Every motorcycle that passes through a Japanese auction house arrives with a detailed inspection sheet. Understanding this document is one of the most valuable skills a UK importer can have — it tells you the condition of a bike you may never see in person before you bid.
Here's how to decode every part of it.
The Overall Grade
The most prominent number on any auction sheet is the overall condition grade. This is assigned by an independent inspector employed by the auction house — not the seller. The grading scale is standardised across Japan's major auction houses:
| Grade | Condition | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| S | Like new / unregistered | Showroom condition. May never have been ridden. |
| 6 | Near-new | Minimal use, no visible wear. Often dealer demo stock. |
| 5 | Excellent | Very minor marks only. Excellent overall presentation. |
| 4.5 | Very good | Light surface marks. Strong condition for age/mileage. |
| 4 | Good | Light scratches or scuffs. No structural concerns. |
| 3.5 | Above average | Visible minor damage. Common for bikes with some history. |
| 3 | Average | Noticeable wear, possible minor repairs. Fine for daily use. |
| 2 | Below average | Significant visible damage or repair history. |
| 1 | Poor | Major damage, heavy rust, or significant issues. |
| R | Repaired | Has had bodywork or structural repairs. Needs careful scrutiny. |
| RA | Repaired + modified | Repaired and has custom modifications present. |
For everyday riding, target Grade 3.5 and above. For collectibles or resale value, Grade 4+ is worth the premium. Grade R bikes can be good value if the repair is clearly cosmetic — always read the full sheet before bidding.
The Body Diagram
Below the overall grade, the inspection sheet includes a diagram of the motorcycle with condition marks plotted at specific locations. These marks use a standardised code to describe the type and severity of each fault:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A1 | Small scratch |
| A2 | Medium scratch |
| A3 | Large scratch / damage |
| B1 | Small dent |
| B2 | Medium dent |
| B3 | Large dent |
| C1 | Small crack |
| C3 | Large crack (structural concern) |
| E1 | Small corrosion / surface rust |
| E3 | Serious corrosion |
| U | Paint fade or discolouration |
| X | Needs replacement |
| XX | Already replaced / aftermarket part |
The higher the number suffix (1, 2, 3), the more severe the issue. A1 marks on the fairing are normal on a used bike. C3 marks on the frame are a serious warning sign.
The Mechanical Inspection Section
Japanese auction sheets also include a written mechanical assessment. Key items to check:
エンジン (Engine) — An "A" grade means no abnormalities found. Any other code indicates an issue noted during inspection. Common notes include oil leaks (オイル漏れ) and unusual noises.
フレーム (Frame) — Any structural concern here is serious. Look for clear (no marks) or very minor notation only.
走行距離 (Mileage) — Listed in kilometres. Note that odometers on some older bikes may have been reset. Treat unusually low mileage on a high-year bike with some scepticism.
タイヤ (Tyres) — A tyre condition circle shows remaining tread depth as a percentage. Less than 30% means immediate replacement on arrival.
Any C3 (large crack) or E3 (serious corrosion) mark on the frame, steering head, swingarm, or fork legs. These indicate structural compromise and should disqualify a bike from consideration regardless of price.
How AWA Helps You Read the Sheet
AWA translates every auction inspection sheet into English before any bid is placed. Our team highlights the most significant marks and provides a plain-English summary of any mechanical concerns noted by the inspector.
You never have to read Japanese or interpret complex codes alone — we do that for you.
Browse current auction listings with full translated inspection sheets at awa.auction/en.
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