Commando VIN numbers

AZScott · Sep 2, 2015

Applying for a Title for a '74 Commando project I am working on. My assumption was the VIN number as the number that was stamped besides the riveted frame tag and stamped directly into the frame on the neck of the bike in 1974, and this was in the format of " 850 # FXXXXXX # " On the Engine, gear box, and frame tag, there’s another number in the format " # 308XXX # ". The engine, gearbox and frame number should match but the number stamped directly on the neck of the frame didn't. In the Roy Bacon book he only referrers only to the numbers on the engine, gearbox and frame and I do not see any reference to the other number that is stamped directly in the frame. So for the title which should I use ?

Torontonian · Sep 2, 2015

I can't speak for the ministry of transportation , but I would offer them the no. stamped into the red headstock rivetted plate.

dynodave · Sep 2, 2015

AZScott said:
Applying for a Title for a '74 Commando project I am working on. My assumption was the VIN number as the number that was stamped besides the riveted frame tag and stamped directly into the frame on the neck of the bike in 1974, and this was in the format of " 850 # FXXXXXX # " On the Engine, gear box, and frame tag, there’s another number in the format " # 308XXX # ". The engine, gearbox and frame number should match but the number stamped directly on the neck of the frame didn't. In the Roy Bacon book he only referrers only to the numbers on the engine, gearbox and frame and I do not see any reference to the other number that is stamped directly in the frame. So for the title which should I use ?

see here:
http://atlanticgreen.com/commandoframes.htm
Talking to norton owners, the frame number is usually useless to ID the bike.

Arizona is in the usa? are you in AZ or the USA?

308xxx is the vin. Make every attempt to use this number. Even if your state RMV makes you use the frame # for title and registration purposes go ahead and get it legally owned, but you can forget that # and remember the VIN when you discuss the bike. RMV people can sometimes be reasoned with, but often are idiots and the fight is not worth it.
Sometimes a copy of my web page can help make up their mind.

Rohan · Sep 2, 2015

Some jurisdictions insist on having the frame number stamped into the frame, not on a detachable plate,
and they are getting tougher on this.
So depends on where you are.

MikeM · Sep 2, 2015

Rohan said:
Some jurisdictions insist on having the frame number stamped into the frame, not on a detachable plate,
and they are getting tougher on this.
So depends on where you are.

So what happens when the factory attached a plate as standard procedure? How can they require a stamped frame when it was not done from the factory?
My number is 150649 seems to be a 71. The plate is barely readable and obviously original. I am not going to try to reproduce or touch it up.
My bike has a plate with rivets, and the same number is stamped to the engine and transmission. All match.
There is no stamped number to the frame as far as I know.
The state of Illinois accepted all of my documentation for a lost title. Its all good.
I guess the Govt can require what the want.
First thing I did was get a clean title before I sunk way too much into this thing.

AZScott · Sep 2, 2015

Thanks Guys, always good getting input from the forum, I will stick with the SN number stamped on the engine, gearbox and frame tag, since they all match. Makes everything easier. The funny thing was I went in with a '51 Matchless at the same time, and with the Matchless those numbers definately don't match, and it went through with flying colors.

Rohan · Sep 2, 2015

Someone I knew took their Matchy in for inspection about the time of the millenium bug,
and came back with paperwork - for a Yamaha !
He said the computer wouldn't accept Matchless, so they did it as a Yam.
And had the paperwork to prove it !

DogT · Sep 3, 2015

It will depend mostly on what your state wants to see, if you're in the USA. A clear previous title should usually work fine, if not it depends on your motor vehicle department and what they decide they want. Rules are all over the place in the USA. States Rights and all.

WZ507 · Sep 3, 2015

DogT said:
It will depend mostly on what your state wants to see, if you're in the USA. A clear previous title should usually work fine, if not it depends on your motor vehicle department and what they decide they want. Rules are all over the place in the USA. States Rights and all.

+1
Another data point for you. I have a '74 850 that has been licensed only in MN since new and the title VIN # is the stamped frame number on the neck - 850F111XXX. This in spite of the engine, tranny and red neck plate number all matching, and in the form 316XXX.