You'll struggle to MOT it without a VIN. Most of the stations around here are now on the DVLA computer system and require the V5 for an MOT. They have to enter the VIN, reg number etc. before the "system" lets them commence with the test, and then only if all the info tallies with the records held by DVLA. Unless you can verify the info, i'd walk away now...........
I trust the last owner and 2 before that (as I said one is now a copper) and there may be a legit explanation but strange the current owner didn't know about it. Also strange the reg no did not register on that site (I may have reg no wrong).
Been to look at another CBR tonight which was £650. Wow what a misdescription in the ad. It forgot to mention that it had no fairing and renthall bars. Apart from that seemed fairly ok but not for me.
So I think what I am going to do is:
Get correct reg no for the CBR that I saw originally Get V5 HPI it. Try and buy for £100-£150 instead of £300 on basis will be hard to resell, may not always be able to MOT and needs £200 of work done.