Like buying a new car, buying a new motorcycle can be very costly. Buying a used or second-hand motorcycle may be a better option if you don't have the money or have bad credit. Beginners seeking entry-level motorcycles before moving up to the big league might also like to consider buying a used bike.
A secondhand motorcycle can be purchased in the same manner that a used car can. However, similar to purchasing a used car, there are a few things you should know before making a purchase.
It can be intimidating, especially if you plan on purchasing a motorcycle from a private seller. Some folks are out to defraud you. This guide will walk you through the buying process and help you avoid any potential disappointments when purchasing a secondhand motorcycle from a private seller.
To avoid unpleasant surprises when buying a motorcycle, you can check the VIN and find out the history of the vehicle. We're going to show you how you can get a free VIN check.
Motorcycles sold in the United States have had 17-character VIN codes since the 1980s. These are made up of a unique combination of letters and numbers. The code is used to identify both the manufacturer and the individual bike. The motorcycle VIN decoder is used to determine the meaning and significance of each character. The code can be found on the vehicle's frame, although its exact location varies depending on the make and model of the motorcycle you're looking at.
The first step to getting a free DMV VIN check for a motorcycle is to locate the VIN. VIN stands for 'vehicle identification number,' in case you didn't know. It's like a serial number or a social security number for a vehicle, with each one being unique.
The information below will help you better understand each group of VIN characters.
1st Character
A VIN's first character identifies the motorcycle's manufacturing region. An A denotes that your motorcycle was manufactured in North America, whereas J, K, L, M, N, P, or R indicates that it was manufactured in Asia.
2nd Character
The second character, when coupled with the first, indicates the country in which the motorcycle was built. A BMW motorcycle built in Mexico or a Japanese ATV made in Canada is not uncommon.
3rd Character
Manufacturers of power sports vehicles utilize the third character to identify the vehicle type. For example, it could indicate a motorcycle, ATV, or scooter. Manufacturers don’t all use the same codes.
Characters 4-9
These characters make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section. Characters 4 through 8 contain details about the model, engine size, and body style options available. Manufacturers don’t all use the same codes. Character 9 is a check digit that determines whether or not the VIN is correct. Through the use of a Weight Factor Table, it is determined from the whole VIN.
Characters 10-17
These characters make up the Vehicle Identifier Section. The tenth character denotes the vehicle's marketing model year, which is not to be confused with its production year. As it rolled off the manufacturing line, characters 11 through 17 identify the assembly facility, available options, and the production number.
Where the VIN is located varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Most motorcycles have their VIN either near the base of the steering column or towards the bottom of the cylinders.
Once you've located the motorcycle's VIN, there are all kinds of things you can do with it. First of all, there are a number of official sites where you can check if a vehicle's been stolen and never recovered. The NICB VIN Check is one such example.
The NICB website will only tell you if a motorcycle's been stolen or not, however, and there are other things you can do with a VIN that are just as important, if not more so.
A VIN can give you a detailed report of a motorcycle's history of repairs. It can also give you a complete record of each of its owners. It can even give you a record of a motorcycle's odometer history so you can make sure it hasn't been rolled back and its mileage is correct. The consumer can also find out the data about open recalls.
If you can't get your hands on the motorcycle's VIN, don't worry, it's not the end of the world. Many places that do a motorcycle history check for free let you look up a motorcycle's history report with its license plate as well. A license plate number isn't nearly as dependable or as thorough as a vehicle identification number, however. You should really try and obtain the VIN if it's in any way possible.
If for some reason you're not able to locate the etched plate where the VIN is usually located, there are other ways you can find the VIN to do a free bike check online. You can check the paperwork if you have access to it. The VIN can be found by the vehicle titling, it can also be found on the vehicle registration.
Performing a free VIN check puts your mind at ease. It lets you know that the bike you're thinking about buying is legit. That way you can simply relax and enjoy the ride!
When it comes time to see the motorcycle in person, make a note of everything we've discussed so far and be prepared to ask a lot of questions. Take your test ride, keep an eye out for anything interesting and when the time comes, make a reasonable offer. Enjoy your new purchase and make sure you get it home securely so you can start packing for your first trip.
