Question about aftermarket frame numbers vs Harley motor numbers. Update

[harley1]

Hello all,
Just purchased a panhead motor in a santee frame. The title's serial number match the engine. There are two sets of numbers on the neck of the frame that I asume are from the mfg MSO, and possibly a number from the state if IL. Those numbers are not on the title. Could not find any info from a title search on any of those numbers on the frame. Should I notify my state MVD or is this something I should not to be concerned about? How do you handle this with aftermarket frames?

Any thought's??

Thanks.

[Robert Luland]

The tital goes by the vin number on your motor. Nothing more. Just grind them off the frame if they bug ya. They mean nothing unless the frame came from a hot bike that theresa paper trail for. Bob L

[Chris Haynes]

Please note that it is illegal to remove any manufacturers number.

[harley1]

Thanks guy's. I couldn't remember if the frame had to match the motor. I will leave the frame numbers as they are.

Thanks Again!

[harley1]

Question about aftermarket frame numbers vs Harley motor numbers. Update

The title's serial number match the engine. There are some numbers on the aftermarket frame that I asume are from the mfg MSO. Those numbers are not on the title. Could not find any info from a title search on any of those numbers on the frame.

Any thought's?? Advise??

[Lonnie]

If the motor is H-D '69 or older, the motor # should reflect on the title as it was not until 1970 that H-D went to the Vin on the neck. If your motor is '69 or older and it is in an aftermarket frame that also has a Vin or other number, lose the frame and find a correct frame. Title must match the motor number, a bill of sale will not do.
If the motor is 1970 or newer, you cannot title the bike to that number, it has to be the frame #. If you want it to remain a H-D you will need a factory frame with factory VIN numbers and the title to match, a bill of sale is not adequate.

[harleytoprock]

If its a pre 1970 motor and title, just fill in the after market frame numbers with bondo/paint and register by the motor number. No one will will looking for frame numbers anyway on a pre 1970. All my pre 1970 Harleys have no frame numbers and are registered by motor number.

[harley1]

Thanks Lonnie, It is a pre 70 so that might be my only option. But I am afraid finding a frame might be easier said than done.

[Sargehere]

Harleytoprock, The scary thing is that MVD didn't have a clue what I was talking about when I tried to explain that Harley didn't put numbers on frames until 70.

What you mean is that that clerk at some North Dakota motor vehicle office didn't know. Someone in North Dakota motor vehicle will know. The fact is well known that Harleys had no frame numbers until 1970, and the motor number was the VIN.

You have to lose the frame number. So that then, it's nobody's business if you present a legitimate title for a pre-70 H-D that matches the number on the engine, installed in an unnumbered frame. Truth is, "there was no number assigned to the frames of Harleys in that era." It's written down in some "guides" they doubtless have to go by, listing all the marque-specifics.