How to avoid stolen bikes?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 40
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From: Ontario
How to avoid stolen bikes when looking for projects?
Hey guys, a thought occurred to me the other night. When people are looking for projects they can get bikes in various states of build and was wondering what a person needs to know to avoid getting burned with hot merchandise.
I am a little fuzzy on Vins and what # you need to have where and makes sure what matches what?
I am looking for information but figured you guys that have built a few bikes would know exactly what we need to know.
Thanx guys.
I am a little fuzzy on Vins and what # you need to have where and makes sure what matches what?
I am looking for information but figured you guys that have built a few bikes would know exactly what we need to know.
Thanx guys.
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 72
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From: Paris, KY
I don't know about Canada but in Michigan, I went to the DMV and filled out a piece of paper, paid $4 and in a couple of hours, they handed me a title. (Slightly more involved than that but not much.) I never took the bike with me as that would give me time to 'strip all my parts off the frame I bought' in case it was stolen. In Kentucky I'm told that I just have to run an ad in the local paper for two weeks. If after two weeks I get no response, I send proof of the ad in a letter to the state capitol and it is mine. (haven't tried that one yet)
The only numbers I know of are the frame and engine, I would talk to the police or title agency and see what they require. I would explain that you are looking and have some concerns about buying stolen merch. See if they will run number for you. It is in their best interest. They get to charge you for the search and then for the title, tax and registration later.
The only numbers I know of are the frame and engine, I would talk to the police or title agency and see what they require. I would explain that you are looking and have some concerns about buying stolen merch. See if they will run number for you. It is in their best interest. They get to charge you for the search and then for the title, tax and registration later.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 40
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From: Ontario
I was curious because I know it sometimes happens that people have project bikes or basket cases without titles and I just want to make sure I won't get burned.
I know you can get a new title for a bike if it is just lost but it is hard to know for sure if the bike is being sold by the real owner. Perhaps I can suggest I will buy it if the title clears and have the VIN searched at the DMV.
I was just looking for some pointers from riders from Canada that have been in this situation.
I know you can get a new title for a bike if it is just lost but it is hard to know for sure if the bike is being sold by the real owner. Perhaps I can suggest I will buy it if the title clears and have the VIN searched at the DMV.
I was just looking for some pointers from riders from Canada that have been in this situation.
Last edited by Robicycle; May 15, 2012 at 04:02 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 799
Likes: 2
From: WyoBraska (Western Nebraska)
Check out this link: I used them on a bike purchase. Well worth the $25.00.
http://www.cyclevin.com/
Also, https://www.cyclechex.com
I know they check all the US insurance agencies & stolen report data: not sure about up north.
http://www.cyclevin.com/
Also, https://www.cyclechex.com
I know they check all the US insurance agencies & stolen report data: not sure about up north.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Paris, KY
I was curious because I know it sometimes happens that people have project bikes or basket cases without titles and I just want to make sure I won't get burned.
I know you can get a new title for a bike if it is just lost but it is hard to know for sure if the bike is being sold by the real owner. Perhaps I can suggest I will buy it if the title clears and have the VIN searched at the DMV.
I was just looking for some pointers from riders from Canada that have been in this situation.
I know you can get a new title for a bike if it is just lost but it is hard to know for sure if the bike is being sold by the real owner. Perhaps I can suggest I will buy it if the title clears and have the VIN searched at the DMV.
I was just looking for some pointers from riders from Canada that have been in this situation.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
I think I will talk with the agencies around here and see what they have to say abotu the situation as you said I would think it comes up from time to time especially when you are dealing with bikes that haven't seen the road in years.
I don't want to get ripped and I don't want to be a part of anything that has to do with taking another persons bike...man that has to suck! Bad Karma.
I don't want to get ripped and I don't want to be a part of anything that has to do with taking another persons bike...man that has to suck! Bad Karma.
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