How screwed am I?

TahitianRed · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 9:32 am Post subject: How screwed am I?

I had the frame for my '71 CB450 DOHC blasted and powder coated and the shop doing the work removed the VIN tag and then LOST IT. I could scream. The frame does have the numbers stamped into it and I do have the title for the bike in my name. But I am very worried that this will be a problem when selling the bike, or at least effect the value. Anyone have any experience with this or have any suggestions?

Thanks,

-TR

jayel · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 9:58 am Post subject:

start with simple questions, who took it off? where was it taken off? what was done with it then? where would it have been put? ect. hopefully they will get sick of the questions and find it

tbpmusic · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:47 am Post subject:

Depends on your state.
In most cases it will be a non-issue until you go to sell the bike.
Some states are pretty understanding, some not.
In Indiana, it's not an issue unless you bring in an out of state vehicle, which requires an inspection and sign-off by the State police. However, if the trooper is your buddy, he may go with it.
Selling the bike to someone in-state does not require anything - but that's just Indiana.
Just for information, it's nearly impossible to get a title here for an "unknown" bike, I've tried. Someone gave me a CB400T, no title - I did searches in 4 states to find info on it, nobody ever heard of the bike. On the advice of my State Trooper buddy, I wrote it off and scrapped it for parts.
If you have a state trooper you are friendly with, get his opinion.
The number is stamped into the frame, so that's a good thing.

I have a bike (CB200) the same thing happened with, lost VIN tag after powdercoat.
Another bike (CB450) that I took the VIN tag off before powder coating, and have it in my possesion.

In any case, the tag is never supposed to be removed in the first place, so I guess I really can't answer your question.
And to complicate the issue, really old Hondas didn't even have VIN tags, just the stamped numbers.

I'll be interested in how this thread goes myself.

H2Lou · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 1:23 pm Post subject:

They do get damaged from cables and such...try a decal guy.
It’s your bike so putting a new replacement sticker on is not an issue.
I know Rick Brett in the UK reprints them for all the Kawasaki models.

Lou

dorT500 · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 4:35 pm Post subject:

Are these the ones(actual thin metal base) that Rick makes? Got pictures off ebay a good while back but lost my contact info on them. Think whoever made these make them for other makes but I am not sure.

dorT500 · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 4:48 pm Post subject:

Come to think about it .... I think these came from a seller in Australia. Have not seen them on ebay lately.

H2Lou · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 5:00 pm Post subject:

I’m pretty sure Rick only does the two stroke bikes...and mostly Kawi...I'm sure that someone out there will produce them for the diesels as well. Shocked

dorT500 · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Suzuki-T500-USA-style-head-stock-decal_W0QQitemZ180316517712QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories?hash=item180316517712&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A543%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50 Maybe he makes them for other bikes

TahitianRed · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 6:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks to all. I live in Massachusetts and will have to talk to my local police station to find out what they say. I'll post what I find out.

I have told the powder coating place to keep looking until they find it, but I'm not holding my breath.

Thanks again,

-TR

tdhorne · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 10:09 am Post subject:

If you were in my state(SC) you wouldn't have a problem. I had this problem also but with mine but the plate was illegible. I removed the damaged plate cleaned up the area where the plate was went to the DMV .They looked at the Vin# and title and issued me a new title. I've since sold that bike to a guy in NC who had no problem getting a NC title for it. The earlier bikes only had the VIN # stamped in the frame. The data plate only had manufac, dates a weights and that kind of info. As long as the VIN.# stamped in the frame is the same on the title I see no reason to worry about it. Since you had your frame powdercoated theres probably no sign of a data plate (except for maybe a couple if tiny holes). Sometimes the powdercoat is so thick it even fills those in. Good luck and keep us posted.

H2Lou · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 10:17 am Post subject:

plus...they do sell number punches Twisted Evil

feelergaugephil1 · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

TahitianRed · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the replies guys. Going to the police station tomorrow, or RMV if necessary. I'll let you know what they say, but I'm feeling better about it just based on your own experiences.

-TR