy a motorcycle without thorough inspection. Pre-purchase inspections by qualified technicians cost £80–£150 but often reveal problems costing thousands to repair. If a private seller refuses inspection, that's a red flag.

When viewing a bike, check these key areas:

Engine condition: does it start easily, run smoothly without unusual noises or smoke?
Bodywork: look for rust, resprayed panels suggesting accident damage, or loose fairings
Tyres: check tread depth (minimum 2mm by law), date code (older than five years indicates degradation), and sidewall cracks
Brakes and suspension: feel for sponginess in brake levers, excessive travel in suspension, or leaking fluid
Lights and electrics: confirm all indicators, headlights, and horn function properly
Frame: inspect for cracks or welding repairs suggesting serious crashes
Service history: request receipts and garage stamps proving regular maintenance

Always request a test ride on quieter roads away from traffic. Ride it for at least 20 minutes to assess handling, braking response, and engine performance. Don't buy based on looks or price alone. A £2,000 bike in poor mechanical condition costs more to own than a £3,500 well-maintained example.

Insurance, Registration, and Legal Requirements

Motorcycle insurance is compulsory and varies dramatically depending on age and risk. Young riders aged 17–25 pay £400–£1,200 annually, while riders over 50 with clean records might pay £150–£300. Third-party only (TPO) insurance is cheapest but doesn't cover your own damage. Comprehensive policies cost 30–50% more but provide full protection.

When insuring your new bike, you'll need:

Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) from the seller
MOT certificate if the bike is over three years old
Proof of address (utility bill or council tax letter)
Valid driving licence
Your CBT certificate if you're learning to ride

Register the bike at the DVLA within two weeks of purchase. Transferring ownership takes 5–10 working days. Until ownership transfers, you remain liable for any road tax or fines, so process paperwork immediately.

Vehicle tax depends on engine size. Bikes under 150cc are free, 151–600cc costs £17.80 annually, and 601cc+ costs £89.90 annually. You can tax your bike online through GOV.UK and cover multiple years at once.

Final Checks Before Committing

HPI checks verify whether a motorcycle has outstanding finance or is listed as stolen. Costs £20–£30 and take minutes online through HPI, Experian, or other approved providers. Never skip this step when buying privately, as you could inherit someone else's debt or legal trouble.

Request the previous owner's insurance documents to confirm the bike's history and identify any claim patterns suggesting recurring problems. Some insurers won't cover bikes with multiple claims, making them difficult to insure in future.

Once you've selected your motorbike, confirmed its legal status, arranged insurance, and completed all paperwork, you're ready to ride. Start with shorter journeys to build confidence, wear full protective gear every time, and consider advanced riding courses once comfortable with basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence?

CBT takes one day. Theory and practical tests typically require 6–12 weeks to book through the DVLA. The entire process from starting to passing your practical test usually takes 2–4 months.

Can I ride a 125cc bike at 17?

Yes, you can ride a 125cc bike with an A1 licence from age 17. You must complete CBT and pass theory and practical tests. You'll need to display L-plates and cannot carry passengers.

Is comprehensive or third-party insurance better?

Comprehensive covers damage to your own bike, theft, and accidents. Third-party only is cheaper but leaves you unprotected if you cause an accident or your bike is stolen. Choose based on your bike's value and your financial situation.

What's the best type of bike for a beginner?

A lightweight, easy-to-handle bike with low seat height and manageable power is ideal. A 125cc or A2-restricted bike lets you focus on learning without overwhelming power or weight. Naked bikes or standard models are more forgiving than sports bikes.

How much does motorcycle maintenance cost?

Routine servicing costs £50–£200 depending on the bike and service type. Major repairs can be significantly more. Budget £500–£1,000 annually for typical maintenance and unexpected issues.

Can I ride home on the same day I buy a motorbike?

Only if you have a valid licence for that bike category and have completed CBT. If you don't, you'll need to arrange transport or ride with a licence-holder accompanying you. Many sellers offer delivery for a fee.