Help Me PLEASE!!!
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
My bike is a HD 1999 Heritage Softail Classic 1200cc EVO. The frame has been modified along with the engine a S&S Super Stock, & it has a high performace carb. I now really think that part of the modify was to remove the vin. When I went to buy the bike I took 2 men with me. Neither one of them had my back. The guy I bought the bike from had owned it for 10 years. I talked to him again & he has to many stories about the vin not being on the frame. He has no paperwork on the modify. At this point I'm scared to call the DMV and tell them anything. The bike runs so good & rides great. But at this point the only thing I know to do is part the bike out. Makes me sick...sick...sick but there's no way I can get the title straightened out. I'm just screwed. I can't take the chance of the bike being conficated, & then I really won't recoop any money. The 2 men that went with me feel really bad, but I'm the one out the money. I hate it when people take advantage of my good nature, & make me step out of my character! But at the end of the day it's all me! Man what a lesson to learn! Thanks everyone for all the info.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Gulfport, Ms
How did you run the vin? A Harley vin should start with a 1 and an MG should start with an S (assuming they are still made in England). Online decoders meant for cars and trucks can say funny stuff about bikes. Use the motorcycle decoder at motoverse.com. I've found it very good.
Unfortunately, if the vin on the title can't be found on the bike, you may not actually own the bike, and the title may be worthless. Depending on the laws in your state, you may have to get a home built or custom title and affix your own vin. Here in TX, the engine numbers are ignored.
Or keep renewing what you have, register and insure it every year and hope it gets stolen.
Unfortunately, if the vin on the title can't be found on the bike, you may not actually own the bike, and the title may be worthless. Depending on the laws in your state, you may have to get a home built or custom title and affix your own vin. Here in TX, the engine numbers are ignored.
Or keep renewing what you have, register and insure it every year and hope it gets stolen.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Gulfport, Ms
In order for me to get a vin on the bike I have to have the paper work on the modification. Which he has already told me there is none. The bike was modified about 12 years ago. I've know the guy who sold it to me for about 20 years. I remember when he modified the bike. But all I remember was he did alot of work on it, & it is runs out of this world.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 3,614
From: Picayune, Ms.
Keep a cool head Sherrie, you are getting close, if you can get this guy to go down to a Notary and certify the facts on the bike this might get you through the process.
I see you may be down here, but not out by a long shot.
I see you may be down here, but not out by a long shot.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Kingston, Ontario
Sounds to me like you might have a good vin keep your fingers crossed it just might be half ok. If the ownership says Harley and has a vin that is not on the bike though you are going to have problems latter with LEO. Is there any vin on the neck or motor or is it only on the paper? The motor and neck (part of the frame the steering is connected to) should be stamped on the opposite side of the carb.
Good luck in the am.
Good luck in the am.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu
In order for me to get a vin on the bike I have to have the paper work on the modification. Which he has already told me there is none. The bike was modified about 12 years ago. I've know the guy who sold it to me for about 20 years. I remember when he modified the bike. But all I remember was he did alot of work on it, & it is runs out of this world.
When you order a Jap bike replacement frame they make you cut the neck(w/VIN#) off and send it in. They then stamp your number in the new replacement frame and sent it out to you. For some reason HD frames are not handled the same way...