Motorcycle VIN Check and Lookup

If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, you know how important it is to find the perfect ride. One way is to get the facts from the seller. But not everyone is forthcoming with the critical details about the bike's history that can allow you to make an informed decision.

It’s difficult for all the information to trickle down from the original owner. Then comes the challenge of dealing with dishonest sellers looking to get rid of the bike after it has been stolen, involved in accidents or crimes. Luckily, you have the best tool in your arsenal as a buyer, and that’s our motorcycle VIN check tool!

What is a Motorcycle VIN Check?

You check motorcycle VIN to find out the history of a motorcycle based on its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a unique 17-digit code that identifies each motorcycle. Looking up the VIN can tell you things like:

• Year, make, model, and original motorcycle shade.
• Number of previous owners and how long they owned it.
• Reported mileage and maintenance records.
• Accident and damage history.
• Title and registration status.
• Theft and recovery incidents.
• Past recalls.

Note that by itself, the VIN number is static and doesn’t change throughout the motorcycle’s history. The reason you can obtain information about past accidents or theft records is that it’s used by DMVs, repair facilities, and law enforcement agencies to track all incidents associated with the motorcycle throughout its history, even across borders.

Why is a Check Important?

Knowing the full history and specifications of a motorcycle by ordering a bike VIN check can help you protect your investment and enjoy your motorcycle for many years to come. You get peace of mind knowing that you are buying a reliable and trustworthy unit that has no hidden problems or risks.

Here are some audits conducted when you check motorcycle VIN and their importance:

Specification

Unlike cars, motorcycles may not have easily visible indicators of their brand, model, or engine capacity. Sometimes, only avid enthusiasts can tell the difference between various models and years.

The VIN provides a way for anyone despite their knowledge of motorcycles to find out the exact specifications of the model. Just run the VIN through the bike serial number checker to learn about the manufacturer’s specs, which can aid in determining if it has been modified in any way or if the identifier belongs to the unit.

Title Check

The serial number bike check can reveal the status of the title from DMV entries. You can determine if you’re buying a motorcycle with a clean or branded title.

Titles branded as salvage or rebuilt indicate that the unit was heavily damaged in the past. The title may be branded as recovered signaling that it was recovered after theft. The branded status generally increases the insurance premiums and can make units difficult to resell.

Stolen Check

Our VIN number lookup tool can help you avoid buying a stolen motorcycle, which can attract potential legal trouble and financial losses.

That said, some sellers may try to hide the fact that the motorcycle has been reported stolen by changing the VIN. So, be on guard for any inconsistencies in the bike’s specifications and title documents.

Odometer Records

Before selling the bike, some sellers may tamper with the odometer or falsify the service records to make the motorcycle appear more valuable than it is. A bike VIN lookup will contain past reported odometer readings. While it may not show the current mileage, you can use past readings along with the anticipated usage to determine if the mileage reading is consistent.

DMV VIN Check

With our motorcycle VIN report, you can obtain records from all DMV jurisdictions where the motorcycle was registered. These records are crucial because they can show you the status of the unit’s title, such as clean, salvage, rebuilt, etc. You can also see any accident records, reported mileages, outstanding liens, and specifications.

As the information comes from multiple DMV records, you can better avoid incidences of title-washing, where motorcycles are registered in different jurisdictions to ‘wash’ their previous title status.

Motorcycle Value by VIN

A motorcycle VIN search can reveal detailed information about the features, specifications, model and year. This info serves as a starting point for additional research into what similar models are currently selling for. You can also better compare different motorcycles under consideration to find the one that suits your needs and budget.

Where Is the VIN on a Motorcycle?

A method that always works when trying to find the position of the VIN is to check the motorcycle's manual. In the preface, you may find a diagram with the location of the VIN.

If you don’t have the paper manual, just search for PDF versions online. Another trick is to carry out searches on related forums.

We’ve done most of this work for you, and here are known locations for VINs for popular brands:

Honda

The VIN location for Honda motorcycles varies depending on the model and year. However, a common place to look for it is on the steering head, which is the metal frame that connects the front fork to the rest of the bike. Turn the handlebars to the left and look at the right side of the steering head.

Ducati

Ducati motorcycles have two identification numbers: one for the engine and one for the frame.

You’ll find the stamped VIN on the right side of the steering head that connects the steering head to the front fork. The engine number is located on the left side of the engine, just below the rear carburetor.

