I'm going to buy a HD this weekend from someone I do not know. To protect myself, I'd like to do research to ensure this bike isn't stolen. And, it would be nice to know if there are any other surprises I wouldn't expect. (eg. salvage, wrecked etc..)

I went to Carfax.com. It looks to be only for cars.

Does anyone have any good sources to do research like this?

Thanks in advance,
KRUZ N

 

Get a LEO to run the vin or the plate. Wouldn't take but a call to find out.

 

I plan on asking a local to do this tonight. I wasn't sure how complete the list he could check would be.

 

Make sure the person has a title . Make sure the VIN number is the same on the title and frame . Check the persons license to make sure they are the person on the title . Call the local police dept with the VIN and let them run it . Do not call 911 call info for the local number .

 

Good stuff.
Thanks!

 

Call the non emergency number for the police station near you. Let them know that your looking to purchase a motorcycle and you want to verify that it isn't stolen. The will run the number and let you know. If they put you on hold for a long time RUN!!!!!!!!!
Just kidding. But they will usually do that for you.

 

And if the person has any problem at all showing you his license or letting you check everything out then walk away . You have the money you are the boss

 

Failing that, you'll know the second you try to register it.

You should be able to tell if it had been wrecked by the title itself. Unless the guy wrecked it and did all repairs himself to a professional degree so that it was completely unnoticable. Unlikely.

MOst stolen bikes are immediately stripped for parts, it would generally be foolish to sell a stolen whole bike, so I wouldn't really worry. Unless the guy will only meet you in some dark alley to make the deal, promises to send you the title later, and gives you fake information, again unlikely. Just make sure the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the bike.

 

But as was written in Under and Alone, sometimes they will just buy a new frame and cases and swap everything else over. Probably not something your going to see, but when I buy anything from a private individual I cover all bases. If you see old parts on a new titled frame ask a lot of questions before parting with the cash or have him go to the DMV with you and complete the transaction there.

 

My big concern as well on used bikes from someone you don't know, what about new spedometer's I see on here all the time that if you get a new one you can go to the dealer and have them set the correct miles. That sounds like a great way to rollback miles if you can plug in a new spedo and go from 15000 miles to 1500 not that anyone would ever do such a thing. And from what I see on here there is no way to tell except for condition. Good luck Tom