Mine was rubbed off like that too, before I painted it. It was from my boot rubbing on the frame all the time. As for your vin, it is most likely something to do with being in the UK. You should probably just ask a dealer.
oh cool, anyway I was told it was a 99, and really aslong as I can ride it I can gave tons of fun..well...the ball joint dropped out of the wishbone lately..just ordered a replacement should be here in 2 days!
mine looked like it was rubbed off or grinder off... but when i ran the vin it came up not stolen..and i got the quad for $200.. i guess the person before me thought it was stolen.