Shovelhead VIN Issue
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
I dont think ill have a problem getting pulled over. Im just looking down the line in terms or reselling the bike and when im ready to drop some money on it to turn it into what I want, last thing I need is a frame that doesnt match the frame. Bike is red and im not a big fan of red. Eventually want to go to black and brass colored. Whats the sense in tearing the bike apart and painting the frame and building the bike to my custom needs, you know? Might just ride it around until it blows up on me or just resell the thing. Its a clean bike though so that would be a bummer
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Go to tag an older bike here and the DMV makes you take it to the CHP for an inspection . Anything they don't like the whole bikes impounded on the spot till you get it sorted out and anything not supported with some paper work can be keep . Months this **** can take .
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Engine case matches the title but there is a small patch job on the case (doesnt leak currently). Im just worried that if I ever have to buy a new case then nothing will match the title. Can I buy a new frame and just retitle this sucker ? Buy a old harley frame with title and swap everything over? The mechanic at another shop told me to stamp it myself. (I know its illegal). He says they stamp their own frames rather than get that rivoted plate from the state barracks because its a lot of hoops to jump through.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Patch on the crank case is just above the primary on left side of the bike. Looks like an old weld from a hairline crack years ago. Doesnt leak at all now though. On the right side of the crank the numbers are properly abbreviated to match the title and are unaltered. (No grinding marks or signs of restamping). If this crank case ***** the bed on me in due time though, ill have nothing to match my title and a pile of parts is my worry. Personally, I want a black frame instead of red so id rather just buy one, swap my parts and start my custom build from there. Going to call the clerks office tomorrow and explain my situation. See what they have to say. The bike has a history, and although someone didnt take the right step back in the 90's there has to be a way around this red tape im experiencing.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
[QUOTE=dgdamore;12896547]Dude, you worry way too much. Ride the bike and enjoy it. In 30+ years riding on the street, I never had a cop check my vin. On a bike or in a car.
Ive been riding and enjoying it. Just decided to come here to get some answers so I know which way to take go in the future when I decide to sell or build it up
Ive been riding and enjoying it. Just decided to come here to get some answers so I know which way to take go in the future when I decide to sell or build it up
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,919
Likes: 3,724
From: Hill Country, TX
On the right side of the crank the numbers are properly abbreviated to match the title and are unaltered. (No grinding marks or signs of restamping). If this crank case ***** the bed on me in due time though, ill have nothing to match my title and a pile of parts is my worry. Personally, I want a black frame instead of red so id rather just buy one, swap my parts and start my custom build from there. Going to call the clerks office tomorrow and explain my situation. See what they have to say. The bike has a history, and although someone didnt take the right step back in the 90's there has to be a way around this red tape im experiencing.
Again, I don't know what the cops are like in TN, but in California if you are stopped by the CHP or any other law enforcement agency, and the numbers on your registration card (VIN or Eng number) don't match up, you are in a world of ****. Like Twizted mentioned, they could impound your bike on the spot, and you'd have to provide proof that everything is on the up and up, if you ever want to see your bike again. The cops take this **** very serious out here.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 6
From: Route 66
California is pretty **** about those things but I've not had someone even look at frame VIN since I left Cali in late 80s. I wouldn't stress a bit about riding it as is, selling it may give you grief. A new frame and custom build title would fix you right up though I would think. With the new frame and papers with it to go with your engine and matching title I wouldn't see any problems.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,525
Likes: 57,081
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
If the title isn't salvaged anymore and there are no frame numbers, you "could be" in a world of hurt. If I were you, I'd give the DMV a call with a hypothetical question. The frame needs numbers that match the title or you could be looking at some nastiness should you get pulled over by a cop that wants to check out your stuff. At any rate, selling is going to be a real problem unless the buyer is also unaware... I've been where you're at. I finally unloaded the bike to an overseas buyer to avoid the hassles. But I did ride that bike for a lot of years 1st!
Whoever got the original salvage title should have worked with the DMV to get legitimate numbers on the frame...
Whoever got the original salvage title should have worked with the DMV to get legitimate numbers on the frame...
Yes, the salvage title should have called for an inspection and numbers given at that time for the frame