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Before buying a used motorbike, checking its MOT history is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to spot problems. The GOV.UK MOT history service is free and only needs the registration number. This guide shows you what it tells you, how to read it and what it cannot tell you.

Why check MOT history?

A bike's MOT record is an independent log of what testers found over the years. Unlike a seller's description, it cannot be edited by the seller. It can confirm that a bike has been tested on time, show how the mileage has grown and reveal problems that were found and, ideally, fixed.

It takes about two minutes, and it can save you from a bad purchase or give you strong grounds to negotiate on price.

What you can see

• Whether each MOT test was passed or failed
• The mileage recorded at each test
• When the next MOT is due
• What failed, and what advisories (minor problems) were noted

For motorcycles, tests since 2005 are shown. Safety recall information may also appear, depending on the manufacturer. For tests in England, Scotland and Wales you can also see copies of current and previous MOT certificates, and where a test was carried out if you have the 11-digit reference number from the V5C logbook.

How to check, step by step

1. Go to the GOV.UK MOT history page.
2. Enter the bike's registration number.
3. Check that the make, model and colour shown match the bike in front of you.
4. Read through every test, newest first, including the advisories.

What to look for

• Mileage that goes down or jumps oddly. It can suggest a clocked or mis-recorded odometer. Compare each year's reading and ask about any gaps.
• Repeated advisories for the same item, such as tyres, brakes or corrosion, that were never fixed. This can mean the bike has been neglected.
• Lots of failures for dangerous or major defects, especially on brakes, steering or frame.
• Long gaps between tests that suggest the bike was off the road or unused.
• A big difference between what the seller says and what the history shows.
• A recent fail followed by a quick pass, which is normal if the problem was fixed, but ask what was done and ask to see the invoice.

Use it as a negotiating tool

If the latest MOT lists advisories such as worn tyres or brake pads, those are costs you will face soon. It is reasonable to ask the seller to fix them or reduce the price to reflect them.

An MOT history is not a full check

It shows the condition on test day only. It does not show outstanding finance, whether the bike has been stolen or written off, or the true mechanical state of the engine and gearbox. Always combine it with:

• A vehicle history check for finance and write-offs.
• A close look at the V5C logbook.
• The service history.
• A proper test ride. See our guide to test riding a used motorbike.

Our full used bike buying checklist puts all of these together.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MOT history check free? Yes, the GOV.UK service is free.

Do I need the logbook to check? No. You only need the registration number, although the logbook reference is needed to see the test location.

Does a long MOT mean the bike is good? A long MOT means the bike passed a test on a given day. It is helpful but not a guarantee.

Buying from DH Superbikes? Ask us about any bike you are interested in on our contact page.