If you’re buying a used motorcycle, you want to make sure that you’re getting a good deal and that the bike is in perfect condition. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is by learning how to check a motorcycle VIN using a reliable VIN check tool. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-digit code (or fewer digits in some motorcycles) assigned to every vehicle.
By running a motorcycle VIN check, you can learn more about the bike’s history, including any accidents or repairs it may have undergone. In this article, we’ll discuss how to carry out a motorcycle VIN check for free.
Why check a motorcycle’s VIN number?
Before we dive into how to check a motorcycle’s VIN number, let’s discuss why it’s important. When you’re buying a used motorcycle from a dealership, private seller, auction, or online marketplace, you need to know as much about its history as possible. The motorcycle’s VIN number can tell you a lot about the bike’s past, including whether it has been in any accidents, how many owners it has had, its market value, and whether it has any liens or loans attached to it.
By running a motorcycle VIN number check, it becomes easy to make an informed decision about whether the bike you’re interested in is worth buying. Some of the information that can be accessed with a motorcycle VIN check includes:
- Accident history
- Damage history
- Lien and loan records
- Theft records
- Service history
- Maintenance schedules
- Open recalls
- Title brand records
- Ownership records
- Market value
- Accurate odometer readings
- Vehicle specifications, and more
These are some of the details you can easily gain access to after a motorcycle VIN check. So, what is required to carry out a motorcycle VIN number check? All that is required to carry out this check is the VIN and a reliable motorcycle VIN lookup tool. Car users reading this article may already have an idea of where the VIN on a car can be found, but with motorcycles, you would have to check some different locations. Let’s focus on this in the next section.
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Where to Find the Motorcycle’s VIN Number
The motorcycle’s VIN number can usually be found on the frame, near the steering head. However, you must understand that, depending on the make and model of the bike, it may be located in a different spot. Here are some other places you can look:
- Engine block
- Front forks
- Side of the motorcycle’s cylinder block
- Inside the right side cover
Still can’t find it? If you’re having trouble finding the VIN number, your next step should be to consult the motorcycle’s owner’s manual, ask other motorcycle owners, or contact the manufacturer or dealership.
How to carry out a motorcycle VIN number check for free
A free motorcycle VIN number check can be carried out with a number of vehicle histories report providers, such as VINFreeCheck or VINCheck.info, but the details provided in a free VIN check would be less concise compared to a paid motorcycle VIN number check. To get a concise and detailed report for any motorcycle, we’d recommend using the VIN check tool provided by Instant VIN Reports.
Instant VIN Reports has over the years proven its reliability and accuracy in providing VIN data to consumers. Their reports are not free but are comprehensive and completely detailed. To carry out a motorcycle VIN number check with Instant VIN Reports, you would need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Find the VIN Number
The first step in checking a motorcycle’s VIN number is to locate it. As earlier mentioned, the VIN can usually be found on the motorcycle’s frame, near the steering head. It may also be stamped on the engine block or printed on the motorcycle’s registration or title documents. After finding the VIN, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Use our free motorcycle VIN Decoder
One free service that Instant VIN Reports provides to customers is a free motorcycle VIN decoder. With this decoder provided by Instant VIN Reports, you can gain better insight into a motorcycle’s specifications and equipment. The information you can access with this decoder includes:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Trim
- Engine
- Body type
- Technical specifications, and more
With information from a VIN decoder and a motorcycle VIN check, you can be sure of the motorcycle you are purchasing and its overall reliability.
Step 3: Run a motorcycle VIN Check with Instant VIN Reports
Once you have the motorcycle’s VIN number, you can run your VIN check online without needing to visit any office or stand in line to get the motorcycle’s information. To run the check, simply:
- Go to the Instant VIN Reports website
- Enter the 17-digit VIN number into the form provided. If your VIN is less than 17 characters, it only means that the motorcycle is a classic one
- Click “VIN Check.”
- The results will show you information about the bike’s history, including any accidents or repairs it may have undergone. You’ll also be able to see if the motorcycle has been reported stolen.
With the information in a vehicle history report, you can be certain that you’re making the right choice and buying the best motorcycle at the dealership.
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Have you checked the motorcycle’s title and registration documents?
If you have completed the VIN check process, ensure that before making that purchase, you get a mechanical inspection, take a test drive, and take a good look at the vehicle documents. Compare the information found on your vehicle history report with the vehicle’s papers, and if you notice any discrepancies, run away from that deal.
Conclusion
If you plan to buy a used motorcycle, be sure to check its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for accuracy. Running a motorcycle VIN check gives you valuable information about the bike’s history. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road. Remember, a little bit of research now can save you a lot of headaches later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test my secondhand bike?
When inspecting a bicycle, thoroughly examine the frame and fork for any bends, cracks (which can be extremely hazardous), dents, or rust. A useful way to assess the bike’s straightness is to try riding it without holding the handlebars, if you’re accustomed to doing so on your bike.
How to Check if a Vehicle Is Stolen?
You can check if your vehicle has ever been stolen by running a VIN check and getting the vehicle history report. In the report, you can find information about the vehicle, including accident record, lien/loan report, and theft records.
How to tell if a motorcycle has been in an accident?
You get the vehicle history report through a VIN or license plate lookup. You will receive a detailed vehicle history report that includes accident reports, lien and loan information, maintenance history, and more. So you can thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s hidden condition.
