Missing/Altered VIN - Copart.

[tim0409]

Hi

I periodically browse Copart having bought/repaired a bike from them last year that worked out for me, and saw this;

2026 Triumph Trident with 72 miles. The primary damage is a missing/altered VIN sticker, and in true Copart fashion they state that it runs and the “transmission engages” despite the gear selector is broken off flush with the gearbox (although to be fair they state later in on the additional information that the gear selector is damaged). They have both keys.

What do you think happened here? Would Triumph supply a new VIN sticker with the appropriate information? I think I will pass but I’m curious.

Thanks in advance.

[trickywoo]

I don t think the sticker is the actual identifier, at least I hope it s not as they always looked ragged and dog eared on Triumphs. I had a nearly new 765 and the sticker was like a sore thumb from I presume pressure washing.

I believe the frame vin should be stamped in as should the engine vin.

If those are ok I can t see it being a problem.

[Biker9090]

It fascinates me how much they ignore basic checks there.

On the "Not economically viable" YT channel the guy bought a Honda Civic Type R - or he THOUGHT he had.

Turns out the engine had been swapped out for one out of a CRV and Copart washed their hands of the whole thing.

With this, I'd be worried about any potential frame damage from steering locks being snapped (the whole thing screams theft) and Triumph not wanting to touch it as a result....

[bimsb6]

Biker9090 said:

It fascinates me how much they ignore basic checks there.

On the "Not economically viable" YT channel the guy bought a Honda Civic Type R - or he THOUGHT he had.

Turns out the engine had been swapped out for one out of a CRV and Copart washed their hands of the whole thing.

With this, I'd be worried about any potential frame damage from steering locks being snapped (the whole thing screams theft) and Triumph not wanting to touch it as a result....

That would be stated in the insurance category , if its cat n its just cosmetic.

[IanUAE]

Salvage Rebuild UK on Youtube have had some "interesting" experience buying cars form CoPart..........

[tim0409]

IanUAE said:

Salvage Rebuild UK on Youtube have had some "interesting" experience buying cars form CoPart..........

I watch their channel and really enjoy it; they know what they are doing but still have been caught out by Copart. When I bought my last bike from there it was a gamble but I did everything I could to minimise the risk. Luckily it worked out.

This bike has too many unknowns for me. It’s weird that if it was stolen it doesn’t say stolen/recovered as it normal would at Copart, and those bikes don’t usually come with a key (never mind both), and there doesn’t appear to be any obvious damage to the ignition. They also list front damage, and from some angles it looks like there could be damage to the frame/headstock (but it’s a Cat N).

I think I will leave it!