VIN Number Question

As far as I know, every frame made as its own number assigned to it.

In every case of frame replacement I have dealt with (as parts manager of a Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, BRP, Kawasaki, Suzuki dealership), we had to fill out a form from the OEM documenting the transaction BEFORE the fram was even released for shipping. Some (like Honda) also followed this for engine cases too.

The reason (I was told by the reps) was to record the change on that particular unit from old to new number. Now, that does not mean local or state records were also changed. My advice would be to also run that serial number through the OEM records (any franchise dealer can do that for you) and request a "unit service history". And if it hasn't been done already, make sure the OEM mfg has the stolen bike vin listed in their records AS stolen.

You guys AMA members? They also maintain a stolen bike database.

Oh yea, the "selling" persons vin can be verified as a "correct" vin by the dealer OEM system. It's not unusual for a "irregular" seller to just change one digit (a 7 for a 1 is common) and avoid a "hit" as a stolen vin. If you really suspect trickery, DO talk to a local (for the seller) PD and explain the situation. In the cases I'm familier with they will pay a friendly visit to the seller and confirm the vin - without pointing fingers of course.

I believe that new frames also do not have a factory looking vin number because they come to the dealership with no numbers

is this correct motobill, I know ive had to order cases from Honda because of broken chains and had to do the paperwork, and the cases come with no numbers

Honda uses the same form for both frames and the case half with the serial number. I think you are right on the case halves (forgive my rusty memory on the cases) being blank. As I recal (again - it's been a few years since the last replacement frame I dealt with) there was an "X" somewhere in the replacement frame number that designated it as a replacement.

REALITY CHECK: Nobody is going to replace a frame on a stolen bike. Off-road bikes sometimes are sold complete but usually they get parted out and sold on ebay in pieces. Only an idiot would try to sell a hot bike complete on the internet. But, there is never a shortage of idiots now is there?

TRUE STORY: Few years back a guy had a shed near the back of his yard kinda close to the snowmobile trail. Oneday he discovered someone had stolen his LT500r (Suzuki 500cc 2-stroke "Quadzilla" sport quad) by breaking in and escaping down the snowmobile trail. Cops had no luck finding out anything.

Following summer he is at a race about 20 miles away and while BSing in the pits notices a quad just like his. He and his buddies stroll on over and.........yup! The idiot not only was racing it in the same area where he stole it but DID NOT change the plastic - just peeled off most (not all) of the stickers. The cops got him before he was able to escape - and fortunately before the "buddies" found him.

Idiots.

engine VIN numbers will split the "real" gurs from the backyard thieves. it may take some work, but i have recenetly been through this. Nothing beats this shit like insurance. NOTHING.


lesson learned.

If you don't have you engine #, contact Kawasaki or the original selling dealer - either one should have it. Like Pitbike said - the "real" crooks would have covered that but this bunch sounds a bit less skilled than that. If your cops are on the ball - they'll figure it out right.