I'm interested in a used bike from a private owner. I asked him if I could copy the VIN number down and he said OK but then he told me that he was pissed by the implication I was making. I asked because someone told me there is a place on the net where you can run the number to get a history. I have the number. Anyone know a FREE place to check history for CA bikes? TIA

 

Actually, I'm a little surprised that the seller was so bent outta shape? Seems like a reasonable enough request. Ask him what dealer his bike is serviced at, and run the vin through them for service history. If he claims to do his own service, ask to see the records, which should be going with the bike anyways. If he gets pissy about that, move on, you don't want the bike.

 

What you might do is copy the VIN from the TITLE. That way you know if they have the title and when they registered the bike. If anyone puts up a fuss about this then you should stat asking even more questions.

 

Dont back down on this issue! there is a vin on the frame & there are numbers on the power plant that should match it unless it's been re built. a person who isnt careful could buy a bike with a lien on it or one that has been written off!
This guy already sounds wierd so make sure you check the history, especially for liens!

 

To my knowledge there is no database for this. The dealers networks aren't even connected to each other. If you go to one dealer and ask them to check when your last service was at another dealer they can't do it. The only dealer networks that are connected are those that are owned by the same owner. As far as the data base goes, the only way it can be established, is if all dealers subscribe to the service and input the data into the main computer. Since all dealers are privately owned, their records belong to them.
If you want info on a specific bike you will need to find out where it was serviced and visit that dealership.

 

From what I can gather from the web... Carfax has some scoot VINs, but not mine for sure... Other than that I have been reading about checking with DMVs, cop shop, and local dealers...

Sorry dude, but with his attitude I would move on unless you are getting a killer dealer. I'm talking like salvage prices. One of the guys I used to work with bought a EG Classic at salvage prices. a few scratches and the engine guard mount was bent slightly. Replace the frame and a a new paint job he was still well under the BB value.

 

I would be a bit suspicious if someone got mad about asking for VIN.

 

Check with DMV. I bought a FXR frame once and before I bought it I got the vin # and went to the DVM enforcment office and had them run it. They were more then happy to do it for me.

 

If someone has a problem with you checking on the VIN. There is most likely a problem.
MikeM

 

BCane you had me going with the bug on my screen. That is sure anoying.