Buying a used motorbike: licences and checks

Which bikes your licence lets you ride, and how to spot a well-looked-after motorbike.

Before you start looking, make sure the bike suits your licence. Then check it over carefully: a bike's condition says a lot about how it's been ridden and stored.

Which licence do you need?

• CBT: lets you ride a moped from 16, or a motorbike or scooter up to 125cc and 11kW from 17, with L plates. A CBT certificate lasts two years.
• A1 licence: from 17, for bikes up to 125cc and 11kW without L plates.
• A2 licence: from 19, for bikes up to 35kW. Some bigger bikes can be restricted to A2.
• Full A licence: any size of bike, from 24, or from 21 if you've held an A2 licence for two years.

Rules can change, so check GOV.UK for the latest details. You can filter Motorlane's bike search by licence.

What to check

• Chain and sprockets: hooked sprocket teeth or a chain you can pull away from the rear sprocket mean replacement is due.
• Tyres: check the tread and the date code. Tyres older than about five years can harden even with plenty of tread.
• Signs of a drop: scuffed levers, bar ends, footpegs and engine covers can mean the bike has been down.
• Forks: look for oil on the fork legs, which points to leaking seals.
• Paperwork: the frame and engine numbers should match the V5C logbook.

Bring your helmet and gear for a test ride, and make sure you're insured to ride it. See used motorbikes, A2 bikes and scooters for sale.