Saddle Row

How buying works

Buying a one-off motorcycle should feel as solid as buying from a dealer. Here's how it works with Saddle Row, and what to do at each step.

1. 01

   You buy directly from the builder

   Saddle Row is a showroom. We don't own the bikes and we never take your money. When you find a bike you like, you deal with the person who built it, and the sale is between you and them.

2. 02

   Enquire and arrange a viewing

   Use the enquiry form on the bike's page. We pass it to the builder, who replies to you directly. Ask about the build, what was done in-house, and arrange to see the bike. Sit on it, and ride it if you can: a custom riding position can be very different from a standard bike.

3. 03

   Check the paperwork

   Check the frame and engine numbers match the V5C, run a vehicle history check, and ask how the registration has been handled for any major changes. Check the MOT history online too. Our guide Why buy a custom motorcycle (and what to check) goes through it step by step.

4. 04

   Pay safely

   Agree the price and what's included in writing. Pay by a traceable method into an account in the builder's business name, never cash to a stranger. For extra peace of mind, you and the builder can use an escrow service: a neutral company holds your payment and releases it to the builder once you've received the bike.

5. 05

   Finance

   We're working with specialist finance partners and hope to offer finance on bikes soon. If you'd like to pay this way, tick the finance box when you enquire and we'll keep you posted. In the meantime, the builder may be able to help, or you can arrange finance yourself.

6. 06

   Insurance and valuation

   Tell your insurer about every modification. For a one-off, ask about an agreed-value policy, so a claim pays what the bike is actually worth. An independent valuation from a recognised provider supports that and gives you confidence in the price. Specialist motorcycle insurers are usually better at this than comparison sites.

7. 07

   Delivery

   Many builders can arrange delivery. Otherwise, use a specialist motorcycle transporter with goods-in-transit insurance, rather than riding a bike you don't know yet across the country.

8. 08

   Your rights

   When a builder sells as a business, the bike must match its description and be of satisfactory quality. Ask the builder what warranty or after-sales support they offer, and keep everything you agree in writing.