More news since my first post; so I thought I'd create a new thread with a more descriptive title. I've seen a track bike on eThief that has been stated as Cat B write off. it has no V5, engine or frame numbers. Seller has stated that is so it cannot have a V5 issue, so cannot go back on the road. I only want it for the track, so not bother about no V5 and Cat B status Bike looks good, but don't want to buy stolen goods. Any advice offered much appreciated. Cheers, Bob
I could be wrong, but my understanding is that if an assessor indicates that a bike is cat b they will have provided some form of certificate of destruction, does the seller not have any proof that the DVLA did this? Personally for me I wouldn't take the risk. There was a think on MCN about the police spot checking trackdays and seizing bikes, just not sure it's worth the chance of them seizing it
If the frame no looks altered in any way, expect the police to take it if they do a track inspection (which does happen oftetn start of season) or you have any intention of racing Imho I'd walk away
Many thanks for advice. I've asked about any supporting paperwork and photos of where the engine and frame numbers used to be. I suppose if it sounds too good to be true; then it may well be. Gut says I'll get a receipt, I'll get his ID and address etc. Not sure if that is enough to survive a pit lane inspection and quiz. Last thing I want is the bike getting taken off me... Cheers, Bob
My understanding of Cat B's was the frame had to be destroyed, or at least registered as such with the DVLA?
I think that the rules for cat B state that it can't go back on the road. Going onto the track seems to be a loop hole??
See why you are tempted. If numbers are in any way amended or looks like plate has been removed, the risk of confiscation at the track is quite high if checked. Assuming they expect the price to go up a lot or you'd break it or just get another frame
Agree the price should rise a bit. I'm up that way on Saturday morning so I'll probably pop in and have a good look at it. Many thanks, Bob
I have to ask the question, why ? Written off after only 350 miles, spend a lot of money to put the bike back into the condition it is and then sell it. Doesn't make sense to me as there can't be any profit in it if its kosher. The bloke is clearly not looking to realise funds if his last comment about p/xing for a 1000cc is true. Be interested to see how you get on when you go to see it, 675R is a stonking track tool. Andy
My understanding is that all bikes including race bikes need to be registered with DVLA. A cat B has had its vin number revoked and as such the origins of the frame cannot be proved. I'd steer well clear.
Category B - Motorcycle itself may not be resold. Damaged beyond economical repair, usually with severe structural/frame damage. DVLA require "Notification of Destruction". Parts can be removed and sold. Walk away.....
Do you have any basis for that understanding? If that were so, then each time the MotoGP circus arrived at Silverstone, all their 100-odd race bikes would have to be registered with the DVLA - which they certainly are not. Race bikes which were formerly road bikes will obviously have DVLA records, but that is not the same as saying that pure race bikes have to be registered. In any case race bikes do not comply with construction & use regulations.
Looks like he makes a habit of it.....2011 YAMAHA R1 BIG BANG TRACK BIKE - RACE BIKE ROAD REGIESTERED NO SWAP PX | eBay
(posted on other thread moved to here) Personally I would not buy it There should be supporting paperwork of some sort. From an insurance company to the previous owner or from the salvage yard to this seller or something at least. If it was bought as salvage, then maybe the numbers were removed before the breaker got it but....I've heard of salvage yards having to cut the head stocks off these frames. Either way, effectively once the numbers are removed from a frame there is no way of proving if it is the bike in question or a different one, there in lies an issue. If it had been stamped by an official (scrap not for road use ref No) with documentation that would be a different matter. Then there is the question if Cat B which should be more than cosmetic damage and not to go on the road. Why then is this a cost effective bike to rebuild and where are the receipts for those parts? Lastly, Giving you a receipt will not prove it is not stolen, You will still probably have it confiscated. They may conduct tests to see if they can restore the numbers. If you give the previous owners details and the Police bother to check with them and he has no paperwork, if they decide not in your favour you will lose the bike and your money, a worse case scenario you may get charged with handling stolen goods. Best case scenario you will get it back and from that point on, you will have paperwork to support ownership. Buyer beware, once you've paid the man it's your problem. People have lost some very expensive motors in the past and not got their money back. That's my take and I've known someone in a similar position.
Here's the whole info....... Scrap cars and written-off vehicles - GOV.UK It wouldn't surprise me if the adverts suddenly disappeared.... Even if it is a genuine Cat B and the V5 was destroyed by the Insurance Company or the DVLA (VOSA don't exist any more); there is absolutely no reason to remove the VIN from the frame......or the engine come to that.
