How do I check if a motorcycle for sale is stolen?

Buying used is a great way to get more bike for your money — as long as you don't accidentally buy someone else's stolen ride. A few checks filter out most bad deals:

• Run the VIN. The NICB's free VINCheck tool tells you if a bike has been reported stolen or salvaged. A paid history report adds title and registration records.
• Inspect the VIN plate on the steering neck. Scratches, mismatched rivets, repainting around it, or numbers that don't match the title are serious red flags.
• Match the title to the seller. The name on the title should match the seller's ID. "I'm selling it for a friend" with no paperwork is a walk-away.
• Look at the ignition and locks. Damaged ignition, missing keys, or a bike that starts without a proper key suggests it was taken, not bought.

Also trust the price test: a bike listed far below market value, with a seller pushing for fast cash and refusing to meet at their home, fits the stolen-bike pattern. If anything feels off, walk away — buying a stolen motorcycle can mean losing both the bike and your money when it's recovered.

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