What a Motorcycle Purchase Contract Should Include
A motorcycle purchase agreement is a binding legal document that confirms the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. This can apply to both new and used motorcycles, though in practice, most transactions take place on the secondary market for used motorcycles. The more thorough the motorcycle purchase agreement is, the better it protects both parties. We’d be happy to help you draft it.
If you’re wondering what a motorcycle purchase agreement must include, the basics are the precise identification of the parties, the motorcycle, the purchase price, and its technical and legal condition:
| Section of the Contract |
What We Recommend Including |
| Contracting Parties |
Name, address, date of birth, company ID number (if applicable), and contact information |
| Motorcycle |
Make, model, VIN, license plate number, year of manufacture, color, engine displacement |
| Purchase price |
Price, method and due date of payment, and any down payment |
| Technical Condition |
Odometer reading, service history, known defects, any accidents |
| Legal status |
Declaration of ownership and any liens, leases, or other third-party rights |
| Delivery |
Date of handover, number of keys, documents, and accessories |
| Transfer of Title |
Who will arrange the title transfer, within what timeframe, and who will pay the fee |
| Defects and Warranty |
Rules regarding defects and any voluntarily provided warranty |
| Penalties |
E.g., a contractual penalty for failure to cooperate with the transfer |
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Does a motorcycle purchase agreement have to be in writing?
A contract can be concluded either in writing or verbally. However, for evidentiary purposes, it is always better to draw up a written motorcycle purchase agreement. Ideally, the contract should be signed in duplicate, with each party retaining one copy.
If you’re not sure how to properly draft a motorcycle purchase agreement, you can use our sample motorcycle purchase agreement, which you’ll find on our website. If you need to address a specific situation in the contract, simply contact us and we’ll draft a customized purchase agreement for you. Used motorcycles, in particular, tend to carry greater risks regarding their technical and legal condition, so it’s not worth underestimating the importance of the contract.
Buying a Used Motorcycle: Risks You Shouldn’t Underestimate
A thorough inspection of the motorcycle before purchase should include not only its technical condition but also the vehicle documents, the seller’s identity, and the vehicle’s legal history. Even a well-drafted motorcycle sales contract isn’t enough on its own if you don’t verify basic information about the vehicle and the seller. What steps should you take before signing the contract?
Check the vehicle registration certificate (ORV): Make sure the motorcycle has a valid technical inspection, that the VIN matches the actual vehicle, and that all information regarding the owner, model, engine power, and similar details is accurate. There should be no liens or leasing notes listed here.
Verify the seller’s identity: Is the person selling you the motorcycle its actual owner? Or do they have a verified power of attorney to sell it? If you have even the slightest doubt, don’t hesitate to ask to see their ID card and verify the information against what’s listed on the vehicle registration certificate (ORV). If the seller is a company, verify it in the commercial or trade register.
Registration inspection: When changing ownership, the condition of a valid registration inspection must be met. Starting July 1, 2025, its validity will depend on the schedule for the vehicle’s regular technical inspections. For motorcycles, this may be valid for several years, depending on the specific situation.
Verification of the Vehicle’s Legal History: Verify that the motorcycle is not listed as stolen or subject to a lien. Online registries (such as Cebia) can be helpful for this; there, you can check the motorcycle’s history by VIN code for free or for a small fee.
Test ride and physical inspection: Do not buythe motorcycle or sign any contract without seeing it in person. You can also bring a mechanic with you to inspect it; they can uncover hidden defects and save you the cost of repairing them after the purchase.
Tip for article
Do you know what you’re entitled to in the event of a traffic accident and what to do if someone hits you? Read about compensation for damages in a traffic accident.
An Example from Our Law Practice
In our practice, we handled a case involving a client who purchased a motorcycle for 80,000 CZK and duly paid the purchase price. The problem arose during the transfer of ownership. At the registration office, he discovered that the person from whom he had purchased the motorcycle was not its registered owner at all. Furthermore, it turned out that the motorcycle had been taken off the road.
The client wanted to cancel the transaction and get his money back. The seller initially promised to refund the purchase price but later changed his mind and refused to return the money. We therefore took on the case, assessed the options for rescinding the purchase contract, and prepared a pre-litigation demand for a refund.
This case clearly illustrates why inspecting a motorcycle before purchase shouldn’t stop at the engine, brakes, and service history. It’s just as important to verify who the motorcycle actually belongs to and whether the information in the documents and registries matches what the seller is telling you.
Transferring Ownership of the Motorcycle to the New Owner
Once you sign the motorcycle purchase agreement, you’ll also need to transfer the title in the vehicle registry. This step is essential, as you won’t be officially registered as the owner until it’s completed. According to the Act on the Conditions for the Operation of Vehicles on Public Roads, you must complete this transfer within 10 business days of the date of transfer of ownership. If you fail to do so, both parties face a fine of up to 50,000 crowns.
Ideally, the seller and buyer can handle the transfer together. If the buyer wishes to handle the transfer, they will need a power of attorney from the seller authorizing the transfer. However, you can also authorize a third party—such as a used car dealership or a legal representative—to handle the transfer. The power of attorney must be notarized.
You can complete the change of ownership at any vehicle registration office in the Czech Republic; this procedure is not tied to the original owner’s place of residence. You can submit the application electronically via the Transportation Portal. The current owner enters the new owner’s information here and uploads the vehicle registration certificate; they then provide the new owner with a generated code or link, which the new owner uses to complete the application on the Transportation Portal. Even after that, however, you must visit the selected municipal office with extended jurisdiction, where you will submit the necessary documents, pay the administrative fee, and receive the new vehicle documents. The application can also be submitted via a data box or by email with a qualified electronic signature.
The transfer fee is 500 CZK for motorcycles over 50 cm³ and 300 CZK for motorcycles up to 50 cm³. When submitting the application electronically via the Transportation Portal, there is a 20% discount, bringing the fees to 400 CZK and 240 CZK, respectively. In addition to the application, you will need the vehicle registration certificate, or, if applicable, the vehicle registration certificate (ORV), and proof of identity. If an authorized representative is acting on behalf of either party, the relevant power of attorney must also be provided.
Summary
When buying a motorcycle, it is crucial not to underestimate the importance of a properly drafted purchase agreement, which must include details about the parties, an accurate description of the motorcycle, its condition, price, date of delivery, legal title, and, if applicable, provisions regarding the warranty, hidden defects, or transfer of ownership. Although the contract can be concluded verbally, a written form is strongly recommended. Before signing, it is necessary to check the vehicle registration certificate (ORV), verify the seller’s identity, perform a registry check, confirm the vehicle’s legal title, and physically inspect the motorcycle. Subsequently, the transfer of ownership must be completed at the vehicle registry within 10 business days, ideally together with the seller. To complete the transfer, you’ll need a joint application from the previous and new owners, the vehicle registration certificate, and proof of identity; the fee ranges from 300 to 500 CZK, depending on the engine displacement.
