Verify that a motorcycle is not stolen or financed before buying

Buying a used motorcycle without checking its administrative history is like playing a lottery: a stolen motorcycle can be seized, a motorcycle with a lien cannot be sold freely. These checks take just a few minutes and prevent disaster. Here's how to proceed.

The VIN, the motorcycle's identification number

The frame number (VIN) is stamped on the frame and noted on the documents. The checks to make:

• It must be present, readable and unaltered (no signs of grinding, re-stamping, or suspicious riveted plate).
• It must match exactly the one on the registration document and documents.
• An inconsistency or altered VIN = you walk away.

Make all documents match

Verify that registration document, seller's identity and VIN agree. The seller must be the registered owner (or provide proof of power of attorney). Be wary of a registration document struck through at an inconsistent date, a seller who is not the owner, or documents "being redone".

The lien and claims

A motorcycle can be financed (it serves as collateral for a loan) or subject to a claim. In this case, the sale is blocked. Depending on the country, a recent clear-title certificate (evidence of no lien), provided by the seller, attests that the motorcycle is free. Demand it and check its date.

Cross-check with the ground

• Condition consistent with the mileage and year (see detecting odometer fraud).
• Maintenance history in the seller's name.
• An abnormally low price is often a sign of a problem — see buying scams.

In case of doubt

If the VIN is questionable, if the documents don't match, or if the seller avoids these checks: you don't buy. No good deal is worth the risk of having the motorcycle seized. Continue with the complete checklist what to check on a used motorcycle.

Describe the situation to the mechanical AI: it reminds you of the points to check before paying.