Do I need a license to buy a bike?

[indorich]

Dear Members,

I live abroad and I dont have a UK bike license ... I have an Angola license backed up with IDL. I want to buy a classic bike for use in UK when I visit, and probably to take to Europe on a future posting. I asked my dad to buy for me, and he thinks he needs a bike license to purchase, and he doesnt have one.

I find a lot online about what documents need to come with the bike, but nothing about what documents the buyer needs in order to buy. Can my dad buy a motorbike without a bike license? The bike I want is second hand, from a dealer, 650cc, 1962.

Many thanks for your replies,
Rick

[arry]

You don't need a licence to purchase - the only legality you need to be aware of is our Statutory Off Road Notification system (SORN) which means if it's not legitimately insured it cannot be kept on public road, and you need to declare that it's not kept on public road or face a 'fine' (bribe)

It's not good enough to just keep it off road - in this instance you're guilty unless you declare specifically your innocence

[Rogerborg]

Dealers seem to think that they have some duty of care to do the police's job for them.

My last three main dealer vehicle purchases have involved assuring them that I will be riding/driving away legally: licensed, insured, and now with VED paid.

Thing is, it's not their problem, the instant that the money changes hands. Damn silly of them to act as though it is, really.

tl;dr version - you'll have to ask that actual seller, as what anybody else chooses to do has no bearing on them. You can't compel them to sell it.

Note that this section is for feedback and help on using this forum. General bike chat goes in... general bike chat.
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[stinkwheel]

I would imagine that many people buying a 650cc bike from 1962 have absolutely no intention of riding it anyway. They collect them and keep them in dust sheets in a barn and take them to shows on a trailer. As such they are generally bought and sold as antiques/collectors items more than vehicles.

Sad but that's what people do.

On that point. Do check it is in full working order and actually rideable if you intend to actually use it. Many "trailer queens" are of highly questionable mechanical integrity. They pass their annual MOT test but may do no actual mileage between said tests. it might not have been actually ridden on the road for years or even decades.

Worth noting that while a bike of that age is exempt from road tax, you are still expected to "tax" it (for a nil payment) or make a SORN declaration if it's off the road. The legal basis of this is highly questionable BUT the fact is they will try to fine you if you don't.

After all, Britain pretty much invented pointless red tape. It was one of our major exports of the late 19th century.
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Nash GT]

Not to buy no.
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[UncleFester]

[P.]

[UncleFester]

[Going]

[cheeseman]

Don't need a license to buy a bike, but still need to get one if you fancy buying a fish!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmyHup4TpkU
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