A motorcycle is a valuable and often expensive investment. Unfortunately, motorcycles are also frequently stolen due to their portability and ease of resale. As a potential buyer of a used motorcycle, it’s essential to know how to check if a motorcycle is stolen. In this article, we will discuss in detail the steps you should take to ensure the motorcycle you are purchasing is not stolen.
Why should you check if a motorcycle is stolen before buying it?
Imagine buying your dream motorcycle, only to discover it’s stolen. You could face legal repercussions, including charges for theft and possession of stolen property. Stolen motorcycles often bear the scars of their illicit journeys, leaving you with a damaged or stripped-down vehicle that’s far from the bargain you thought you snagged. By taking the simple step of verifying the motorcycle’s ownership, you can shield yourself from legal troubles, financial losses, and potential safety hazards.
7 ways to check if a motorcycle is stolen
The first and most important step in checking if a motorcycle is stolen is to run a VIN check. A VIN check will provide valuable information about the motorcycle’s history, such as any recalls or theft reports associated with the VIN, previous owners, accident reports, and salvage titles.
There’re many online VIN checkers that can help you verify the authenticity of the motorcycle. Make sure to choose a reputable provider such as BeenVerified or Bumper. These sites compile data from various sources, including insurance companies, DMVs, and police reports, to provide detailed, accurate and up-to-date vehicle history reports.
1. Run a stolen motorcycle VIN check with BeenVerified
BeenVerified is a top-rated provider of vehicle history reports that enables you to obtain information about a vehicle by inputting its license plate or VIN. It sources its data from NMVTIS-approved providers, ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date information available. With a database of more than 150 million vehicles that is updated frequently, BeenVerified is an effective tool for anyone looking to learn more about a vehicle’s history.
- Go to the BeenVerified vehicle research page.
- Enter the VIN number (or the license plate number, if you don’t have the VIN) and click SEARCH.
- Wait a few seconds while BeenVerified searches through its database. Then it will generate a full report with all the available information about that particular motorcycle.
- Compare the information obtained from the VIN check to the information provided by the seller. If there are any discrepancies, it could be an indication that the motorcycle is stolen or has been tampered with.
2. Verify motorcycle ownership with Bumper
Bumper is a well-known NMVTIS data provider that offers a reliable and efficient vehicle lookup tool. With a Bumper report, you can access a comprehensive list of important vehicle events, including accidents, salvages, recalls, and thefts. By accessing this detailed report, you can get a clearer picture of the vehicle’s history and make a more informed decision
- Go to Bumper’s vehicle search page.
- Select a search type (by VIN or license plate) based on the information you have, enter the information required and click SEARCH.
- Wait for Bumper to scan its vast database. When your report shows up, click to unlock it to view more details.
3. Look up theft records with NICB
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) provides a free VIN lookup service that enables you to verify basic details such as theft and loss records. Their website allows up to 5 searches in a 24-hour period. Here’s how to use the website to run a VIN check:
- Go to NICB.
- Enter a VIN number, check the box next to I agree to the terms and conditions of use and complete the captcha. Then click Search VIN.
- If the VIN number is in the NICB database, you’ll see the available records of the vehicle.
Note that there’s a chance you won’t find any match at NICB even with the correct VIN number, as it may not have enough data to cover all the vehicles. Also, when it’s free, it means the information you get will be limited. If you need a comprehensive vehicle history report, consider obtaining a premium report from an NMVTIS-approved provider like BeenVerified instead.
4. Avoid stolen bikes by checking with CycleVIN
Here’s another invaluable tool in your anti-theft arsenal: CycleVIN. Most well-known providers for VIN checks are primarily focused on cars or trucks. CycleVIN, however, is all about motorcycles and powersports.
By using the standard 17-digit VIN, which is present on all vehicles manufactured or sold in the US since 1981, CycleVIN offers a reliable and cost-effective way to research the history of motorcycles. Whether you’re buying or selling a motorcycle, CycleVIN helps you steer clear of shady deals, title washing, re-branding, and stolen bikes (a major pain point in the motorcycle world).
5. Check online marketplaces
Check online marketplaces for similar motorcycles to see if the prices are similar. If the motorcycle is significantly cheaper than other similar motorcycles, it may be a red flag that it is stolen.
You can start by checking popular online marketplaces such as Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Look for motorcycles that are of the same make, model, year, and condition as the one you are interested in. Make note of their prices and compare them to the price of the motorcycle you are considering.
Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on a variety of factors such as location, condition, and mileage. Therefore, you should not solely rely on the price comparison method to determine if a motorcycle is stolen.
6. Ask for proof of ownership
When buying a used motorcycle, it’s essential to ask for the motorcycle’s title and registration papers. The title is a legal document that proves ownership, and the registration papers will show the current owner and any liens on the motorcycle.
Check the title and registration papers for any signs of tampering or inconsistencies, such as a different name or address than the seller’s. If you have any doubts, you can contact the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to verify the information.
You can also get a bill of sale to verify ownership. This document serves as a snapshot of the motorcycle transaction, recording crucial details like the make, model, year, VIN, and mileage when it switched hands. It also keeps tabs on the buyer and seller, noting their names, addresses, and signatures as proof of the deal.
Remember, the more documents you have, the better. A complete and consistent paper trail increases your confidence and helps protect you from buying a stolen bike. For example, you can also ask for maintenance records. Stolen bikes rarely get the TLC they deserve. Ask for service receipts: do they exist? Do they match the bike’s mileage and condition? Look for repair logs – major repairs or accidents could hint at a murky history.
7. Inspect the motorcycle thoroughly
Before making a purchase, check for any damage or signs of forced entry such as scratches, dents, or broken locks. Stolen motorcycles are often damaged during theft or may show signs of tampering with locks or ignition systems. If possible, hire an experienced mechanic to do the work.
If the seller is unwilling to allow an inspection, it could be a red flag that the motorcycle is stolen.
How to find the VIN of a motorcycle?
Different manufacturers may display the VIN of a motorcycle in different locations. Here are some ways to locate it:
- Look for the VIN on the frame near the steering head
- Check the engine (on the side of the engine casing or on the cylinder block)
- Look behind the headlight
- Check the front number plate
- Check the side of the tire
- Look on the registration papers
- Check the owner’s manual
It’s important to note that the VIN should be the same in all locations where it is listed. If the VIN is different on any of these locations, it could indicate that the motorcycle has been stolen or has had its parts replaced.
If you don’t have a VIN, just try researching the motorcycle by license plate:
License Plate Lookup
Research a Motorcycle by License Plate
8 common signs that a motorcycle might be stolen
- Suspiciously low price (significantly less than its market value)
- Unwillingness to answer your questions about the motorcycle’s history or origin
- Tampered VIN stamp or license plates
- Mismatch between the VIN on the motorcycle and the VIN on the registration and title documents.
- Lack of registration or title
- Incomplete or missing documentation of the motorcycle’s maintenance history, service records, or previous owners
- Signs of forced entry (ignition or other parts of the motorcycle)
- Signs that the bike has been reassembled or that it has parts from different models or manufacturers
Tips for avoiding buying a stolen motorcycle
Buy from a reputable dealer
Reputable dealers will not knowingly sell stolen motorcycles. If you are buying from a private seller, be sure to get a bill of sale and to check the motorcycle’s VIN and registration.
Never buy a motorcycle without a title
A title is a legal document that proves ownership of the motorcycle. If you buy a motorcycle without a title, you may not be able to register it in your name, and you may have difficulty selling it in the future.
Have the motorcycle inspected by a mechanic
A mechanic can check the motorcycle for signs of tampering and can also verify that the motorcycle is in good working condition.