You've found the motorcycle you want. The specification is right, the price looks right, but there's one problem: it's in Aberdeen and you're in Glasgow, or perhaps even further away. It's owned by someone you've never met, and you haven't had the opportunity to see or ride it yourself.

Buying a motorcycle privately from a distance can be straightforward, but there are a few things worth checking before you commit to the purchase. You also need to decide how the motorcycle is going to get home.

This guide covers what to check before buying, whether riding it home or arranging transport makes more sense, and what to expect when a motorcycle is collected from a private seller and delivered to you.

1. Before you commit to buying

A few checks before you pay can save a great deal of trouble later, regardless of how the motorcycle eventually gets home.

Ask for recent photos and a video. Ideally, ask for footage taken recently and, where appropriate, with the engine running. This gives you a better idea of the motorcycle's current condition than relying solely on older listing photographs.
Check the V5C and vehicle details. Make sure the registration and frame/VIN details correspond with the motorcycle and the information provided by the seller.
Run a vehicle history check. This can help identify outstanding finance, a stolen vehicle marker or previous write-off history before you commit to the purchase.
Ask questions in writing. Messages or email can be useful when asking about known faults, service history, previous damage and the reason for sale. You then have a record of what the seller has told you.
Be cautious of pressure to pay quickly. A low price or a seller insisting on immediate payment should not replace carrying out basic checks.

None of these checks depends on how the motorcycle will be transported. They are simply sensible precautions when buying a bike you haven't personally inspected.

2. Should you ride it home yourself, or have it transported?

Both options can make sense. The right choice depends on the motorcycle, the distance, your circumstances and how comfortable you are with the journey.

Riding it home yourself can mean:

Riding a motorcycle you may never have ridden before
Completing a long journey immediately after buying it
Making sure you are able to ride the motorcycle legally and have the appropriate insurance in place before setting off
Dealing with weather, fatigue and the possibility of a breakdown during the journey
Arranging transport back for anyone who travelled with you to collect the bike

Having it transported means:

A price agreed in advance based on the collection and delivery details
No need to make a long journey on a motorcycle you have only just bought
The motorcycle can be transported whether it is running or not
Collection can be arranged directly with the seller if you cannot be there yourself
The motorcycle travels inside a fully enclosed van rather than being ridden hundreds of miles on unfamiliar roads

There isn't one right answer for every purchase. A motorcycle you've already ridden and bought a short distance away is a different proposition from a non-runner several hundred miles from home.

For more detail on what happens during the collection and delivery itself, see our guide to How Motorcycle Transport Works.

3. What if the motorcycle doesn't run?

A motorcycle does not need to be running for it to be collected.

If the bike will not start but can still roll, it can be moved using the winch rather than its own power. If it cannot roll, a skate can be positioned underneath the wheels using a small jack so that the motorcycle can still be moved safely.

Once loaded, the bike is secured using appropriate straps and loops, with cushioning or additional protection where needed.

You do not need to diagnose the problem or get the motorcycle running before collection. Just let us know its condition when you enquire so the appropriate equipment can be taken.

4. What information helps arrange collection?

The clearer the collection and delivery details are, the easier it is to plan the job and give you an accurate fixed price.

We'll normally need:

Pickup address and a contact number for the seller
Delivery address
Motorcycle make and model
Whether it starts and whether it rolls
Any known faults, damage or other issues
Rough timing, including whether the collection is urgent or flexible

It is also useful to mention anything that could affect access at either end, such as a narrow driveway, restricted access or a motorcycle being stored somewhere that is difficult to reach.

5. What happens on the day?

Once the collection has been arranged, the process is straightforward.

The motorcycle is collected from the agreed address and loaded using a low-angle ramp and winch where required.

It is then secured inside the fully enclosed van using appropriate straps and securing equipment, with cushioning or additional protection where contact points need it.

Because the motorcycle is carried inside the van, it is not exposed to weather or road spray during the journey.

The motorcycle is then delivered to the agreed destination, with the price and collection details already agreed beforehand.

For a step-by-step explanation of the loading, securing and delivery process, see How Motorcycle Transport Works.

Frequently asked questions

Can I arrange collection if I can't be there?

Yes, in most cases. You do not normally need to be present at collection, provided the arrangements with the seller are clear. Let us know when you book and we'll work from the instructions you've provided.

Does the motorcycle need to be running?

No. We regularly transport motorcycles that will not start. Let us know whether the bike starts and rolls when you enquire so we can bring the appropriate loading equipment.

Do you collect motorcycles outside Glasgow and Central Scotland?

We regularly cover Glasgow, Edinburgh, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Stirling, with collections and deliveries elsewhere in Scotland by arrangement. Give us the pickup and delivery details and we'll confirm what we can do.

What if I've bought the motorcycle from a dealer instead?

The collection process is similar, but there are some additional arrangements to make with the dealership. Our guide on buying a motorcycle from a dealer covers what to arrange before collection.

Ready to arrange collection?

Call 07542 798138 to discuss the route and get a price, or see our motorcycle transport service for planned collection and delivery.

If the motorcycle is a non-runner or requires specialist recovery, our motorcycle recovery service covers that too.

Buying a Motorcycle from a Private Seller? How to Get It Home