1989 1340
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Dyna didn't come out till 91...Dyna superglide 95...unless it is dirt cheap, I would walk away.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
As Tom said unless it's dirt cheap walk away.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
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.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 3,554
From: Texas
Read This.............................................
http://www.tabperformance.com/harley...uide-s/224.htm
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.
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.
Last edited by RLH3175; Sep 29, 2016 at 10:40 AM.
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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.
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.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,803
Likes: 7,830
From: SE Louisiana
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.
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.