Short "VIN" -at least in the eyes of the DMV

Hey all, I'm hoping to have my Norton ready to fire-up by Spring. In the meantime I'm going to get it titled and registered (USA). I found one hiccup that may or may not be an issue. My bike is stamped (original plate) 1491**. The title states 7501491**. Somewhere along the line the DMV must have thought 1491** was too short of a vehicle number (VIN) so they added 750 (I assume to represent 750cc). Anybody see this as an issue I should have sorted out or just title it with the 7501491**?

Thanks,

That's a tough one. I don't know what it is like dealing with DMV where you are, but here in Alaska I would tackle it now rather than later. Do they inspect your vehicle to see if the numbers match? This is where I would think it would be sticky. Or if you were pulled over and the officer was dilegnet enough to check your registration against the bike numbers. It is hard to predict what reaction you might get under those circumstances. It would be a lot harder to talk your way out of ticket if nothing else!

Russ

Russ, they never inspect the number plates in Virginia. I may request an inspection just the clear things up but I'd hate for the Inspector not to understand the situation or Norton's numbering system (20M3S on the motor, etc) and impound my freshly restored Norton!

Thanks,

I would think you would want the DMV to know and get the correct ID number on the title. I really don't think VA DMV cares much as long as you have a clear title (any state), a bill of sale and insurance.

I need to get mine done this winter too, I'm thinking about buying an antique 69 or 70 plate and going with the antique registration. I have a MD title on mine, but it is in my name. No state inspection on antiques and a one time $50 fee plus taxes if you have to pay that.

Dave
69S

I think I would wander in and talk to them about the situtation. Or call and ask. Since I don't know what it is like in VA to visit DMV this might be a major task. Here there are three windows and a long line is 10 people. However, I have had good luck in the past by saying that I wanted to get things brought up to date so that their files are correct. This seems to please beaurocrats. I would not use words like "mistake" or "wrong" but think of a way to phrase your request so that you are helping them make things better for all concerned. Or you could alway lie and tell them that you are thinking about buying this and are concerned about the apparent discrepency in the VIN. If they freak out start shopping for some punches to change your VIN number on your plate!

I would NOT make my first contact with them at an inspection!

Good luck, keep us posted as these kinds of things are always helpful in navigating difficult waters. Hopefully your DMV doesn't monitor this forum.

Russ

DogT said:

I would think you would want the DMV to know and get the correct ID number on the title. I really don't think VA DMV cares much as long as you have a clear title (any state), a bill of sale and insurance.

I need to get mine done this winter too, I'm thinking about buying an antique 69 or 70 plate and going with the antique registration. I have a MD title on mine, but it is in my name. No state inspection on antiques and a one time $50 fee plus taxes if you have to pay that.

Dave
69S

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Be careful with the "antique " plate laws in your state. In SC they are intended for parade use only and a officer may pull you over and inforce at anytime.
Ask me how I know !
Best
david lee

I've talked to many people with antique plates here in VA and as long as you don't commute on a regular basis, here in VA anyhow, they don't seem to bother you. I will probably only be putting 1-2000 miles on this thing a year too, and I live in a very rural area, hardly ever see any cops. Yes, they do say only for historical events, but every time I ride the Norton it's a historical event. Like I say everyone I've talked to says not to worry about it as long as it's safe (will pass the state inspection) and you are not driving by the state police barracks every day on the way to work. Actually, we have to verify we have a non-antique vehicle too.

Dave
69S

Funny thing happened at the DMV here, years ago. The gal at the counter didn't know what a Norton was. She put "Morton" on my title.... it took two return visits and an inspection by her boss to make it right. "Morton": sounds like a guy who sells groceries!

Morton, sounds like salt to me.

Dave
69S

It may be a problem for the next owner.

Register in Vermont (see many other posts),then register in VA with no issues.

RS

DogT said:

I've talked to many people with antique plates here in VA and as long as you don't commute on a regular basis, here in VA anyhow, they don't seem to bother you. I will probably only be putting 1-2000 miles on this thing a year too, and I live in a very rural area, hardly ever see any cops. Yes, they do say only for historical events, but every time I ride the Norton it's a historical event. Like I say everyone I've talked to says not to worry about it as long as it's safe (will pass the state inspection) and you are not driving by the state police barracks every day on the way to work. Actually, we have to verify we have a non-antique vehicle too.

Dave
69S

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Agreed on the every Norton ride being historic and Epic!!
I had antique plates on my old Beemer a few years back and a bored Buford T Justice decided to pull me over and ask me what parade I was headed too?
I laughed and gave him some yarn about how the bike only got 100 or so miles put on her every year, yada yada yada and he was hearing nothing of it. Threatened to have it towwed on the spot and write me a few choice tickets.