Yamaha

If you need to locate the VIN number on your Yamaha motorcycle, you can check the following places:

• On the head tube that connects to the front forks. It should be stamped on the left side.
• On the steering head that holds the steering stem and bearings. Check on the left side of the steering head, but some models may have the number on the right side.
• On the engine housing underneath the radiator, or behind the attachment for the left shock. On some models, the engine number may match the VIN number on the frame when the bike is new and will differ when the engine has been replaced or modified.

Suzuki

To locate the VIN number on your Suzuki motorcycle, you can check one of the following places:

• The cycle’s frame, where it is stamped directly on the metal. Check the right side of the steering head.
• One the VIN decal or identification plate, which is attached to the cycle’s frame. It may be in the same location as the stamped VIN number or a different spot.
• A plate riveted to the neck of the cycle, which also displays the VIN number. Turn the handlebars to the left or right to make it visible.

Kawasaki

On Kawasaki motorcycles, the VIN can be found in different locations depending on the model and year. Here are some possible placements on Kawasaki motorcycles:

• On the frame neck or steering header from the right side. It’s the most common location for most Kawasaki models.
• On a metal plate attached to the frame near the front fork or on the side of the frame for older models or custom bikes.
• On an engraved sticker or label on the frame or under the seat for newer models of bikes with special features.

BMW

Here are some possible placements for the VIN number on BMW motorcycles:

• On the steering head bearing/front forks. It’s where the handlebars connect to the frame of the bike. You may need to turn the handlebars to see the VIN clearly.
• On a metal plate attached to the frame near the engine. The plate may also have other information such as the engine number and the production date.
• On a sticker on the rear wheel swingarm. It’s the part that connects the rear wheel to the frame and allows it to move up and down. The sticker may be on either side of the swing arm or the bottom.

Triumph

You can find the VIN on the chassis plate of your bike, located in the headstock area where the front fork and handlebar attach to the frame. You may need to remove some parts or use a flashlight to see the VIN.

KTM

The location of the VIN on the KTM motorcycle varies depending on the model and year. However, some common places to find it are:

• On the steering head tube behind the front number plate.
• Right side of the frame, near the foot peg or brake pedal.
• On a metal plate attached to the frame, under the seat, or near the fuel tank.

Indian Motorcycle

The VIN on most Indian motorcycles is located on the left side of the frame, near the steering head. You can also find the VIN on a sticker on the right side of the engine case, below the oil filter.

Harley-Davidson

The VIN can be found on different parts of the HD motorcycle depending on the model and year. Some common locations are:

• On a metal plate attached to the frame near the steering head;
• On the engine case on the right side;
• Left side of the frame near the rear wheel;

How Can I Check a Motorcycle VIN for Free?

To compare different units, you can start with a free Motorcycle VIN check report that shows some basic facts. However, if you want to know the complete history of the motorcycle, it is recommended that you get a full paid report that reveals all the important details from its past.

Dirt Bike VIN Check

While dirt bikes are motorcycles designed for off-road use, they also have a 17-digit identification number like other motorcycles. The VIN number can be used to perform a VIN check, allowing you to obtain a specification and full history report that contains information from various vehicle databases. For instance, the dirt bike VIN lookup can allow you to verify the bike's ownership, mileage, accident history, and other important details that will make your purchase safer.

How to Do a Check?

Our VIN check tool is responsive and fully updated with the latest database entries. You don’t need any special automotive knowledge to use it. Simply complete your search in four simple steps and obtain a full history report from the motorcycle VIN lookup tool:

1. Click on the link and find the VIN search bar at the top of the page.
2. Enter the VIN of the motorcycle you are interested in the search field.
3. Press the "Check VIN" button.
4. A detailed report of the motorcycle’s specifications will appear on your screen in an instant.

Note that this is the preliminary free report from the VIN information. The screen will display categories of paid information that will be available if you decide to order the full report. You can choose from several payment packages and receive the entire record going back to the first moment the motorcycle was registered.

Never in history has it been so fast and easy to obtain such information. It’s like using a time machine that reveals hidden details about past accidents, damages, repossessions, loans/liens, reported odometer readings, and more. What’s more, the data comes from trusted and official sources.

Conclusion

Buying a motorcycle can be risky if you don't know its history and specifications. You might end up with a stolen, heavily modified, or damaged bike that could cost you more in the long run.

To avoid this, you should always request a thorough check on the bike from a motorcycle VIN lookup service before you buy it. This will help you verify its authenticity, condition, and value.

So, don't miss this opportunity to get a complete motorcycle VIN number lookup from us. FAXVIN has through the years saved buyers from serious issues, ensuring that they always end up with the best value for their money.