As mentioned above, the 17 digit VIN is for Aust compliance, and will be on a seperate plate riveted to the frame. Usually this will incorporate the numerical part of the Honda chassis number stamped into the headstock. Engine number will be the Honda number on the cases. Some of the grey bike importers where a little "less professional" when it came to how the new numbers where applied. It may also be a case ofthe current owner not reading the engine number correctly? What numbers are on the current rego papers?
You will be able to check the numbers online by running a a PPSR check, but this will not tell you the specific Honda model. What is the number stamped into the headstock, and what is the colour code on the white sticker on the subframe (nb not definitive evidence, but helpful)?. At least it was importedwhilethey where still in production, so you can rule out some models.
Can you post a pic, or provide alink to an online ad so that the knowledgable people here can help identify themodel from some of the more easily identifiable features?
I've seen some real mongrel "bitsas" recently, mainly MC18's though.