Is there any legitimate reason a 1961 Panhead would have the following VIN# 61FLH4975? I'm looking at purchasing this bike and now having serious second thoughts. Besides the bike being stolen why would someone change to a bogus VIN? The owner has a legitimate title with this VIN, and claims the case #'s match. So I'm guessing the VIN was ground down and restamped. Does this completely ruin the value of the bike?

Okay, I checked two other written sources at my disposal and they say that starting in 1962 (not 1960) the coding system went to the even-odd system that I had given you. So....2 out of three say 1962, not 1960! I would say that you are probably cool. Not sure where you are from, but I looked at the bike and saw it was in Florida.

Never buy a bike with a vin that has been ground down and restamped. It is definitely illegal in Calif and I assume the same applies in most states.

Also ask him to send you a pic of the lower case numbers. Dont let him say I cant get to them. Yes he can if he raises the bike up.

Sorry for the error...........Dave

K, where is the Bike? I'm in SE FL and if it's not to far I will go look at the numbers for you.

FYI, I am NOT in the market for a 61, so your safe

__________________
HOG's RULE

The bike is in Glen St Mary, which is 30 miles outside Jacksonville. My mom lives in Orlando, and I was planning on having her do the transaction. I'm in Santa Cruz CA.

Is there anyway of determining for sure if the VIN# is legit?

harley started that in 1962-1969 according to CLYMER service manual.

K, sorry I'm about 5 hrs south of Jacksonville. The only way for me is to see the numbers, are you a member of AMCA? (www.antiquemotorcycle.org) I'm sure there are some members up that way.

__________________
HOG's RULE