Where to find a motorbike’s VIN
Most motorbikes have the 17-character VIN stamped into the frame at the steering head, just behind the handlebars. Turn the bars fully to one side to see it. There’s often a matching compliance or VIN plate on the frame too, and the VIN appears on the registration papers. Check they all match.
The engine has its own number, stamped on the crankcase. It isn’t the VIN, but it should match the engine number on the paperwork.
Why check a used motorbike?
- Theft risk. Bikes can be loaded into a van in seconds. Stolen bikes are sometimes sold with swapped plates or altered paperwork.
- Finance. Many bikes are bought on finance. If the loan hasn’t been paid out, the lender may be able to repossess it from you.
- Crash history. A dropped or crashed bike may have been written off by an insurer and rebuilt.
Inspecting a used bike
- Look for a straight frame, and check forks, bars and footpegs for crash damage or scrapes.
- Check the chain, sprockets, tyres and brakes, and ask when they were last replaced.
- Start it from cold and listen for rattles or smoke.
- Make sure the seller’s ID matches the registration papers.
More tips in our used vehicle buying checklist.