Carfax for Motorcycles | How to Check Motorcycle History by VIN

Should You Get a Carfax Report for a Motorcycle?

When buying a used motorcycle, knowing its full history is critical.

Carfax is a well-known provider of vehicle history reports — mainly covering cars and light trucks manufactured after 1981, including brands like Ford, Toyota, Honda, BMW, and Audi.

Carfax helps buyers make smarter, safer used vehicle purchases by revealing accidents, title issues, service history, and more.

But when it comes to motorcycles, the situation is slightly different — and it’s important to understand your options before buying.

View a Sample Motorcycle Report →

Can You Get a Carfax Report for Motorcycles?

Carfax primarily specializes in used cars and trucks.

While some limited motorcycle history reports may be available, they are often incomplete compared to car reports. That’s because:

Motorcycles are titled and registered differently than cars in many states.
Some motorcycles may not have full title or accident documentation.
Motorcycle VIN data varies by state DMV and private insurers.

If you need a detailed motorcycle history report, Carfax may not always have complete records — but there are strong alternatives available.

Why Check a Motorcycle’s History Before Buying?

Running a motorcycle VIN check can protect you from hidden risks like:

✅ Accidents and Repairs:
Find out if the bike was ever involved in major collisions or repairs affecting safety or value.

✅ Title Status:
Verify if the motorcycle has a clean title, salvage title, rebuilt title, or other branding.

✅ Theft and Ownership Issues:
Confirm that the bike isn’t stolen and that the seller has clear ownership.

✅ Odometer Readings:
Spot any mileage discrepancies that could affect value, reliability, and resale potential.

✅ Safety Recalls:
Ensure the bike doesn’t have unresolved manufacturer recalls.

Knowing the full history gives you negotiating power — and peace of mind before you finalize the deal.

Alternatives to Carfax for Motorcycles

If Carfax isn’t a perfect fit for motorcycles, consider these options:

VinAudit.com

✔️ Official NMVTIS Provider

✔️ Covers motorcycles built after 1981

✔️ Checks title history, registration, odometer records, accidents, salvage, and lien status

✔️ Instant online reports starting at $9.99 — far more affordable than traditional Carfax pricing.

Run a Motorcycle VIN Check Now →

NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau)

✔️ Offers a free basic motorcycle VIN check

✔️ Useful for checking if a bike has been reported stolen or declared salvage

✔️ Limited detail — doesn’t provide full accident, registration, or mileage history.

VinCheck.info

✔️ Offers free and low-cost vehicle reports

✔️ Includes motorcycles

✔️ May have variable data accuracy compared to NMVTIS-approved providers like VinAudit.

How to Run a Motorcycle Vehicle History Report

These sources can provide valuable information to buyers:

Getting a full history report is easy:

Locate the Motorcycle’s VIN:
Find the 17-digit VIN stamped on the steering neck, engine block, frame tube, registration, or title.
Enter the VIN:
Use VinAudit.com’s VIN search tool to start a report.

Where to Find VIN →

Select Your Package:
Single reports start at $9.99, or choose multi-report bundles for better savings if comparing multiple bikes.
Review the Report:
Get instant access to registration history, title records, accident history, odometer readings, and more.

Where to Find a Motorcycle’s VIN Number

A motorcycle’s VIN is crucial for any vehicle history check.
Common locations include:

Steering neck (metal plate or stamped into the frame)
Engine block (front side)
Frame tube near the engine
Title, registration, or insurance documents
Ask the seller for the VIN if not visible

If in doubt, check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.

FAQs for Carfax for Motorcycles

Can you get a Carfax report for a motorcycle?

Carfax primarily provides reports for cars and trucks, but some limited motorcycle reports may be available. However, motorcycle data coverage varies, and reports may not be as comprehensive. VinAudit.com offers an affordable and NMVTIS-backed alternative for checking motorcycle history by VIN.

How can I check a motorcycle’s history using the VIN?

You can check a motorcycle’s history by running its 17-digit VIN through a trusted provider like VinAudit.com. A full report reveals title history, accidents, salvage records, odometer readings, and theft checks to ensure you’re making a safe purchase.

Where can I find the VIN number on a motorcycle?

The motorcycle VIN is usually located on the steering neck, the engine block, or the main frame near the engine. You can also find it on registration documents, the title, and insurance paperwork. If in doubt, check the owner’s manual or ask the manufacturer.

Why should I run a VIN check before buying a used motorcycle?

A motorcycle VIN check helps protect you from buying a stolen, salvaged, or unsafe bike. It also uncovers title issues, accident records, odometer fraud, and past damages that sellers may not disclose, giving you confidence to negotiate the right price or walk away.

Is VinAudit a reliable alternative to Carfax for motorcycle reports?

Yes, VinAudit is an official NMVTIS-approved provider offering reliable vehicle history reports for motorcycles built after 1981. Their reports are comprehensive, affordable, and include title, registration, salvage, accident, and odometer data sourced from trusted government and insurance databases.

Protect Yourself: Run a Motorcycle VIN Check Today

Don’t risk hidden problems with your next bike.

Instantly verify the history with an affordable, NMVTIS-backed report from VinAudit.com.

Start Your Motorcycle VIN Check →