I inherited a '47 Knucklehead from my father. When I put the title in my name, it is registered as a '75 bike. I have been trying to fight with the DMV, AAA, and the CHP here in San Diego because no one wants to change the year on the title, just verify the VIN, which that is correct. Has anyone ever dealt with this situation before?
I have set a date with the CHP so they can officially look at the bike to tell me it's a '47. I have printed two sources of info online that proves the VIN is where and what it should be, the various frame stampings are where and what they should be, and I have the original service manual as well as the book "How to Restore your Harley-Davidson".
I'm mainly asking what experiences people have had, and what to say to the right people to correct this issue to prepare myself for the worst. I have no idea why the title says what it does. Thanks.

 

It may say that because it had went without being registered for several years and then when it was re-registered they titled it for the year it was finally registered. I have a close friend in Barstow that was forced to register his Model A Ford as a 1992 because of this. Then that required him to have 2 tail lights, turn signals, and seat belts in a Model A.
I wish you luck in getting the proper registration. It would be a bitch to have to put turn signals etc on your Knuckle with it being the Classic that it is.

 

Take it DMV. Have your local H-D shop inspect and possibly give you a letter stating theat its the year it is. Sign an affidavid as to the year (DMV might have one) and you should be well on your way.

 

Cody, another reference is www.vintageamericanmotorcycles.com The site is owned by Chris Haynes, a long time AMCA member. He has a section on vin numbers/case numbers. It is a free site and will shpw you what true 47 numbers look like. Just a bit more information to add to yours in order to show CHP/DMV folks that the bike is a 47.


How did it come to be registered as a 75 model?

I feel your pain on the registration. When I had my 36 Chevy I bought it out of state and had to have DMV inspect it. I had to show the CHP officer where the vin tag was located. Same thing with my 84 shovel..out of state, DMV inspection and the officer was looking in the normal place for shovel models; had to show him it had been moved to the left engine case for 84.

Just remember to be polite and professional. best of luck and please let us know how it turns out.

 

Thanks for the info. I have no idea how it came to be a '75 registration. One theory is that it was the year my father first registered the bike in his name. He bought the bike as a project basketcase in the late '60s I believe.

 

Having built a "special constructions" SPCNS in Calif. I would say that is what happened.
I refer to my earlier post about my friends Model A.

 

is the title labeled? rebuilt,homebuilt,salvage,custom,ect.. i had a 72 flh once, the title said 77 homebuilt Harley-Davidson. it was a 72 model, but the frame was replaced to use a disc rear swingarm. it still used the 72 vin#, it was retitled as a 1977.

 

The title is clean, it doesn't say rebuilt or anything on it.

 

Do you kow anyone in an easy regestrtion state. Most of then will regester with a tracing of the serial #. Register it there them transfer it to Calif. and gert a title. You are better off asking this question to Cali people of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Hope this helps.

 

Log onto the Antique MotorCycle Association forum and ask your question there. Lots of California members.

Of course, if you ship it to me, I can get it registered as a 47, ride it around for a few months, just to ensure its safe, then you can come here and ride it back to california.

seriously though, I have had to only sign an affidavit swearing to the year and the MDV went ahead with the registration.