Thousands of classic motorcycles could be paying road tax they no longer owe

Thousands of owners of classic motorcycles could be paying vehicle tax they no longer need to, after new analysis suggested many eligible bikes have yet to be moved into the DVLA's historic vehicle tax class.

Figures compiled by Heritage Insurance from a Freedom of Information response supplied by the DVLA show that 2,013 motorcycles and scooters built in 1985 are still listed as taxed, despite now being old enough to qualify for the historic vehicle classification. Another 7,310 machines from the same year are currently registered as SORN, meaning a total of 9,323 surviving 1985 bikes have yet to be switched over.

Unlike some changes to vehicle records, historic tax status isn't applied automatically. Owners have to update the vehicle's taxation class themselves using the V5C logbook, even though the vehicle qualifies under the 40-year rolling exemption.

That means some riders could be paying anywhere between £27 and £125 a year in vehicle tax, depending on engine size, when they may no longer have to. Based on current rates, the analysis estimates owners of those taxed bikes could collectively be paying between around £54,000 and £250,000 every year.

The data also offers an interesting snapshot of what's still on Britain's roads from 1985. Yamaha tops the list with 662 taxed motorcycles, followed by Honda with 400, Suzuki on 304 and Kawasaki with 121. Elsewhere there are 221 Vespas, 90 Harley-Davidsons, 71 Lambrettas and 53 Moto Guzzis still carrying valid tax discs, alongside surviving BMWs, Ducatis, MZs, Triumphs and Nortons.

As with classic cars, motorcycles become eligible for the historic vehicle tax class once they reach 40 years old. The change removes the requirement to pay Vehicle Excise Duty. That said, owners still effectively need to tax the bike each year, even if the amount due is £0. Bikes used on the road must also remain insured and, where applicable, meet MOT requirements or qualify for exemption.

Owners who think their bike may qualify should check the build date shown on the V5C logbook. If it's eligible, the taxation class can be changed through a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax, using the V5C along with a V10 application form and any required MOT documentation. Riders may also be able to claim a refund for any full months of tax remaining once the change has been processed.

For anyone with a 1985 machine tucked away in the garage, it could be worth checking the paperwork. The process isn't automatic, and it might save you a few quid every year.

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