For the HPI boffins.

I am going to look at a bike this weekend and have been given the registration to perform a HPI check. The reg I have been given is currently on the bike but is a private plate which will be removed and the original plate put back on.

My question is, do I HPI the private (current) reg? Also, (dumb question alert) do I need to HPI the original reg once it is back on the bike, or are both registrations linked in the 'system'?

And finally, once the paperwork/phonecall is done to put the original plate back on the bike is it effective immediately as I would need to insure the bike for the journey home.

I have spoken to the owner, nice guy but he was as clueless as I am on how to proceed.

Cheers guys.

Original Reg as the HPI will have been taken out from day 1, thus on the original plate. The private plate will then have been added later (even if only hours later).

I think to change plates you need to go to the DVLA direct (not phone) and do it like that, and then wait for a new V5? Not sure on that one though.