Check a motorcycle’s history before you pay for it
Bikes change hands in parking lots and with cash. Run the VIN first and see whether the title is clean and whether anyone else has a claim on it.
What a motorcycle report looks for
Title brands
Salvage, rebuilt and similar brands recorded against the VIN.
Theft records
Whether the bike has been reported stolen and not recovered.
Lien and loan records
Whether a lender still holds a claim on the bike.
Odometer readings
Mileage recorded across title and service events.
Open recalls
Safety recalls that apply to this make, model and year.
Not sure how to read the result? See a sample report.
Questions about motorcycle reports
Where do I find a motorcycle’s VIN?
Look on the steering neck at the front of the frame. Some bikes also have it stamped on the engine case. Check that the numbers match the title.
What if the VIN on the bike does not match the title?
Walk away until the seller explains it in writing. A mismatch can mean a swapped frame, a clerical error, or a stolen bike.
Is a history report the same as an inspection?
No. A history report shows what official and commercial records say about a vehicle. It cannot tell you the vehicle’s condition today. Before you pay, have a mechanic look at it in person.