Buying a motorbike can be a dream come true for many, for others it is a practical transport solution, and some may even consider a motorbike as an investment. In this article, we take a detailed look at what a good motorcycle purchase agreement should contain, how the transfer of ownership takes place and what risks lurk for unwary buyers.
Whether you are looking to buy a new or used motorcycle, it is always a legal transaction that carries certain risks. That’s why it definitely pays to be well prepared, know the basic rules and avoid unnecessary mistakes that can lead to financial losses or protracted problems. The motorcycle purchase contract plays a crucial role in this case. It determines who is the buyer and who is the seller, what motorcycle is being bought and in what condition and at what price it is being sold. However, in addition to the correct wording of the purchase contract, you must not underestimate formalities such as the motorcycle’s transcription, checking the documents and roadworthiness or verifying the legal origin of the motorcycle.
A motorcycle purchase contract is a binding legal document that confirms that the ownership has been transferred from the seller to the buyer. This can be for new or used motorcycles, but in practice most transactions take place on the secondary market for used motorcycles. The more careful the motorcycle purchase agreement is, the better it protects both parties. We will be happy to help you draw it up.
At a minimum, every motorcycle purchase agreement should include the following:
In addition to these basic details, the motorcycle purchase contract may contain additional provisions that protect both the buyer and the seller. These include:
Sometimes even the best prepared model contract does not cover all the details you want to cover in the purchase contract. In this case, do not hesitate to contact us. We will prepare a motorcycle purchase contract tailored to your exact requirements.
The contract can be written or oral. However, in view of the evidentiary situation , it is always necessary to conclude a written motorcycle purchase contract. Ideally, the contract is signed in duplicate and each party keeps one copy.
If you are unsure how to properly draft a motorcycle purchase agreement, you can use our motorcycle purchase agreement template, which you can find on our website. If you need to address a specific situation in the contract, just contact us and we will draw up a customized purchase contract for you. Especially with used motorcycles, there are usually more risks regarding the technical and legal condition, so it is not worth underestimating the contract.
Even a well-written motorbike purchase contract is not enough on its own if you don’t check the basic information about the vehicle and the seller. What steps should you take before you sign the contract?
Check the registration certificate: Make sure that the bike has a valid roadworthiness check, that the VIN on the roadworthiness certificate matches the reality as well as all the details about the owner, type, power of the bike, etc. There should be no pledges or lease notes on the technical licence.
Verification of the seller’s identity: Is the person selling you the motorcycle the actual owner? Or does he or she have a certified power of attorney for the sale? If you have the slightest doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for your ID card and check the details against those on the registration certificate. If the seller is a company, check the company or trade register.
Registration check: In order to transfer the bike to the new owner, you will need a valid registration check, which must be no older than 30 days. It is usually secured before the contract is signed, it is up to you to agree with the seller who will provide this check.
Verification of the legal origin of the vehicle: Verify that the motorcycle is not listed as stolen or encumbered by a lien. Online registries (such as Cebia) are useful for this, where you can check the history of the bike against the VIN code for free or for a small fee.
Test ride and physical inspection: don’t buy a motorcycle or sign any contract without physically seeing the bike. You can take a mechanic with you to inspect it, which can reveal hidden defects and save you the cost of repairing them after purchase.
Tip: Do you know what you can claim in the event of an accident and what to do if you are hit? Read about compensation in a car accident.
Once you have signed the motorcycle purchase contract, you will need to register the motorcycle with the vehicle registry. You can’t do without this step, as you will be registered as the new owner afterwards. According to the Act on the Conditions of Use of Vehicles on Roads, you must make this transfer within 10 working days of signing the contract of sale. If you fail to do so, both parties are liable to a fine of up to CZK 50,000.
Ideally, the seller and buyer can arrange the transfer together, the clerk will verify the signatures of both and record the change immediately. If the buyer wants to handle the transcription, then he needs a power of attorney from the seller. However, you can also authorise a third party, such as a broker or solicitor, to do the transcription. The power of attorney does not have to be certified, although some authorities require it. We therefore recommend that you check the requirements of the specific vehicle registry.
You can change the owner at any vehicle registry in the Czech Republic, this is not linked to the place of residence of the original owner. You can submit your application electronically in the Transport Portal, where you fill in the required data and upload the vehicle registration certificate (technical certificate), or via data box or e-mail. You will pay CZK 500 for motorcycles over 50 cc and CZK 300 for motorcycles up to 50 cc. In addition to the application, you will need the purchase contract for the motorcycle, the technical certificate, proof of registration check, documents from both parties (or power of attorney) and a green card for compulsory liability insurance.
When buying a motorbike, it is crucial not to underestimate a properly drafted motorbike purchase contract, which must include details of the parties, an accurate description of the bike, its condition, price, date of receipt, legal origin and, if applicable, provisions on warranty, hidden defects or overwriting. Although the contract may be concluded orally, the written form is necessary for reasons of legal certainty. Before signing, it is necessary to check the technical licence, the identity of the seller, carry out a registration check (valid for a maximum of 30 days), verify the legal origin of the vehicle (e.g. via the Cebia register) and physically inspect the motorcycle. Then, within 10 working days, you should make a transcription at the vehicle register, ideally together with the seller. The transcription requires a purchase contract, a technical certificate, a registration check, documents from both parties or a power of attorney, and a green card for compulsory liability insurance; the fee is CZK 300-500 depending on the engine capacity.
Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
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