Before paying for a used motorcycle, it’s important to be aware of the history to be sure the motorcycle is not stolen, damaged, or harboring any issues. Just like cars, motorcycles also have accident history, title brands, or even be sold with a rolled back odometer.
Many buyers and sellers go to Carfax for used car history reports. This is not so when it comes to motorcycles. If you search for a “Carfax for motorcycles,” you may quickly find out that Carfax doesn’t provide motorcycle history reports.
In this article, we will be discussing other trusted websites where you can check a motorcycle’s history.
Does Carfax Provide Motorcycle History Reports?
No. Carfax does not provide history reports for motorcycles. Their tool is mainly built for passenger cars and light trucks. That means if you enter a motorcycle VIN on the Carfax website, you won’t get any results.
This is confusing for many people who think Carfax covers all vehicle types. But that’s not the case. So if you’re buying a motorcycle, you will need to look for other websites with tools that support motorcycle checks..
Why You Need a Motorcycle History Report?
A motorcycle history report can protect you from costly mistakes. Here are a few reasons to get one:
- Avoid buying a stolen bike: The report shows if the bike was reported stolen. You should avoid a stolen motorcycle by all means because you can lose both your money and the bike, and even face legal issues.
- Check for accident records: Past damage can affect safety and lower the resale value. Bike accidents are usually fatal, and you don’t deserve a bike that puts your life and other road users at risk.
- Confirm ownership: You can see how many people owned the bike, and for how long. Multiple owners within a short period of time may indicate unresolved issues with the bike’s performance and condition.
- Spot title issues: Buying a motorcycle with a salvage or rebuilt title means it can be hard to get insurance or resell the bike, as this lowers the value.
- Prevent fraud: Scams like VIN tampering, title washing, and odometer rollback can be avoided by checking a motorcycle report. Your desire to buy a bike that’s worth the price can be achieved by checking the history.
A quick free motorcycle VIN check will only give you basic information like model, engine specs, but a serious buyer will go for the full report to have a better understanding of the history before investing in the bike.
Where to Get a Carfax for Motorcycles?: 6 Best Alternatives?
There are several websites that offer free and detailed motorcycle history reports. These services give you much of the same data you would have expected from a Carfax report.
1. Detailed Vehicle History
Detailed Vehicle History offers full motorcycle history reports for both old and modern bikes. It also shows photos of the bike from past auctions, which is helpful if you want to see its past condition. They also offer a free motorcycle VIN check for anyone looking for a quick insight into a bike’s history. It checks for:
- Accidents
- Theft records
- Title history
- Odometer readings
- Auction records and more.
2. Premium VIN
Premium VIN works for motorcycles, trucks, cars, and more. It is fast, simple to use, and works for different types of bikes. It also provides both a free VIN check and a full motorcycle report that includes:
- Damage history
- Title status
- Recall checks
- Vehicle specifications and more
3. Instant VIN Reports
If you want a quick and affordable motorcycle report, Instant VIN Reports is a good option. This is helpful for buyers who want fast results before buying. You will also get a free bike check to have an idea of what the motorcycle’s history looks like. It gives:
- Title history
- Accident data
- Theft records
- Market value
- Open recalls and more
4. Classic Decoder
Classic Decoder is different because it focuses on older bikes. Some motorcycles made before 1981 have VINs that are shorter than 17 digits, usually 5-14 digits.. Carfax, AutoCheck, and other modern VIN decoders often can’t read these. It helps:
- Decode the build details
- Check ownership and title
- Spot hidden problems in vintage motorcycles and more
5. VINData.com
VINData.com offers motorcycle history reports that pull from many sources. They also have a free motorcycle VIN check feature that shows basic information. For more details, you need to pay for a full report which includes:
- DMV title records
- Insurance companies
- Auction listings and more
6. CycleVIN.com
This site focuses only on motorcycles. CycleVIN is known for being accurate and up-to-date. It’s a trusted source among riders. It checks for:
- Theft and accident history
- Odometer data
- Lien and loan info
- Open recalls and more
READ ALSO: 10 Best Carfax Alternatives for Affordable Vehicle Reports
How to Run a Free Motorcycle VIN Check?
Some sites let you check part of a motorcycle’s history for free. A free motorcycle VIN check can show basic specifications like year, make, model, engine, etc., title issues, and the last odometer reading.
One place to start is the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB.gov). They allow you to check a VIN to see if a bike was reported stolen or declared a total loss. But keep in mind: free checks are limited.
They do not show full accident history, ownership details, or service records. If you’re serious about the bike, it’s worth paying for a full report.
What’s Inside a Motorcycle History Report?
A full Carfax for motorcycles can help you avoid bad deals and make informed decisions. The report includes:
- Vehicle Specifications: Verify the year, make, model, engine size and specs, and more.
- Title Information: Find out if the bike has a clean, salvage, rebuilt, or junk title.
- Ownership History: Know how many owners have owned it and for how long.
- Accident Records: If the bike was in any reported crashes.
- Lien or Loan Records: Shows if someone still owes money on the bike.
- Odometer Readings: Easily spot any instances of odometer tampering.
- Recall Status: Be aware of any open safety recalls that have not been addressed.
- Theft Status: Check to see if it was ever stolen.
- Other records include service history, auction records, photos, and bike usage (private, commercial, rental, etc.).
Top Tips For Buying a Used Motorcycle
Following the tips below can save you from the regrets that come with buying a used motorcycle.
- Always check the VIN on the frame and match it with the title.
- Use a free motorcycle VIN check to verify specs and spot red flags.
- Get a detailed Carfax for motorcycles report from one of the tools listed above.
- Ask the seller for service records and proof of ownership.
- Inspect and test ride the bike in person or with a trusted mechanic.
Conclusion
Carfax may not support motorcycle checks, but there are great tools that allow you to get a Carfax for motorcycles. Detailed Vehicle History, PremiumVIN, and Classic Decoder (for vintage motorcycles) are some of the best tools that provide accurate and detailed motorbike reports, thus helping with a safe and confident purchase.
These tools can help you avoid scams, spot bikes that are stolen or with hidden issues, and find a motorcycle that’s worth your money. So when you think “Carfax for motorcycles,” think about using any of the above tools, designed just for motorcycles.
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