Verifying Odometer Reading?

[Pluggy]

Mr. Saddlesore told us of a dealer listing a bike with less than actual mileage.  100K miles less.  And local to me, a 1999 Valkyrie was advertised by a private seller to have 28K miles.  I met the buyer and he thought the bike actually had 128K miles.  It looked like a 128K bike to me.  How do we actually know?  Speedometers can be replaced, too.

In NC, the odometer reading is recorded at annual inspection.  But, the public can only access "pass or fail" of the latest inspection.  No odometer miles that I can find.  If a bike advertised at 28K miles was at 98K a few years ago, we would know it rolled over.  But, the needed information is unavailable.

Buying a used bike has traditionally meant the "honor system" on mileage and careful examination by the potential buyer.  In the absence of honor, is there a way of getting a reliable mileage number?

[hubcapsc]

is there a way of getting a reliable mileage number?

I can't imagine an actual number, but...

My bike had low miles when I got it, and it was tired too... perhaps
the previous owner had to leave it out in the parking lot or something.
But the belt covers didn't seem to be "sandblasted" by 100,000+ miles...

I don't think I'll ever know,  but I've mostly put "another" 100,000 miles
on it 

-Mike

[SCain]

Here in the Land of Entrapment (NM), the mileage is recorded on the title at the time of sale, so at the last time the vehicle was titled its recorded. Not sure if it works that way in other states.

[Rams]

Since our Standard and Tourer odometers only record to 100K and then start over again, the only way I know (assuming your state doesn't record it yearly) is by condition.   Both of my Valkyries have well under 100K miles.   But, condition is what sold me on both of them.  

My two wheeler Valk led a much harder life, it was obviously left out in the weather more than what I would have liked but, a new Interstate tank and seat and things look great now.   The Valkyrie trike was stored indoors but, needed a few "upgrades" which I am now undertaking.

Caveat Emptor is my best advice but, fortunately with a Valkyrie, it's not all that much off a gamble.
Bruce (DDT) has over 700K miles on his bike (ALI) now.   I wouldn't be afraid to ride with him anywhere.  

Rams

[old2soon]

      Well here in Missouri they mileage IS recorded at the annual or semis annual Mandated Vehicle Inspection. I have like Zero idea if that info is available to anyone other than owner. But I Will attempt to find out. Someone had posted on this very topic some time back-chips in the swing arn area fork lowers timing belt cover and the oil pan condition come to mind. Wheel condition May indicate more miles than someone be admitting to. RIDE SAFE.

[Bret SD]

Here in the Land of Entrapment (NM), the mileage is recorded on the title at the time of sale, so at the last time the vehicle was titled its recorded. Not sure if it works that way in other states.

In the Land of Oz (Ca) you must certify mileage of a vehicle you are selling in the transaction paperwork, the title for my Valkyrie has the mileage listed on it when I bought it.

I suppose something like Carfax could be used to dig up mileage history and confirm it.

[indybobm]

i believe that states such as Texas does not require you to list the mileage at time of sale if the bike is over 10K miles. I went through when i bought my second Valkyrie back in 2011.  Odometer read 46,000 but the bike had been titled in three different states.

[Jack B]

I know with cars every time you get service done your miles are recorded and anyone from your insurance company to who knows who gets that information.
On older vehicles mileages is exempt on the title in Wisconsin.