Hi all
I passed my DAS test and I am collecting my first bike on Saturday- Honda CBF600 (faired version), second hand.

I have two questions:

1. There is no tax on the bike at the moment. I assume it is SORN'd. Do I have to tax it before riding it?

2. The insurance lists two CBF600 bikes- one with a COWL and one without. But what is a COWL? Do they mean the fairing?

Many thanks.

Hello

In answer to your first question, yes you need to tax it BEFORE you ride it on the road. There are only 2 exceptions to this rule. 1 - if you're on your way to a pre booked MOT and 2 - You're on your way to pre booked repairs because of a failure of 1.

As for your other question, I'd phone the insurers and double check

very simple, 1 yes. you wont be able to take it from the shop unless its taxed before... its illegal for them to let you take the bike, 2 is yes again... cowl=cape=fairing, but why is your insurance listing 2 types of bike?..have you got the bike insured?

I heard that really old bikes don't need tax?

I dunno, it may be something else.

Every vehicle on the road must be insured, MOT'd if over 3 years old, and must show a valid VEL (tax disc).

Certain old vehicles registered before a date that I've forgotten, are tax exempt but they STILL have to show a valid VEL - Vehicle Excise Licence.

In addition, the driver or rider of the vehicle MUST have a driving licence that is valid for the vehicle he/she is using and the conditions. (ie if it's a Provisional licence, bike rider must have CBT and be riding a bike that comes within the power specifications, and car driver must be accompanied by a qualified driver).

Hope that's useful info for complete beginners!

Not true mate, still need to be taxed but it's free. All regs still apply and you will still get a fine if you don't re tax it on time.

I mean the insurance website gives two options for the CBF600- Cowl and non-cowl. I have insured it as the Cowl version. Cheers.