If you’ve got a motorbike to sell, you’ve probably heard about needing a motorcycle RWC (Roadworthy Certificate). But is it actually a must-have every time? Or are there times you can skip it?
At V-Twin, we help riders every day with motorcycle RWC checks, repairs, servicing, and more. If you’re selling, trading, or registering a bike, we’ll make the process as easy as possible. But let’s look at what the rules actually say, and what can happen if you ignore them.
What is a motorcycle RWC?
A motorcycle RWC is basically proof that your motorbike is safe to ride on the road. It’s not a full mechanical check or service – it’s just a safety inspection. It looks at things like:
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Lights
- Suspension
- Steering
- Frame
It makes sure your bike isn’t falling apart or dangerous to ride. Simple as that.
When do you legally need a motorcycle RWC?
If you’re in Queensland, here’s when a motorcycle RWC is a legal must:
- You’re selling a registered motorbike (private sale or dealer).
- You’re transferring the registration.
- You’re re-registering a bike that’s been unregistered.
So yes – if you’re selling a bike that’s registered, you need a motorcycle RWC. If the bike isn’t registered and you’re selling it “as-is,” then you don’t have to get one. But don’t get too excited yet – there’s more to consider.
What happens if you skip it?
Let’s say you sell your registered bike without a motorcycle RWC. What’s the worst that can happen?
Well, a few things:
- You can cop a fine. The seller is responsible for making sure a motorcycle RWC is handed over during the sale of a registered bike.
- You might lose buyers. Most buyers want that piece of paper before they buy, and if you don’t have it, they’ll either walk away or ask for a discount.
- Delays with transfer. Without a motorcycle RWC, your buyer won’t be able to transfer the rego. That’s a pain for them – and it can come back to bite you if they ride around with the bike still in your name.
Private sale? You’ll probably need it
If you’re selling your bike privately, and it’s still registered, you legally need a motorcycle RWC. You’ll need to provide a current certificate at the time of sale. They’re valid for 2,000 km or 2 months – whichever comes first.
If the bike is unregistered and you’re clear with the buyer that it’s a project or parts bike, then you can skip it. Just make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Selling to a dealer or trading in?
Selling to a dealer or trading your bike in? This one’s easy: you don’t need a motorcycle RWC. The dealer takes care of it. They’ll handle the inspections, the paperwork, and whatever else needs doing before they resell the bike.
But keep in mind – dealers don’t pay as much as private buyers. They’ve got overheads and need to make a profit, so the offer might be lower. Still, it’s a good option if you want the quick and easy route and don’t want to deal with buyers or paperwork.
What if your bike fails the inspection?
Sometimes your bike might not pass the motorcycle RWC inspection the first time. Don’t stress – at V-Twin, we’ll explain what needs fixing and help you sort it. It could be as simple as a bald tyre or a busted indicator. Once the repairs are done, we can reinspect it and get your roadworthy certificate sorted.
It’s not about being perfect – it’s just about being safe.
Why bother with a motorcycle RWC if it’s not registered?
Even if your bike isn’t registered, getting a motorcycle RWC can still help with a sale. Think about it – if you’re the buyer, and someone says “Here’s the bike, it runs fine, but I’ve got no paperwork,” you might be nervous.
On the other hand, if you can say, “Here’s a current motorcycle RWC, so you know it’s safe,” it makes your bike easier to sell and builds trust. You don’t have to do it, but it’s a strong move if you want a quicker sale or a better price.
Let V-Twin help with your motorcycle RWC
If you’re anywhere near Logan Village (South Brisbane), come and see us at V-Twin. We’re not just any bike shop – we’re a crew of bike-mad riders who live and breathe motorbikes. Whether you ride a Harley, a dirt bike, or something in between, we’re here to help.
We’ll inspect your bike, tell you honestly what’s going on, and help you get it ready for sale. If it passes, great – you’ll walk away with your motorcycle RWC on the spot. If not, we’ll help you sort it, fast.
Need tuning? Repairs? A full custom build? We do that too. But if you’re just chasing a quick motorcycle RWC so you can offload your bike and move on, we’ve got your back.
So, do you really need a motorcycle RWC?
Here’s the short version:
- Yes if the bike is registered and you’re selling it privately.
- No if it’s unregistered and the buyer understands that.
- No if you’re trading it in or selling to a dealer (they sort it).
But even when it’s not required, having a motorcycle RWC can make the sale easier and smoother. It shows buyers that your bike’s been checked out and is ready to go.
Come see us at V-Twin
At V-Twin, we’ve been working on bikes since 2016. We’re locals, we’re riders, and we know what your bike means to you—even if you’re ready to sell it. Drop into our workshop in Logan Village, or give us a call to book your motorcycle RWC.
We’ll get you sorted, without the fuss. Whether it’s a Harley or a trail bike, we’ll treat it like it’s our own.
So before you list your bike for sale, make sure it’s got that motorcycle RWC in hand. It’ll save you time, avoid fines, and help you get the price you want.
And if you need a hand with anything bike-related – repairs, tuning, or just some honest advice – V-Twin is the place to be.
