How to Check If a Motorbike Is Stolen or Written Off
A guide for buyers: the checks you can do yourself, what write-off categories mean and what to do if something looks wrong.
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This is an information guide for buyers. It explains checks you can make yourself and the kinds of records that exist. It is not a check of any bike, and BikeRegCheck does not offer stolen, write-off or finance checks.
Check the V5C first
The V5C logbook is your first line of defence. Look at it carefully with the seller present:
- The document should look genuine, with the correct watermark and print quality. Be wary of photocopies, heavy smudging or alterations.
- The seller’s name and address should match the document, and the bike should be registered to the address you are visiting.
- The make, model, colour and engine size should match the bike. A reg check helps here, see the motorbike check.
- Blank V5C documents have been stolen in the past. The government lists the serial number ranges of V5Cs that were stolen, so compare the document’s serial number with the list in its used vehicle buying guidance.
Match the frame (VIN) and engine number to the paperwork
Find the frame number on the steering headstock or frame and the engine number on the crankcase, and match both to the V5C. If either looks altered, re-stamped, hidden or does not match, do not buy. Our VIN and frame number guide shows where to look.
Use free official checks: vehicle details, MOT history and mileage consistency
Free services will not tell you whether a bike is stolen, but they help you catch a bike that is not what it claims to be:
- Compare the make, model, colour and engine size from a reg check with the advert and the V5C.
- Read the MOT history for mileage that goes down or a long gap in tests.
- Use the free government vehicle information and tax services to confirm the record.
There is no free official lookup for stolen or write-off records, so for those you need to rely on the paperwork or a paid history check.
Motorbike write-off categories explained
When an insurer decides a bike is not worth repairing, it is recorded as a total loss under one of four categories:
| Category | What it means |
|---|---|
| A | Scrap only. The vehicle must be crushed and cannot be put back on the road. |
| B | Break only. The bike cannot be repaired and put back on the road, but usable parts can be sold. |
| S | Structural damage. The bike was repaired and can be put back on the road once it has been inspected and passed as roadworthy. |
| N | Non-structural damage. The bike was repaired and can be put back on the road, but the damage did not affect the frame. |
Categories S and N are the ones you may meet on a bike for sale. They are not illegal to sell, but they should be declared and are usually reflected in the price. Wording and rules can change, so confirm the current categories with the insurer or the government’s guidance before you rely on them.
How to check for outstanding finance
If a bike was bought on finance, the finance company may still have a legal claim on it until the agreement is paid off, which could mean losing the bike after you buy it. You can:
- Ask the seller directly and ask for a settlement letter if there has been finance.
- Contact the finance company if you know who it is.
- Use a paid history check from a provider you trust that includes finance data. Free reg checks do not show this.
Be careful with any provider and check what it covers before paying.
What to do if you suspect a bike is stolen
- Do not buy the bike and do not confront the seller.
- Keep any evidence, such as the advert, messages and photos of the VIN and V5C.
- Contact the police on 101, or 999 if there is an immediate danger.
- If you have already paid, report it to your bank and the police straight away.
Which of these does a reg check cover?
None of them. BikeRegCheck’s free lookup and free pro report cover vehicle details, MOT, mileage, keeper and history information as described on the home page. They do not check for stolen, written-off or finance records. Use the steps above and a dedicated history check from a provider you trust for those risks. For a full walk-through of checking a bike see the used motorbike checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if a motorbike is stolen?
Check the V5C, match the frame number and engine number to the paperwork, and use a paid history check from a provider you trust that includes police stolen records. Free reg checks do not show stolen records.
Does BikeRegCheck show stolen or written-off bikes?
No. Our free lookup and pro report do not check stolen, write-off or finance records. This page is a guide only.
What does Category N or S mean on a motorbike?
Both are write-off categories where the bike was repaired and put back on the road. S means structural damage and N means non-structural damage. They should be declared when the bike is sold.
How do I check if a motorbike has finance?
Ask the seller for evidence that finance is settled, contact the finance company if you can, or use a paid history check that includes finance data.
What should I do if I think a bike is stolen?
Do not buy it. Keep any evidence and report your concerns to the police on 101.