That bike leaked gas from one of the ol' bings if i didnt shut off the petcocks and in my haste when he pulled me over I sidestanded her and forgot. All of a sudden he smells the gas and sees the dripping and yells " is that thing even safe to run? Its old and obsolete!! " Classic moment for sure. I still laugh about that..
He let me off with a warning and I decided to go with the regular plates from there on out, I figured that if I ever got into an accident while they were on it could be a touchy subject from a legal standpoint.
Cheers bro
david

Wisconsin is nice for old things, anything 20 and older gets a collector plate, one tim fee that's double yearly registration. The plate is registered to me not the bike, so it transfers easily, I have 1 car and 3 bike plates. The bike plates are sequential, F777, F777A, F777B. Any car that's 94 or older and non OBDII ie emissions exempt. The collector restriction is you can't drive it in january, you can pay like $30 if you want to. It has been getting harder in recent years for lost titles, but not impossible, the last one cost me $25. Wherever youare the DMV sucks, dam government.

Anybody see this as an issue I should have sorted out or just title it with the 7501491**?

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As long as the bike is titled in the same state, you probably won't have a problem. If you sell it out of state, this usually requires an inspection of the VIN. This could cause an issue. I have had a couple out of state titles where they put the complete 20M3S+engine number on the title. Usually a title clerk or her supervisor can be convinced that 20M3S was the model and the actual VIN was the 6 digits on the headstock plate. You often have to explain to the clerks that prior to 1981 a 17 digit VIN was not required. Worst case scenario here in Ohio you have to take the vehicle to the State Patrol inspection station. I had to do that with a BMW airhead that foil VIN tag was partially illegible. The inspection officer was helpful and made several calls to BMW North America to reconcile the number. He only gave up in frustration when he could not find anyone at BMW who could answer his questions.

It would be a lot easier to sell if the correct numbers were on the title.

Massachusetts finally issued me a title for my '72 with it's 6 digit "manufacturing number", after getting it registered in Vermont; they did have trouble understanding the lack of the other 11 digits...

RS

Virginia Code, Section 46.2-730, limits use of antique vehicles, trailers and motorcycles registered with antique plates to the participation in club activities,exhibits, tours, parades and similar events and to carrying or transporting passengers, personal effects and other antique vehicles for show purposes.

They may also be used on Virginia highways to test vehicle/trailer operation, obtaining maintenance or repairs and/or to sell the vehicle or trailer.

Antique plates permit occasional pleasure driving (not to exceed 250 miles from the owner's residence) but are not to be used for general transportation purposes, including but not limited to, daily travel to and from the owner's place of employment.

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http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/vsa10b.pdf

Having put VA antique plates on my own `71, the red text above is license to do exactly what I do.

My registration day went like this: The RWC tester had written the wrong frame number on the report so I had to drop by his work an hour before the rego appointment and get a new RWC issued. Then the chappy at Vic Roads insisted that the frame number should be stamped into the headstem somewhere, but there's only the compliance plate that I know of. He finally bought that, but then discovered that he had another vehicle with the same number! Well hell, it's only 6 digits and not a VIN so there's a fair chance that there is another vehicle with the same number - it's not unique. He really liked the bike (he was an Indian and just thought it was the Bee's Knees) but insisted on following protocol. I'm drenched in sweat by this stage, thinking it's all going to go arse-up, but he gets advice from someone else and it all gets sorted. He raises a registration note with an extra digit in it, cancels it as an error, removes the sputrious digit and then re-issues it! I pay my money - he insists on taking my lowest Red Book valuation and it all ends up less than I'd calculated. I've got my plate, I'm in the carpark and my hands shake so much for a minute I can't hold the screwdriver to mount the plate to ride home. What a stress-out! Moments like these you really need a cigarette.

Hope your day goes a bit easier Anglophile.

I had a bit of a scare when I bought my commando, but everything worked out fine.

post71853.html#p71853

I'll say what was said to me:

"... I, unlike the others, feel you are in serious trouble here. You will lose your bike, and may face a long term in State Prison.


But, we're here to help. I have personally taken up a collection from the members and will bring you $4K to cover your loss. I will also take away the bike and destroy it to keep you from going to the Big House. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. I am old, so don't worry about me. I will survive.....somehow.


Oh, I'll need your address. Don't put it on the forum, send me a PM."

..lol. You'll be fine.

MEHAVEY,
So I guess that keeps me from trailoring it to CA and driving it around there. Not a problem for me. 250 miles is plenty for me. That should get me to Richmond, but I guess I can't go into DC, WV or MD. I knew I saw that on the DMV page. I'm not sure I could take a ride to Richmond and back anyhow, maybe Front Royal, Madison or Flint Hill and back.

Dave
69S

For god's sake Anglophyle, look out for KSUWildcatFan. He's a notorious crook who, with the help of his father is running a "hot" Norton ring. The man is one step away from Federal Prison. They have some way of avoiding the DMV.

Here's what you do. Bring it to California, but don't tell anyone for security reasons. I have connections with the Bank of Nigeria and will cover all your expenses.

Remember, you can get license plates or make license plates, but not both.

Failing that, I think it was GrandPaul who said: "Keep your mouth shut and answer direct questions. When they ask you for the money, hand it over.

Go ride."