Harley Davidson Forums

Harley Davidson Forums (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/)

- EVO (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-84/)

- - 1989 1340 (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo/1139295-1989-1340-a.html)

Looking at buying a 1989 1340 with the Vin number on the frame starting with STP is this normal or does this mean something?

sorry I don't know much about bikes, I am looking at buying a 1989 Dyna superglide with a 1340. But the Frame Vin number Starts with a STP instead of HD1. What does this mean?

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. Can you post us a link to a photo? As you already know, all H-D's come with a VIN starting HD, etc, which suggests that bike has a custom frame, probably built by someone whose name relates to STP. What does the engine number look like? That may give us more clues, as other firms than Harley made 1340 Evo engines.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobbelaar (Post 15552741)

I am looking at buying a 1989 Dyna superglide with a 1340. But the Frame Vin number Starts with a STP instead of HD1. What does this mean?

Dyna didn't come out till 91...Dyna superglide 95...unless it is dirt cheap, I would walk away.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobbelaar (Post 15552741)

sorry I don't know much about bikes, I am looking at buying a 1989 Dyna superglide with a 1340. But the Frame Vin number Starts with a STP instead of HD1. What does this mean?

That means the frame is aftermarket and not Harley.

As Tom said unless it's dirt cheap walk away.

Santee frames from the 70's started with an S and then usually 6 numbers.

No clue on an STP one though. Santee numbers were on the head tube as a rule also.

Griz

Yeah, aftermarket frame. Why? And it is registered as a 1989? Something isn't right. I don't think there were any rubber mounted frames available aftermarket in 1989. Could be anything. I would walk "unless it is practically free" AND I knew and believed the story that went with it. And if, as you say, you don't know much about bikes, I would definitely look for something else.

Read This.............................................

Quote:

If you have a Harley engine with matching title taken from a crashed or salvaged motorcycle, and put that engine into a new frame, the title is invalid. Anyone trying to sell you a post-1970 Harley where the title VIN only matches the engine, but does not match the number on the frame, PASS! Want to upgrade your bike to a new custom frame? You must apply for a new title. While it is nice to have an original Harley with matching engine and frame numbers, only the frame VIN is relevant when it comes to legal registration.

Never accept a Harley or other vehicles without a legal title. One such case involved an individual restoring a Harley originally purchased without proper papers. Some deadbeat and his lawyer came along and claimed the Harley was his. Without enough money to pay an attorney, and lacking any legal title or receipts, the poor guy was forced to give the bike to this shark in order to avoid a lawsuit. This may sound like extortion but it happens all the time. Don’t become another horror story. Take precautions when investigating the authenticity of the Harley VIN and registration.

There has always been much debate over bikes with matching numbers and their true value. In my opinion, any Harley being sold as “rare” or “limited” is usually anything but that. As with beauty, value and rarity are often in the eye of the beholder. If matching numbers makes a motorcycle more valuable to you, then only you can put a value on it. Just don’t expect the next person buying that Harley from you to think the same way.

http://www.tabperformance.com/harley...uide-s/224.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.Hess (Post 15553648)

:icon_that:

At one time, the bike in question was someone else's project. Might be the most amazing thing ever. Might be complete junk. Or anywhere in between.

Unless you're in a position to properly evaluate what you're working with here, this thing is filled with risk.

That being said, if you have the time and resources, you can learn a lot from a bike like that.

The stuff about title and registration is spot on as well.

Chances are it's an aftermarket FXR frame with an '89 engine.

You sure it's registered as a '89, what does it say on the title?

A picture would help.

Like Omaha said, might be a good deal, might be junk.