Used motorbike: what to check before buying (and what we check)
The paperwork and mechanics to look at on a used motorbike, and the process every Spartan Motors bike goes through before going on sale.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Paperwork first
- Ask for the DGT full vehicle report: liens, mileage recorded at each ITV (MOT) and number of owners.
- Then the mechanics
- Oil, brakes, tyres, transmission, battery and electrics, suspension and steering.
- Bikes to avoid
- Those that have had an accident or insurance claim, and those with very high mileage or mileage that does not match the ITVs.
- At Spartan
- Every bike gets a full inspection in our workshop and comes with a detailed report and a battery health report.
1. Paperwork: ask for the DGT full report
Before looking at the bike, look at its history. The DGT issues a full report on any vehicle, which anyone can request even if they are not the owner, from its e-office or the miDGT app. Among other things, it includes:
- Liens: whether the bike has seizures or retention of title. With liens, the DGT will not allow the change of ownership.
- ITV history and mileage: the kilometres recorded at each inspection. If the odometer shows less than the last ITV, be suspicious.
- Number of owners: how many owners the bike has had.
- Pending manufacturer recalls.
2. Mechanics: what our workshop checks
This is the inspection our workshop carries out on every bike before putting it on sale. If you buy privately, it is a good checklist to take along.
Engine
Oil, oil filter, air filter and coolant.
Transmission
On scooters: variator, belt, rollers, clutch and sliders. On geared bikes: the drive kit.
Brakes
Brake pads and discs.
Wheels and chassis
Tyres, suspension and steering.
Electrics
Battery, electrical system and lights.
What we replace before selling
- The oil, always, on every bike.
- Brake pads, tyres, battery, air filter and coolant, when they are due.
The bikes we do not buy
A good inspection starts with choosing which bikes come in. At Spartan Motors we turn down:
Bikes that have had an accident or claim
Even if repaired, they do not enter our stock.
High-mileage bikes
We only work with low-mileage bikes in very good condition.
And before buying any bike…
We always get the DGT full report and check everything: liens, ITV mileage, number of owners…
What you get when you buy at Spartan Motors
- A detailed inspection report with everything done to the bike.
- A battery health report.
- At least a 1-year warranty covering engine and electrical faults.
- The change of ownership handled by us, and the bike free of liens.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
It is an official DGT report on a vehicle. Among other data, it includes the owner's identification, the ITV history, the mileage, the number of owners, liens and pending recalls. Anyone can request it, even if they are not the owner.
Compare the odometer with the kilometres recorded at the ITVs shown in the DGT full report. If the bike shows less than at the last inspection, something is wrong.
Oil and oil filter, air filter, coolant, variator, belt, rollers, clutch and sliders (or the drive kit on geared bikes), brake pads and discs, tyres, suspension, steering, battery, electrical system and lights.
No. We turn down any bike that has had an accident or insurance claim, as well as high-mileage bikes: we only work with bikes in very good condition.
A detailed inspection report, a battery health report and at least a 1-year warranty. We also handle the change of ownership.
Inspected bikes, with report and warranty
Every Spartan Motors bike goes through our workshop before going on sale. You get it with the inspection report, the battery report and at least a 1-year warranty.
Sources and last update
The contents of the DGT report were checked on its e-office (September 2026). The inspection process is the one the Spartan Motors workshop follows on every bike.
This article is for information only and is not legal or tax advice.