Okay, so before I name and shame the online trader (that goes by a few business names) that sold me this motor I'm asking the members what I should do....

Bought the motor on eBay from a seller in Florida, then had it shipped to me in New Zealand.
All this took some time and I've just collected it. While trying to confirm the spec (Evo3, SP, SPR etc) I found it doesn't have an engine number!


-Hmm no numbers. Wonder if they're under this silver paint and maybe bondo?

-Paint stripper at work...

-The result: A desert....Alas no Engine number left - ground away.

So what should I do? Complain to Paypal? Ask them for a refund? Yell their name all across this forum? Tell the Florida Police?

I think I could get in trouble trying to sell this bike with this engine number missing.

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Have you questioned the seller about the non-existent engine number.
If you ask PayPal for a refund don’t wait too long before you do it.
Other than that you could apply to your motor registry for a new engine number telling them you have replaced the crankcase maybe.

It might be possible to raise the engine number with acid but ask the vendor politely for an explanation before doing anything else. If you don't like the answer follow all four of your listed options.

Customs cant have checked for a number when it entered the country otherwise they might not have allowed it in.

Ask before to seller the reason for no number.
Is your old crankcase crashed? You could change with your old one. I know it's a lot of work but it's the best solution

I too would contact the seller first. I am sure any responsible trader or private individual would have difficulty in explaining HOW he had an engine without a number. Remember, at some stage he (the seller) has obtained the motor and would have done so either by scrutiny of the motor or turning a 'blind eye'. Only one of those was performed by the seller!

I have experienced this problem with eBay in the UK.

They don't give a shit, your loss. Was my experience.
However I paid cash and collected after winning auction, all they did was cancel the sale on eBay. As (hopefully) you have paid via PayPal you should be covered go though PayPal. as your first point of contact but you will need to get a crime ref number ( or similar where your located) to prove it's stolen.

Best of luck keep us updated

IT doesn't look like they ground very deep. The acid treatment is worth a shot.

As a eBay buyer, if you paid with PayPal you're covered......
File a complaint with PayPal
Done

Florida. I think I have seen that seller on ebay. Came close to buying a few things, but it seemed a bit strange so pulled out.
If you can't get it resolved.
Put your old engine number on it if you are ditching the old one.

I agree Noell, but I hardly want all the trouble of being told to send it back for a refund!