There's always more to the story, ain't there?
Turns out the auction guys couldn't verify the VIN because the powder coating on the frame was too thick. At Mecum's request, the seller ground off enough of the powder coat to make the VIN legible, sent Mecum a photo and rattle canned over the ground off powder.
So, it may have looked sketchy as hell, but nothing nefarious going on.... the bike is legit after all.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/marke...nswered-about-kawasaki-sold-at-mecum-auction/