When buying a Can-Am, ensure it has been registered correctly by checking the front of the V5 for 'date first registered' in the special notes box.

This should be reflective of the DIS (Date In Service).

A Mk1 bike 'should' be 1979 - 8960 vin.

A Mk2 bike 'should' be 1980 - 8801 or 8802 vin.

Dates may vary by one or two years, reflective of the Date In Service on the History Card. See example at the bottom of this page.

If a bike was auctioned off in 1990 and has a 1990 reg. This would be incorrect. Follow the Q reg guidance on changing the vehicles age.

If the bike isn't on historic tax (page 2 of the V5C) this is easy to update by following the tax & mot exempt guide.

Check the vin number and data plate on the headstock. Ensuring no damages to the stamped numbers on the left side. The aluminum data plates are sometimes lost/damaged. The stamped numbers on the left are the crucial ones.

Cross reference the vin number with the V5C if present.

Vin numbers should look like: 

• Mk1 - 8960.XXX.XXX

• Mk2 - 8801 or 8802.XXX.XXX

Also check the spelling on the V5C page 2 of 'Bombardier'. Incorrect variations have been seen in the past, such as 'Bombadier'. 'Military' model may also be acceptable. You may wish to change with DVLA if incorrect to aid insuring.

Engine numbers are not recorded on the History Card (if present). And aren't mandatory on the V5C (if present).

The website 'is it nicked' has a vin & reg search engine to see if the vehicle has already been registered.

It also details which month & year the vehicle was registered. To check if it has been registered for the correct year.

https://isitnicked.com/ 

The example History/B Card is from a 1980 Mk2 bike - vin 8802. HG military reg.

A Disposal Form 654 or replacement Disposal Form DISC-O. Would date this bike as a Jan 1981 reg.

However, if this doc and the disposal doc were missing at the time of registration. Then a dating inspector would date this bike as a 'Mk2 1980'.