Vin # I.D. request

[Yamadaka]

Is it uncommon to ask what the frame and motor numbers are when considering buying a bike that you are not able to see in person?? Especially if the person asking is not real familiar with Hodakas??? Do a lot of you guys who buy bikes ask for vin #s when buying???

[Zyx]

Asking for the frame and engine number sounds reasonable to me. At least you will have a firm idea of what model you are looking at. There are so many people out there that think every Hodaka is a Combat Wombat or Super Rat, that it isn't even funny. eBay is the best place to find parts misidentified.

I can't imagine why someone would refuse to provide id info when buying a motorcycle.

[Yamadaka]

I had someone say they didn't want to give the vin because "to many scammers"......whatever that means. Do they think you're going to steal the vin numbers... I DON'T KNOW

[relic]

Correct me if I'm wrong please guys but I think you can I.D. the model by just the first letter and a few of the digits, not needing the entire serial numbers? (From both the engine and the frame.)
Perhaps asking for this might sit easier with your seller?

Just a thought...

Relic

[Zyx]

While one can identify model and year with just the first few digits, trust between buyer and seller seems to me to be an important thing. A Hodaka isn't going to be exactly cheap no matter the price, and I would want to know what I am getting into. On the other hand I would not buy one sight unseen unless from a trusted friend or reliable source. Craigslist or whatever, I would not buy from without an inspection. In which case you are going to see the frame and engine numbers anyway.

If this is something sold as parts, not a complete bike, perhaps the numbers are less important, but still, most folks would not know a model 95 from a model 94, so I would still ask.

Scammers??? At this level of purchase?

[socalhodaka]

If your looking at a bike not in your area, post up the area and a club member or forum member could be near by and would sure take a look for you.

[taber hodaka]

It would be nice to know if the numbers are close enough to be a match. As if buying a ace 90, with frame # A187 and engine P 1632. In the West we are trusting---Clarence