The motorcycle is not there anymore.
If the Motorcycle is local you could try the local police, but chances are that stolen motorcycles are shipped interstate. You need to get the VIN from the motorcycle frame and get a report on this which will tell you what information is stored against this motorcycle. Look for other clues from the seller, are they too keen to sell, is the price too cheap?
You get charged with possession of a stolen vehicle I believe. If you knew it was stolen when you bought it then you are handling stolen goods (or a similarly fragrant nosegay of legalspeak, depending where you live) and the police will be keeping a close eye on you and they will be very interested in you. If you did not know it was stolen, then the motorcycle will be confiscated and searched so they can try and find out who had stolen it and where it came from. How you then get your money back, if at all, depends again on where you live.
Gsxr
carfax? Try contacting your local Police to see if it is registered stolen. Some people have also suggested calling an insurance company as they will have access to these records.
You can go to jail for theft of a car.
In North Carolina there are no time limits for theft of a stolen motorcycle engine. The statue for theft is covered under N.C. Gen. Stat. ¤ 15-1.
If you know it was stolen, yes, it would be illegal. If you purchase it through the police department, that would be legal.
how do you find out who has a lien on a motorcycle
You may be able to. You may have to file for a lost title before this can be done. The motorcycle will be checked to see if it is stolen.
Not likely. If the motorcycle was insured, they may however pay you the fair market value of the bike once it's proven stolen (i.e. police report).
You can find motorcycle parts in a motorcycle shops that have been established 20-40 years old already.