Newbie at large

:?: :?: :?: 8)



stamped across the top of the top gearbox mounting lug .

Persevere , other than a Triumph , it has no equal . Let alone one of those Jap things . :lol:

Chris T said:

"20M3S / 131549 is 1969. Probably built as a 750 "S Type" originally, because 131549 would be too early for it to have been a Roadster (1971) model although it has the low level exhaust system and later model Roadster seat."

LAB - is your understanding that roadsters were not built till 1971? My bike is June 1970 and It was assembled as a roadster with lower pipes when I bought it. I have assumed that it was built that way.

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Yes, sorry, 1971 is a typo, I meant 1970. The first Roadster was supposedly serial 135140, built March 1970.

DO NOT put ANY biofuel / ETHANOL near that fuel tank !

Matt Spencer said:

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That's an R Type.

It's unlikely, although perhaps not impossible for 131549 to be an R Type -unless the oil tank/battery tray/airbox has been changed, as the R Type had the Fastback oil tank, etc. and early exhaust system (as shown), and most if not all, R's had the timing cover tach drive with the points housing behind the cylinders.

concours said:

[






For example when many parts are "acquired" to build a hot rod, custom car or bike from nothing how are they "approved" for use on the road..

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First question: FRAME serial number rules. Titles are (in some states) available for vintage vehicles. Some states just a nill of sale and registration (licensing) is sufficient for the vehicle. My state will issue a title after a LEO inspects/verifies numbers.

Second Q: a homebuilt hotrod can be registered, but some states make it very hard, (safety/emissions), but if you buy a frame, it'll come with a Certificate of Origin from the maker. Some states are much more reasonable.[/quote]
I don't think you can even get a title in NH for something this old. Just a previous registration or bill of sale is necessary for a registration. We don't seem to care about older vehicle titles. Is there not a stamped number on the opposite side of the head stock of where the alloy plate would be, or is that on newer models only? If so could you use that? I don't think engine numbers are that important for registration. If one was to put a rod through the case that would pretty much mean a new engine with "wrong" numbers would be needed. New unstamped alloy commission plates are available for sure and if you go this route get original style hardened one time tap in studs to affix it as this will add a bit of authenticity. Also have a look at a genuine plate before you stamp your new one to get down the correct size of the digits. But one big problem with a new plate is the fact that it is NEW and will no way match the condition of the rest of the bike..., a problem if you need to prove numbers before restoration starts. Take this for what it's worth though, my '75's commission plate has absolutely no hint of the original red color left on it. With age and washing it has completely faded away. For all intents and purposes it looks just like a plane piece aluminum sheet metal with some numbers stamped into it that match the engine number.

"I don't think you can even get a title in NH for something this old. "

That is inaccurate. The friendly town clerk & DMV are quick to tell you don't NEED a title, but simply ask for an application for title, follow the procedure and, presto, title in ten days. When you go to sell a vehicle with NO TITLE, you'll wish you had spent the $20. (Unless your buyer is in-state) I've done it three times. Did you think I just made it up??? :roll:

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/ ... exempt.htm

olChris said:

biopunk said:

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm still looking for the frame number (above the gearbox mounting boss? Is that the mount just beneath the oil tank?)

Much rust indeed, I'll make the calls today to see whether it is possible to get this thing titled in this shape. Depending on the hoops I'd have to jump through it may be a lost cause, in which case there may be a lot of parts about to hit ebay...

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I dont understand the licencing system in USA with its "title" complexities....... You say that you will/may part it out on ebay and scatter the parts wherever... So if you where the/an ebay customer and bought 3000 individual pieces of a norton from around the world.............. How would you get it licenced/titled/legally on the road in your name ?????????

For example when many parts are "acquired" to build a hot rod, custom car or bike from nothing how are they "approved" for use on the road..

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What he means about getting it titled "in this shape" I assume means with the boggered serial numbers on the engine. That usually indicated that the bike may have been stolen at some point and someone attempted to disfigure the serial numbers, although that was done so poorly I can't imagine what they were thinking.

So at this point the assumption is that somewhere the bike maybe listed as stolen. The challenge is that it could have been reported stolen in the last 40 years. If it were me I'd call the local state patrol and see if it's in their system. But it's obviously a crap shoot.

