Custom frame numbers
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 27
From: Iowa
Custom frame numbers
Back in the mid to late 1970s, a friend chopped his 1973 XLCH Sportster. He recently died, and his sister gave me the bike. She and her sons searched my friends' home and could not find the title or any old license plate for the bike. He quit riding it many, many years ago, and took the bike apart and stored it in his basement. Today I went to the Iowa DOT to see about getting a duplicate title. I gave them the Harley VIN from the motor and they couldn't find anything in their records for it. He used a factory-made hardtail frame when he chopped it. In Iowa I believe the DOT uses the frame number for titles and license plates. His original frame was disposed of 40 years ago. I kind of looked the custom frame over (especially the neck area) for a VIN or ID number and could not find one. If I find that VIN number, maybe the DOT can find of record of the title. Anyone know where the ID number should be on that frame? I have no idea who made it. Remember this frame was made over 40 years ago. I'm just assuming that all frame makers would stamp their numbers in the same place. THANKS.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 27
From: Iowa
I can get it registered and titled, but it will take a LOT of time and a LOT more money, than just paying the $25. fee for a duplicate title. I would just part it out on EBAY before I would go through that hassle.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
You will have to play the game to get it cleared up.
It should be that way . Way to many stolen bikes were recycled with so called new frames before they put a stop to it.
Taking a stolen bike and swapping the engine and trans to a frame was very common.
It is not a Harley or any other brand anymore . It needs a custom built title. Different states call it by different names and have requirements.
It should be that way . Way to many stolen bikes were recycled with so called new frames before they put a stop to it.
Taking a stolen bike and swapping the engine and trans to a frame was very common.
It is not a Harley or any other brand anymore . It needs a custom built title. Different states call it by different names and have requirements.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 27
From: Iowa
You will have to play the game to get it cleared up.
It should be that way . Way to many stolen bikes were recycled with so called new frames before they put a stop to it.
Taking a stolen bike and swapping the engine and trans to a frame was very common.
It is not a Harley or any other brand anymore . It needs a custom built title. Different states call it by different names and have requirements.
It should be that way . Way to many stolen bikes were recycled with so called new frames before they put a stop to it.
Taking a stolen bike and swapping the engine and trans to a frame was very common.
It is not a Harley or any other brand anymore . It needs a custom built title. Different states call it by different names and have requirements.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
Should be on the neck. Some times you may find them under the seat.
There is a chance all he did was use the the HD VIN . he just kept it reg. As if the frame was never changed..
1970's was before the big crack down so people got away with a lot of work arounds.
There is a chance all he did was use the the HD VIN . he just kept it reg. As if the frame was never changed..
1970's was before the big crack down so people got away with a lot of work arounds.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,561
Likes: 7,912
From: Long Island, New York
If he bought the bike new, he would have registered it with the HD VIN# which was on the engine cases and frame. That said, and especially back in the day, why would anyone go back to DMV to tell them they changed the frame!?!???! That is just looking for a hassle. I would assume he just kept paying his yearly registration that he already had with the factory VIN#.
So why is it not in their system? Likely because he last registered it before they went to a computerized system. There is a file box somewhere with his information.
I would go back and say I lost the Registration/Title WITHOUT the custom frame part of the story. That is just confusing everyone. NYS local DMV would send the VIN# up to the Main office in Albany and look for a record on file. If nothing comes up and it is not on a hot sheet, they would issue a new Transferable Registration. NYS also has a form that the sister would have to fill out to state years of Ownership, how she acquired it (estate) etc. Not a big deal, just need patience. You will have to wait a couple of months, but that would be it. Good luck.
So why is it not in their system? Likely because he last registered it before they went to a computerized system. There is a file box somewhere with his information.
I would go back and say I lost the Registration/Title WITHOUT the custom frame part of the story. That is just confusing everyone. NYS local DMV would send the VIN# up to the Main office in Albany and look for a record on file. If nothing comes up and it is not on a hot sheet, they would issue a new Transferable Registration. NYS also has a form that the sister would have to fill out to state years of Ownership, how she acquired it (estate) etc. Not a big deal, just need patience. You will have to wait a couple of months, but that would be it. Good luck.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 27
From: Iowa
If he bought the bike new, he would have registered it with the HD VIN# which was on the engine cases and frame. That said, and especially back in the day, why would anyone go back to DMV to tell them they changed the frame!?!???! That is just looking for a hassle. I would assume he just kept paying his yearly registration that he already had with the factory VIN#.
So why is it not in their system? Likely because he last registered it before they went to a computerized system. There is a file box somewhere with his information.
I would go back and say I lost the Registration/Title WITHOUT the custom frame part of the story. That is just confusing everyone. NYS local DMV would send the VIN# up to the Main office in Albany and look for a record on file. If nothing comes up and it is not on a hot sheet, they would issue a new Transferable Registration. NYS also has a form that the sister would have to fill out to state years of Ownership, how she acquired it (estate) etc. Not a big deal, just need patience. You will have to wait a couple of months, but that would be it. Good luck.
So why is it not in their system? Likely because he last registered it before they went to a computerized system. There is a file box somewhere with his information.
I would go back and say I lost the Registration/Title WITHOUT the custom frame part of the story. That is just confusing everyone. NYS local DMV would send the VIN# up to the Main office in Albany and look for a record on file. If nothing comes up and it is not on a hot sheet, they would issue a new Transferable Registration. NYS also has a form that the sister would have to fill out to state years of Ownership, how she acquired it (estate) etc. Not a big deal, just need patience. You will have to wait a couple of months, but that would be it. Good luck.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
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When I went to the Iowa DOT, I never mentioned anything about the bike being chopped. I just had them look it up under the factory VIN off the motor and got no results. I'm the one that figured it might be registered under the frame number. Especially since Iowa goes by the numbers on the frame and not the motor. THANKS.
A title search under the owners name may help.
Last edited by smitty901; Jan 27, 2023 at 12:20 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,114
Likes: 51,397
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Beg to differ, frame and engine numbers didn't match you got cuffed the bike towed if it was a harley, been there watched that party a few times in person. 70's cops were death on that bit of business, number checks were a regular stop not to mention the rousts at parties or where ever more than a couple bikes were parked.