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VIN question

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Tommyc, Jun 3, 2010.

  1. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Hi all, I have a bike titled as a 1983 -HD It's a FXE (I think) but the VIN does not look like a H-D VIN
    This is the VIN HD74J2180400
    A 1983 VIN is supposed to be 17 digits. My VIN is 12 digits.
    Does anyone have any idea what the deal is with my bike?
    Could it be an early pre 1981 frame?
    Could it be a replica frame?
    Stolen and altered VIN frame?
    Did I get ripped off when I bought my $9,000 Harley?
    Help, please?
    Tommyc, Jun 3, 2010
    #1
  3. wvak47

    wvak47 Active Member

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    I am assuming your giving us the number from the frame since engine markings doesn't matter for title.

    Looks from what I am finding you must have a frame that is pre-1981 if it only has 12 digits and truly is an HD frame. I am sure lots of folks made replacement frames and possibly you have a non-HD replacement. Is it possible to do a title search in your state and track this title back to its origins and see what happened. Maybe someone bought a wreck and put the motor in a new frame and had a title made. Hard to say but titled as an 83 with less than 17 digits makes me wonder unless it is a non-HD frame rebuild.
    wvak47, Jun 3, 2010
    #2
  4. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Harley-Davidson Customer Care
    3700 W. Juneau Avenue
    Milwaukee, WI 53208

    To speak with a Harley-Davidson customer care representative please call (414) 343-4056. Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST).
    hotroadking, Jun 3, 2010
    #3
  5. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Yes, frame VIN
    The VIN doesn't follow the pre-81 nomenclature either.
    It's not the original motor. It's a house of horsepower motor.
    Thanks for trying to help.
    I'm thinking it's a replica frame.
    I already have a title search in the works.
    I prefer John 3:18. HaHa, just kidding I don't do religion.
    Tommyc, Jun 3, 2010
    #4
  6. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Yes, frame VIN
    The VIN doesn't follow the pre-81 nomenclature either.
    It's not the original motor. It's a house of horsepower motor.
    Thanks for trying to help.
    I'm thinking it's a replica frame.
    I already have a title search in the works.
    I prefer John 3:18. HaHa, just kidding I don't do religion.:wtf:
    Tommyc, Jun 3, 2010
    #5
  7. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    I did this already, they told me it's not a Harley VIN.:banghead::gah:
    Tommyc, Jun 3, 2010
    #6
  8. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    wonder why all this research wasnt done prior to the deal?????? just askin.....?
    chucktx, Jun 3, 2010
    #7
  9. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    :puke:
    It was my Uncle's bike. I got it after he passed away 5 years ago.
    Thanks for your input.
    Tommyc, Jun 3, 2010
    #8
  10. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Confused you said you wondered if you got ripped off for $9K
    but it was your uncles bike... Presuming you bought it from your Aunt
    or the estate?

    If they sold it as an HD with an HD title you were sold
    something that is not an HD. Anyone else and you'd probably
    want an attorney to go after them..

    This is why HD fights so hard when people use their name
    on shops, oil cans, shirts, web sites etc. The Name it'self is iconic and has been used improperly by people for personal gain.

    So the next time you hear about HD getting on some shop for hanging the bar and shield, remember this guy buying a non HD bike thinking it's a real HD and paying the HD premium.

    Now it might very well be a nice bike, the value, well
    that is suspect in that we don't know what you really have

    My guess is your Uncle bought or built an aftermarket bike.

    I would go by a dealer or shop and have it checked out
    for value...Determine the manuf. etc.

    JMO if you find out it's worth half what you paid
    I'd discuss it with the seller being family see what
    they will do...
    hotroadking, Jun 3, 2010
    #9
  11. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Thanks for the input guys.
    You aren't helping me though.
    I guess I will have to wait for the title search to come back to get useful information.
    It might be a V-Twin replica frame.
    Does anyone know how their VIN's work?
    Tommyc, Jun 3, 2010
    #10
  12. HarleysLR

    HarleysLR Active Member

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    What’s happened after 5 years ownership to make you check it out now? If Harley told you it is not a HD vin then it probably isn’t. If it is not an HD motor then it’s not an HD at all but some kind of custom built bike. Going to be hard to find out any info, does the title really say Harley Davidson on it? Just asking.
    HarleysLR, Jun 3, 2010
    #11
  13. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Thanks for your help doctor.
    Anybody else got anymore stupid questions for me? :cussing:
    Tommyc, Jun 3, 2010
    #12
  14. ironhorse

    ironhorse Active Member

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    The only stupid question is the one not asked, why give attitude? He didn't buy the bike.. then ..ask what it was.
    ironhorse, Jun 3, 2010
    #13
  15. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    wow, guy asks for advise....we try to help with the very limited info he has, then gets mad????:wtf:
    chucktx, Jun 3, 2010
    #14
  16. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Yea, what the fu@k is up with that. Maybe he'll slam the door behind him as he leaves, don't need that kind of bull crap. :cussing:
    FLHTbiker, Jun 3, 2010
    #15

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