could anybody advice me i have take possesion of a 1976 mk3 es commando should they be matching frame and engine numbers as the engine and gearbox doesnt correspnd to the frame yet its matching in the v5 any help thank you

Your Mk 3 has 4 numbers on it. When it was released from the factory the numbers stamped on the engine, transmission and on the steering head mounted plate matched; you could call these build numbers. The fourth is a number stamped into the frame to the right of the red, riveted plate on the steering head that begins with an "F"; this is the number that most Motor Vehicle departments use for title/registration purposes.

I'd be speculating, but the transmission mismatch could easily be from a failed layshaft bearing that broke the case.

RS

thanks but engine and gearbox match but not frame

Is the frame certification plate missing?

no lab thats there showing frame number which doesnt correspond to engine and box

adrian wrote:no lab thats there showing frame number which doesnt correspond to engine and box

That's unfortunate.

We don't yet know how you took posession, if you bought it, or if it was a gift/heirloom, and I expect it's no help to say so now, but the golden rule is always check the vehicle numbers correspond with he V5 details before buying any vehicle.

i bought it privatly.but yes i should have checked

Does the frame number match the V5 ?

The gearbox number is of no interest to anyone apart from enthusiasts and doesn't appear on documents.

It should be possible to notify simply a change of engine although you'll no longer have the 'matching' numbers that most of us don't worry about and which earlier MkIIIs didn't have anyway. Is there also a number stamped on your headstock alongside the red plate, perhaps almost hidden by paint ?

It's a bit difficult to guess these things without seeing the actual numbers and stampings.

yes frame number matches the v5.the only concernes ive got is ive been told that dvla would want a receipt for a engine change.as its had a few previous owners it ni impossible to trace the owner at the time that replaced the engine.its a shame as its a fully sorted es that im very impressed with but just have this wory of engine not matching the v5

79x100 wrote:It should be possible to notify simply a change of engine

Unfortunately it's not that quite that simple any more.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Ow ... DG_4022054

DVLA will need written evidence of any changes to engine number and cylinder capacity (cc). Written evidence can be:
•a receipt for the replacement engine
•written evidence from the manufacturer
•an inspection report provided for insurance purposes
•written confirmation on headed paper from a garage if the change in engine size took place before you bought the vehicle

However I understand that some motorcycle owners have provided the DVLA with their own written declarations and been successful.

adrian wrote:yes frame number matches the v5.the only concernes ive got is ive been told that dvla would want a receipt for a engine change.as its had a few previous owners it ni impossible to trace the owner at the time that replaced the engine.its a shame as its a fully sorted es that im very impressed with but just have this wory of engine not matching the v5

I suggest you contact the DVLA, explain what has happened and see if there is a way around this problem?

As a first step, Adrian, I'd suggest running all your numbers, preferably with photos, in front of someone who has a bit of experience with Commando numbers in general and MkIIIs in particular, just to see what you've got. There are plenty of forum posts detailing the introduction of the F* series frame numbers and their inconsistencies and it isn't straightforward to jump straight in on.

I'd suggest sending a personal message to our esteemed moderator, L.A.B. to ask if he could take a look.

I don't think that you'd be well advised to put any numbers on open forum.

thanks 79x100 will do regards adrian