Bt crazy stuff happens.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/0 ... 19446.html

Some states here are very, let's say, lenient with the titling. You can actually send them a form and some money and they will send you a registration or a title (depending on some variables). You can then take that registration or title and retitle in your own state. Now some states have caught on to this and will flag these as suspicious and make your life difficult. Like I said NC and CA would be a couple I can think of.

There are many ways to get a vehicle titled if you don't have one. It all varies by state.

Indeed the engine serial can be made out with the right amount of squinting however the gearbox serial number is much less discernible so I am of the opinion that this poor bike has had something of a shady past. I checked with the DMV and they were able to match the serial I pulled off the engine with the license plate number so I'm assuming it is the correct number. The next 'morally acceptable' step will be to follow up with the Highway Patrol to check the current temperature of the bike.

The previous owner claims to have the original title packed away with the original manual in boxes he hasn't opened in 20 years but had never transferred it to his own name. I'm going to give him a little time to search and potentially produce said title before I make any moves. I do have the name of the PPO so I will also spend a little time following that lead, it would require a little more footwork (and likely some greasing of palms) to get him to produce a title but it's gotta be easier than dealing with the DMV without a title in hand. Missouri is notorious for their strictness.

I think you're taking the right tack. If it is hot, it gives you leverage to go back to where you started.

Dave

Here's the next moral question, if you get a solid title do you clean up the engine serial numbers… I don't know what I would do in that case.

Probably not, I don't mind the patina and the "outlaw" past of the bike as long as I can get it cleared to be driven on the road. My dad and I have been throwing around the idea of making it into a dual-sport of sorts. We've both done the cafe thing with other bikes and want to try something new (some might not think this is moral :mrgreen: )

concours said:

"I don't think you can even get a title in NH for something this old. "

That is inaccurate. The friendly town clerk & DMV are quick to tell you don't NEED a title, but simply ask for an application for title, follow the procedure and, presto, title in ten days. When you go to sell a vehicle with NO TITLE, you'll wish you had spent the $20. (Unless your buyer is in-state) I've done it three times. Did you think I just made it up??? :roll:

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/ ... exempt.htm

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All right, all right, take it easy, You seemed so mellow before. :shock:

Biscuit said:

concours said:

"I don't think you can even get a title in NH for something this old. "

That is inaccurate. The friendly town clerk & DMV are quick to tell you don't NEED a title, but simply ask for an application for title, follow the procedure and, presto, title in ten days. When you go to sell a vehicle with NO TITLE, you'll wish you had spent the $20. (Unless your buyer is in-state) I've done it three times. Did you think I just made it up??? :roll:

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/ ... exempt.htm

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All right, all right, take it easy, You seemed so mellow before. :shock:

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lol, I ain't shook up... beer's on me. just calling attention to how they dissuade us from getting a title... then it sucks selling to another state.

"the idea of making it into a dual-sport of sorts " You've come to the right place.

Paiging Hobot to the white courtesy phone please.... :mrgreen:

swooshdave said:

Here's the next moral question, if you get a solid title do you clean up the engine serial numbers… I don't know what I would do in that case.

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That would be prudent. While the OP cites his liking the "outlaw" past look... that's the kind of gift that could keep on giving. And not in a good way.

Missouri registration info...

Posted on the Kansas City Craislist today:
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/4393253595.html

Maybe just for parts afterall, a shame.

I'll make the calls today to see whether it is possible to get this thing titled in this shape. Depending on the hoops I'd have to jump through it may be a lost cause, in which case there may be a lot of parts about to hit ebay...

Re: Missouri registration info...

Bob Z. said:

Posted on the Kansas City Craislist today:
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/4393253595.html

Maybe just for parts afterall, a shame.

I'll make the calls today to see whether it is possible to get this thing titled in this shape. Depending on the hoops I'd have to jump through it may be a lost cause, in which case there may be a lot of parts about to hit ebay...

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Use good judgment... due diligence..

Years ago, I was looking to buy a car. A friend's wife worked for an insurance company so he had her run the VIN for a history check (came up clean, no crashes, not stolen). You may want to call an insurance company looking for a "quote" on a motorcycle you are considering buying, and see if they run the VIN and if anything comes up.