On 27 Oct 2005 18:49:23 GMT, Donnie Barnes
wrote:

On Wed, 26 Oct, Gunner wrote:
As for the calling Suzuki part, even if they do give you a VIN that the
bike went to, I'm not sure how you're gonna find out much more about it.
It's not like there's a single database anywhere of who owns what VIN.
Well, not that the public has access to, anyway.

Its variously called the DMV in most states. Sometimes they charge a
small fee to run an engine number, other times if you have a good
reason, they will do it for free.

So he's gonna call 50 DMV's? I wouldn't. And that was my point...there's
no central database. Plus I'd bet many DMV's won't just hand out
information based on a VIN you give them even if they have it. I've seen a
*lot* of different folks with a VIN post classified ads with the VIN that
says "I used to own this car and I want to try to buy it back but can't
find it. If you know of the owner, please contact me." Happens a lot with
Porsche's, for instance. If it were easy to just call each DMV, these
folks would probably do that and be able to find the car.

I only have one data point on this subject. It regards a
Harley-Davidson basket case that I wanted to purchase, but th' seller
had no title, or any other paperwork of substance. It was a 1942
vintage motor.

I called th' local WA State Patrol office, explaining this dilema and
they ran th' numbers through some national database. I forget th'
acronym. It took all of about 3 minutes, and at no cost what-so-ever.
I was politely informed that there was no record of this VIN being
reported stolen.

I subsequently purchased that bike and titled it via a title service
company as listed in numerous antique automotive/motorcycle trader
magazines. It cost $75.00. It was inspected by th' State Patrol and
I was issued a title for it as a 1942 Harley-Davidson.

So I have to assume that there is indeed a national database of stolen
VIN's. Transfer of ownership records over th' years is a totally
different story.

Snarl