'Nuther vin question.

VIN Identification
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jdpan
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'Nuther vin question.

#1

Post by jdpan »

Friend of mine in Florida recently bought a 1972 Shovel chop. It's built on what looks like a Jammer or Poucho style frame. He says the vin numbers on the title reflect the numbers on the engine block with no corresponding numbers on the frame. Since bikes '70 and later were titled from the frame, I'm just wondering what any reprocussions might be concerning this scenerio. Also, assuming all is legit, what would be the protocol to make the the bike acceptable and could he possibly lose his 1972 status? The original owner is nowhere to be found so contacting him for a bill of sale is out of the question.... I'm sure this has been covered already somewhere but dayng if I can find any specifics.. Thanks.
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Re: 'Nuther vin question.

#2

Post by Cotten »

JDPan!

Most States would be anxious to stamp his frame for him, which would dedicate that frame to that motor.

The worst case scenario is if the original frame is out there somewhere, gets registered, and gets stolen, putting your friends machine on the hot list!

For that reason, the authorities may insist upon a new VIN for the machine, with the motor VIN second upon the title.
Losing its "1972" status is a mute point for a custom, but becoming a "special construction" or homebuilt" may cost him when it comes to insurance.

....Cotten
DaveSwanson
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Re: 'Nuther vin question.

#3

Post by DaveSwanson »

I ran into an individual with an identical scenario, except his was a 74. Legally titled, plated, and insured, but a bit hinky.

Tell your buddy to stay away from Daytona Bike Week, and not to "ride it like he stole it". :)
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Re: 'Nuther vin question.

#4

Post by panz4ever »

There are some variances from one state to another after reading several discussion on this and other forums. In Kali, for 70 up, the motor and frame number need to match in order NOT to have it tagged as a SPCN (special construction bike), although there is a guy on another forum who "claims" he titles late motors all the time without a matching frame because he KNOWS how to talk to the DMV employees. Not sure how he bypasses CHP though. Of course he also see nothing wrong with stamping aftermarket cases with HD numbers.
jdpan
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Re: 'Nuther vin question.

#5

Post by jdpan »

The dude claims that where he is doesnt require insurance or a state inspection. Makes perfect sense though that theres a frame out there somewhere with the same vin numbers as his motor... If that frame has a questionable history it makes sense that that history would also follow the motor. I've already suggested to him that he talks to a someone in the know at the Florida dps and see what they suggest,.. What would worst case scenerio be? Since it's already titled to the motor numbers, wouldnt that be a testament to its legality? Thanks for the feedback.
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Re: 'Nuther vin question.

#6

Post by DaveSwanson »

jdpan wrote: What would worst case scenerio be? Since it's already titled to the motor numbers, wouldnt that be a testament to its legality? Thanks for the feedback.
If I owned such a bike with a "legal" state title/registration, legit state plates, and therefore insured as a 1972 HD, I would just ride the thing. He could ride it the rest of his life and more than likely be OK, even if pulled over, because he has an insurance card and a proper registration. A state issued registration and current insurance card will be enough for most all LEO's unless they are specialists in hinky motorcycles!

I probably wouldn't tempt fate by taking it to Sturgis, Bike Week, or any other high visibility events that are known for cops with specific knowledge of such matters.

Since a Statement of Origin cannot be had for his frame, he doesn't have too many attractive options other than shifting to another poor soul so that he can do the fretting.

This is only what I would do if it was mine, and may not necessarily the most prudent choice.
towman304
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Re: 'Nuther vin question.

#7

Post by towman304 »

my first bike was a '72 sportster on an aftermarket frame. that way when i bought it from Ohio, all the frame said was B&B or D&D cant remember, got it inspected, transfered into my name,taged, and road it for years here in KY, and several other states never any problem, but i never went to bike week or anything..
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Re: 'Nuther vin question.

#8

Post by 58flh »

WE had a few similar situations at the shop!--THE TITLE #s match & the TITLE will say RECONSTRUCTED!--WITH THIS your good to go in NJ!,& if you get over in NJ --Another State will be GOOD for-sure!--RICHIE :shock:
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