Checking if a bike is stolen by its frame number
 

Hello

I'm wondering if there is a service out there which allows you to check if a motorcycle is stolen by its VIN/frame number?

Anyone suggest any?

I'm going to look at a dr350 tomorrow with no v5 but frame number in tact, I don't want to buy it and work on it then find out its stolen when coming to registering it.....


Look forward to you replies

You'll also want the engine number.

Doesn't HPI work for bikes ???

I will also get the engine number up as well.

Doesn't hpi require number plate?

It may have a number plate, just no paperwork. HPI and others do cross check the Vin with the number. so maybe they can cross check back wards.

maybe even the dvla can help?

The only logical explanation for a British vehicle not having a v5 is that it's stolen. If the "owner" has "lost" it, said "owner" can easily acquire another legitimate one.

For any UK vehicle you buy, insist on the v5. With the v5 registered to the seller's name and address. No correct v5 no buy, unless you're into buying stolen goods. Even if it has a v5, I would always run a HPI check too.

For modern bikes this is good advice, but several friends have bought old bikes with no papers, Usual thing is when the children empty out deceased grandfathers shed/garage they find an old bike sometimes complete sometimes not. Using the frame/engine numbers it is usually possible to re register the bike with an age related plate. Of course if the number plate still exists even if dvla have no record of the bike it is easier. Most marques of bikes have a register, Old Meriden triumphs are all listed in the company's records which are now owned by the triumph owners club. TOMC, so original owner and registration number can easily be found from those records.

It so happens my old Triumph which I bought new in 1961 and traded it in 1965 had disappeared and I could not trace it. I thought it had been scrapped. but apparently someone bought it in a bad state back in 1973 and has only now had time to restore and register it with DVLA as they also had no record of it. It did still have its number plate, and was only by accident I found it again after all these years.