A serial # that isn't there can't be tracked. Not saying tracking is easy, but as a buyer I'd be sketched out by a frame which doesn't have a serial # associated with it. If the original owner did register the bike and it was stolen and they reported it stolen (including SN in the report) then there's a paper trail of sorts...as long as the SN is on the bike.

Sounds to me like the buyer is doing at least some minimal amount of due diligence to not end up with a hot frame.

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Carl Matson

Sounds like the same to me. I would ask for it as well...

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2020 National Masters Champion - M40-44 - 400m IM
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Not sketchy at all. I did the same thing when looking at used motorcycles - saw a few that were incredible deals (a bit too 'incredible' to be on the up and up). I figured it was worth at least an e-mail to inquire about them and ask a few questions - one of which was for the VIN. I figured if they couldn't/wouldn't provide the VIN, then either: 1) the bike did not actually exist, 2) it was stolen goods.

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Fair enough. Thanks for the info. And by the way, of course the bike I'm selling has a serial number. If I implied it did not, then I did not mean to do so. I will provide the serial bumber to the potential seller.

I think it's a legit question. They may want to the number so that they can try to contact the manufacturer to verify the bike is legit and not a counterfeit. Also, for some manufacturers, you can actually learn certain information about the bike from the serial number.

It's a legitimate request. A friend of a friend had his Moots (engagement gift from his wife) stolen out of his garage. He asked every seller of similar bikes on eBay for the serial number and found it several years later halfway across the country. I believe he got it back and the eBay seller was left out to dry.

It is definitely a legit question and I wouldn't buy a second hand bike without asking for it and running through a few searches, including bikeindex.org.

There's no harm in providing the serial number to anyone if you're selling it. If you're not selling it then just make sure you have a photo of the serial number and copy of the receipt. It also doesn't hurt to put a laminated piece of paper or something similar in the handlebars with your name or something else on it. All of these things can help prove the bike is yours. The only risk I can see in someone else having the serial number is them trying to claim it's their bike when it's not. If you have these things it should be pretty easy to prove the bike is yours in that instance, or if your bike is ever stolen.

Makes sense. Thanks. I think I have the actual receipt. If nothing else, I have the credit card bill plus the shop remembers me as I recently spoke with the owner from whom I purchased.