How to tell if a motorcycle is stolen? | Sixten

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
- Clear, matching VIN on frame and title.
- NICB VinCheck = “no record”.
- NMVTIS / paid report clean.
- No salvage or lien brands unless disclosed.
- Seller ID and bill of sale match the title.
Spend a few minutes on these checks and save years of legal headaches.