VIN number on a Honda?

[hermit]

Well it is "off topic".  Just hoping someone here could help out with the Shadow I'm buying.  Before I settled up with the owner I thought I'd check the VIN  on the bike versus the one on the registration, except I can't find it!  Found a number on the right side of the frame head that must be the frame number, cause it's not the same, but that's it.  Does anyone know where on the bike I can find the ser.#?  It's currently registered as an 83.  No, it's not on the left, there's nothing there.

Thanks in advance
Doug

[kwells]

Even if there isnt a sticker...there should be a stamped VIN.  It might be located dead center so you'd have to turn the front wheel all the way either left or right.

[hermit]

Okay Kwells, I'll look again.    Now I'm getting worried, I did find 2 round short pins on the frame head that look like where a plate would have been attached.  No plate though.  And now that I look at the # on the registration there are only 16 digits, not 17.  When I change provinces i know the bike will have to be inspected and I imagine this is one of the things that would get checked.  Maybe this is not such a good idea.
Doug

[kwells]

yes 17 digits is necessary.  If you don't have a stamped VIN then you may be looking at a stolen bike[possibly]

In the very least 16 digits is suspect in that it wasnt caught before.

When you say registration are you referring to the Title or a state license plate registration form?

[hermit]

Provincial licence registration and insurance.  I'm surprised that the 16 digits weren't caught as well.  Up here this becomes your "title" for lack of a better phrase, it is proof of ownership.  I know the fellow who is selling it somewhat so I doubt it was stolen, but it could have been a re-constituted write-off. 

[kwells]

well, without correct 'paperwork' and lack of a physical VIN on the bike then I'd say you should walk away.

[hermit]

That's what I'm thinking too, thanks for the help by the way, it's appreciated very much.