How to tell if a motorcycle is stolen ?

Before you sign, make sure you know how to tell if a motorcycle is stolen—and equally, how to tell if a dirt bike is stolen. Possessing stolen property can trigger state felonies and federal charges under the Dyer Act.

1 | Gather the paperwork

• Title (Certificate of Ownership) – it must be in the seller’s name, free of salvage or lien notations.
• Service records – cross-check dates and mileages with state inspection receipts where applicable.

2 | Locate and decode the VIN

The 17-digit VIN is usually stamped on the steering head. Compare it digit-for-digit with the title. Use a flashlight to spot grinding marks.

3 | Run VIN searches

• NICB VinCheck – free tool that flags open theft or salvage records (max 5 look-ups per day).
• NMVTIS-approved reports (e.g., CarVertical, ClearVin): show title brands, odometer rollbacks and theft data from insurance & DMV feeds. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• State DMV – many states provide online lien and theft checks for a small fee.

4 | Call law enforcement if unsure

Provide the VIN to the local police; they can query national and state databases for active theft reports.

5 | Inspect the bike

• Altered VIN pad or mismatched engine/frame numbers.
• Unexplained repaint on frame.
• After-market ignition or missing steering-lock hardware.

6 | Dirt-bike specifics

Off-road machines still carry a VIN and Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO). No VIN or MSO? Back away.

7 | Tech tip: hidden trackers

Consider adding a discreet GPS tag (e.g., AirTag, Monimoto) after purchase—quick recovery boosts the odds of getting your bike back.

Rapid-fire checklist

1. Clear, matching VIN on frame and title.
2. NICB VinCheck = “no record”.
3. NMVTIS / paid report clean.
4. No salvage or lien brands unless disclosed.
5. Seller ID and bill of sale match the title.

Spend a few minutes on these checks and save years of legal headaches.