V5......

[phssthpok]

........I'm about to buy a bike off Ebay from a dealer who deal in older bikes. Unfortunately the bike has no V5 and was last taxed in the late 80's. Is this going to cause me problems, if so, what?

[Scotty]

Fy was you i would call Swansea with the engine, frame and reg numbers to check things out before you actually buy the bike, just in case there be any probs with it.

If there aint, you then have to get a form from the post office (if you can find one thats not been closed down) and apply for a log book, it takes between two and four weeks usually, then you can tax it.

Good luck, be careful.

[dodgyloner]

Depends how old it is I think. Its fairly common for 45s and similar age HDs not to have registration history if they're built up from a basket case or bits. These can be put through the clubs vintage registration scheme which Patrick runs.

I'm not sure about newer stuff - hopefully someone on here will know.

[Tony Cross]

With the DVLA your guess is as good as mine. Bought a Sportster in early July. Posted docs myself. Nothing since.
E-mailed them; they replied ' no record of it'. Phoned them and they said "it's in the system.

Strange lot the DVLA..

[kevscrivener]

DVLA are notoriously bad for "losing" mail. Couple that with the serial incompetence of Royal Snail and you're on a loser from the start.

I strongly recommend to anyone that all mail sent to DVLA be at least sent Recorded Delivery, and ideally Registered Post or whatever they call it these days; the potential hassles far outweigh the extra cost.

I'm lucky 'cos Swansea's only 25 miles away, so if my HGV licence or whatever needs renewing I go in person; ironically I have always found their counter staff to be friendly, courteous and helpful.

[Shifty]

Agree with Scotty here; make absolutely sure the numbers are what they should be, and be careful they've not been tampered with.

[Chris L]

Originally Posted by kevscrivener

DVLA are notoriously bad for "losing" mail. Couple that with the serial incompetence of Royal Snail and you're on a loser from the start.

.

Yesterday I'd have taken exception to that remark, but as Ive just taken VR from Royal Mail after 25 years I'l let it slide...

Having said that Ive never personally had any probs with our wonderful Mail system.....sorry for the hijack....

[Tony Cross]

Not involved myself but I have always found the Royal Mail excellent. The DVLA is a different matter.

[Commander Zero]

You never said what model of bike phssthpok. usualy with an old bike the model owners club (bsa, matchless ect) will have a machine register who will be able to help with obtaining a v5, age related number plate ect. I'd check the engine numbers and frame numbers with the relavent owners club just to make sure all is o.k. they may have the original works records, the original reg number should be on one of the tax discs if you can get hold of one. Old mot's are also handy in this case.
hope all goes well

[phssthpok]

......it's a 1973 Puch VZ50 (my second one on 2 weeks) and as far as I'm aware, I am the owners club unless there's a bunch of Puch and Harley owners who are keeping quiet.

......so, I check the registration, engine and frame numbers and apply for a new V5 and keep my fingers crossed.