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What is Carfax?
Carfax, a popular provider of vehicle history reports, covers cars and light trucks manufactured after 1981: from popular brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Honda, to luxury and exotic makes like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Car reports can help buyers make a smart choice when purchasing a used car or truck. It’s an essential step in the buying process that can potentially save buyers from expensive repairs or unsafe vehicles.
Buying a used vehicle can be a great way to save money, but it also comes with certain risks. Like used cars and trucks, used bikes have previously been owned and ridden by one or more individuals. They can be sold by dealerships or private sellers and can be found in a variety of conditions and price ranges. It’s important to do your research before parting with your money to fully appreciate and enjoy the savings and benefits of your vehicle.
What to check before buying a used motorcycle
Here are some questions to ask before purchasing a bike:
How much can you afford to spend? Deciding on your budget can help you narrow down your options and focus on bikes that are within your price range.
Which model best fits your needs and preferences? Consider factors such as engine size, style, and intended use to find a bike that’s right for you.
What is the current condition of the motorcycle? Inspect it thoroughly to check for any signs of wear, damage, or mechanical issues. Look for things like dents, scratches, rust, and leaks, and check the bike’s tires, brakes, and lights to ensure they’re in good working order.
What did you find out from the test ride? Get a feel for how it handles and identify any potential issues. Pay attention to the bike’s acceleration, braking, and maneuverability, and listen for any unusual sounds or vibrations.
What does the vehicle history report tell you about the vehicle? Uncover any potential issues with the bike’s history, such as accidents, damage, or title issues, whether the bike has been reported stolen before, and more.
What is the right price for the best deal possible? Use the information you’ve gathered during your research and inspection to justify your offer.
Once you’ve agreed on a price, complete the transaction by signing the necessary paperwork, transferring the title, and paying for the motorcycle. Be sure to obtain a bill of sale and other necessary documents to ensure that the transfer of ownership is legal and complete. By following these steps, you can help ensure that you make a safe and informed purchase when buying a used motorcycle.
Can I get a Carfax for motorcycles?
Carfax primarily focuses on providing vehicle history reports for used cars and light trucks. They also offer a limited number of reports for bikes, according to some sources who tried to generate reports for these vehicles.
Why are Carfax reports not as common for motorcycles compared to cars? Bike reports may not be as comprehensive as those for cars, as motorcycles are often registered and titled differently than cars. Sometimes, a motorcycle may not even have a title, making it more difficult to track its ownership history and accident records.
Additionally, the availability of these reports may vary depending on the state where the bike is registered and the type of information available in the state’s database.
If you’re interested in obtaining a Carfax report for a motorcycle, contact Carfax directly to see if they offer reports for the specific bike you’re interested in. Alternatively, there may be other companies that offer reports that can provide you with the information you need to make an informed purchase.
Why do I need a motorcycle or bike vehicle history?
Knowing the history of a bike can provide some important benefits for buyers. To boost a potential buyer’s confidence, sellers may want to consider providing a bike report to them. Here are some reasons why:
Identify potential issues including accidents, repairs, and other incidents that could impact the bike’s condition or value.
Verify ownership and title status, including whether the title is clean or salvaged. This can help you avoid buying a motorcycle that has been stolen or has an unclear title, which could cause legal problems down the road.
Negotiate a fair price with a seller based on any issues that are identified in the report. This can save you money and ensure that you’re paying a fair price for the bike.
Ensure safetyby checking for any safety recalls or issues with the motorcycle that may impact its safety. This can help you avoid purchasing a bike that has known safety issues or defects that could pose a risk to you or others on the road.
Alternatives to Carfax for Motorcycles
These sources can provide valuable information to buyers:
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) offers a free motorcycle VIN check that can provide basic information on a bike’s history, including whether it has been reported as stolen or salvaged. While this report may not be as detailed as those from other providers, it can still provide valuable information to buyers.
VinCheck.info offers full reports for cars, SUVs, trucks, and other vehicles including motorcycles. The service is paid for by advertisers on the website where you can easily run a report using the bike’s VIN.
VinAudit.com, an official provider of NMVTIS reports, offers vehicle history reports for vehicles built after 1981 including motorcycles. The report covers vehicle specifications, ownership history, odometer readings, accident records, title information, and more.
NMVTIS provides information on cars, SUVs, vans, buses, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, motor homes, and tractors. It may not currently include commercial vehicles if those vehicles are not included in a state’s primary database for title records (since commercial vehicles are managed by a separate agency in some states), although these records may be added at a later time.
Where can I find a motorcycle’s VIN number?
The VIN or Vehicle Identification Number of a motorcycle is the key to running Carfax for motorcycles or vehicle history reports. It is a 17-digit code consisting of numbers and letters assigned to the vehicle at the assembly line. The exact location of the VIN on the bike can vary depending on the make and model of the motorcycle, but here are some common places to look:
- on the steering neck (often stamped on a metal plate that is attached to the steering neck, which is part of the frame that connects the front forks to the frame)
- on the engine block (usually on the bottom side near the front)
- on the frame tube (usually near the engine)
- on the registration and title documents
- provided by the seller
How to run a motorcycle vehicle history report
Running a report involves looking up a motorcycle VIN to check all the records linked to it including registration, accidents, lien, salvage, and more. Here are the steps to follow to check the history of a motorcycle VIN check at VinAudit.com:
1. Enter the VIN in the space provided:
If you’re shopping online, click on the Check VIN button beside the VIN and it will take you to VinAudit.com.
2. Choose a package: Pay as low as $9.99 per report, but you may want to run reports for other bikes. You may choose a 5-report or 10-report bundle for more savings if you want to run a VIN check for multiple bikes.
3. Review the report once the analysis is complete. You will receive a VinAudit report that provides information on the bike’s detailed history, including title history, ownership history, accident records, salvage history, title information, and more.
Additionally, for a thorough evaluation of the vehicle:
Conduct a visual inspection to identify any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for scratches, dents, rust, or other signs of damage that may indicate the bike has been in an accident or has been poorly maintained.
Take the motorcycle for a test ride to get a sense of how it handles and whether there are any issues with the engine, brakes, or other components. Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or performance issues that may indicate a problem.
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