Buying a vehicle that's been off the road a long time

[niagra]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of buying an old bike that has been off the road for a long time as a resto project. The current owner has lost the registration documents which I don't think is too much of an issue according to the DVLA when I rang them.

However, there is no record of the bike/no. plate on the system probably because it was untaxed before they swapped over to the electronic way of storing data.

Can anyone offer any advice on things I should be aware of or how to go about making sure that the reg. no. stays with the bike?

Thanks,
Dario

[john2443]

So it must be pre ,84? ish that it was last taxed.

If it doesn't have a V5 (the A4 registration doc) you need some period proof that the bike and reg existed together pre '84 - the old log book, or some paperwork for instance and then the owners club need to verify it and submit it to DVLA.

(That's how it works for cars, I guess bikes are the same)

[Hooli]

I think the owners club can sometimes verify the old reg off records they've got, I'm not sure about that though. Even an old tax disc would do if there is one attached to the bike.

[davepoth]

For old BL cars we have the BMIHT who have most of the build records for "our" cars, £40 gets the original build sheet for the car which ties back to the VIN number, which is enough for the DVLA. Not sure if there's something similar for bikes though.

[neutral 3]

Its useually very straight forward, no need to worry. However You need to speak to Mike Worthington Williams, of Editor Classic Car Mart, he deals with the Jobs Worths at dvla , he can advise and help ensure that the reg no stays with your bike.

[niagra]

Thanks very much for the replies, very useful and I may well proceed with the purchase.

[Hooli]

If the mods don't mind me advertising, it could be worth popping over to www.classicbikeforum.co.uk as we've got a few members there who've gone through this process in the past.

[alpinemauve]

I have reclaimed numberplates and ID's in the past, that predate the computerisation of the DVLA. This is what I would suggest.

1. Compile a list of commission numbers, engine numbers, ID numbers and everything stamped on the bike this will give you peace of mind that the bike/car is what it should be. Write them down and also photograph then in situ.
2. Check these numbers with build records/date records if any.
3. Source any documentation - tax disks, Mots, servicing any paperwork with numbers/reg numbers on
4. Take photos of 'as found' items - so don't clean up a numberplate from a vehicle that's been off the road for so long!
5. Give as much info as you have now acquired to a related club. The DVLA don't have a clue to what the numbers/records you have and what they represent. A club will simply give extra clout to confirm what you are appealing for is right.
There may be a charge for this, which may be less if you actually join the club
6. Armed with all your photos, paperwork, club endorsement and a brief, but factual letter contact the DVLA. The important element here is that the DVLA are contacted last, once everything else is resolved.

[niagra]

Thanks Hooli and Alpinemauve, very helpful.