VIN on engine doesn't match frame
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Monroe, NC
VIN on engine doesn't match frame
So I am getting ready to swap out my 2009 96" engine with 95,000+ miles for another complete engine, a custom 117" with the lower end coming out on an 11 Ultra Classic. I was at the dealer shooting the **** with a buddy and he brought up the VINs not matching and it possibly causing me issues in the future.
Does anyone know how to keep the DMV on the up and up with the engine swap? I'm in North Carolina and don't even know where to start. I'm googling but coming up with zeros.
Does anyone know how to keep the DMV on the up and up with the engine swap? I'm in North Carolina and don't even know where to start. I'm googling but coming up with zeros.
Check your state's website on vehicle licensing or inspection laws and if you cant find the info there call the DMV.
Chances are is not a problem, as long as VIN engine ID #'s arent reported stolen/ in legal trouble.
Chances are is not a problem, as long as VIN engine ID #'s arent reported stolen/ in legal trouble.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Monroe, NC
The bike is titled off of the frame not the engine, correct?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,224
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From: St.Louis Mo.
don't know about your bike ,but mine has the same numbers on the engine that are on the frame. in missouri i think you have to take your bike to the highway patrol and they will make sure your new motor is not hot. then you may end up with a builders title or a dr title, call the dmv or the highway patrol in your area and getthe scoop.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: SoCal
Mine has both numbers on my reg, frame and engine, listed separately. If I do a motor swap, I have to bring the bike, my current reg , the old cases into the Highway Patrol along with the MSO for the new motor cases to be inspected, then off to the DMV for the number change to my reg and title. Don't know how it's done where the op lives in NC.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
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I have swapped out my OEM motor with aftermarket and was told to keep a copy of my engine MSO in my possession ( with bike reg) if I was ever asked for it. Never been a problem here in California.
If you sell the bike, transfer title and MSO of engine to new owner. New owner can produce both to DMV if they want.
Not sure about NC.
If you sell the bike, transfer title and MSO of engine to new owner. New owner can produce both to DMV if they want.
Not sure about NC.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: SoCal
Not updating-carrying mso
The CHP will take a very dim view of not updating your paperwork. Hopefully they wont check the motor numbers, if they do your bike will probably be towed to the impound yard.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
Most states do not keep track of engine serial numbers.
Check your vehicle registration, is the engine serial number on it? If it is not, there is nothing for you to do as far as registration/title.
If the engine serial number is on the registration/title, then you will have to change the numbers through the DMV.
Harley may be the only vehicle manufacturer that matches vin and engine numbers, there is no requirement for engine serial numbers to match the VIN.
But even if your state does not track the engine serial number, keep the proper paperwork for the engine in case you move to a state that requires the engine serial number to be on the title/registration.
Check your vehicle registration, is the engine serial number on it? If it is not, there is nothing for you to do as far as registration/title.
If the engine serial number is on the registration/title, then you will have to change the numbers through the DMV.
Harley may be the only vehicle manufacturer that matches vin and engine numbers, there is no requirement for engine serial numbers to match the VIN.
But even if your state does not track the engine serial number, keep the proper paperwork for the engine in case you move to a state that requires the engine serial number to be on the title/registration.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Mar 27, 2016 at 04:17 PM.