Registration choices

[Tim Hale]

I managed to find a rolling frame (with V5c) for my bent Bullet but the frame is earlier than the complete bike. The bent Bullet has a pre-electric start Indian motor so is compatible with the rolling chassis. Do I have a choice to change the registration to the earlier Enfield or do I have to stick with the registration on the bent Bullet?

[guest7]

Reg stays with the frame so if you swap the frame you have to use the new frame's number. At least that's what I've been told.

If you have some sentimental attachment to the bent frame's number then a less scrupulous type than me might say just stamp the bent frame's chassis number onto the new frame and carry on as if no frame change has ever taken place.

If you go to the DVLA website they do list what's required to keep a reg number with a bike when you change parts.

GC

[bullet350]

the government now uses a points system, whereby components have points. an engine carries more points than forks, and wheels carry more points than a seat. its a bizarre system that works on cars but not really on bikes. if the majority of the points come from a particular vehicle, then the 'new' built-up vehicle gets the reg of that vehicle.
if i was you, work out which identity you want to keep then swap all the bits you want onto that identity. if frame/engine numbers need to be changed on the log book then change it. i'd go for the older id cos it means no indicators and loud pipes!

also with the enfields they haven't changed much in 50 years. it'd be different if you were putting v8 range rover parts into a 1950's Land rover.

i think the dvla is more concerned with witten off motors being given new 'clean' identities, and stolen £60'000 merc's being cloned, than someone swapping a few bits over on an old chugger!

love my enfield, had it 2 1/2 years which it the longest i've had a bike by about a year. must be about 9bhp but it still makes me smile.

bullet350

[guest18]

also with the enfields they haven't changed much in 50 years. it'd be different if you were putting v8 range rover parts into a 1950's Land rover.

Why? I could take a 50's Landy and modify it progressively until it's a 400hp 80" coil sprung monster, and it would be the 50's Landy modified as far as the dvla/police/insurers etc are concerned.

What's the difference, or specifically why is that any worsethan building a copy of a 1950's Landrover with all new parts and then registering it on the identity of a derelict that you've bought? Which is technically illegal...

(not that I'm suggesting I've seen "restored" bikes *and* landrovers where the only original parts were the numbers because that would be naughty wouldn't it...)

Just a thought! (vested interest, although mine isn't a V8... unfortunately ;-))

[bullet350]

with the enfield situation all the parts are virtually identical and so it should all bolt together. its simple spanner work, wheras putting an v8 in a series one involves an understanding of engineering principles, as well as good spanner work.

we have all seen the results of ham-fisted bodgers. most of the time its quite amusing, at other times its potentially fatal.

it is thanks to these people that we now have the SVA tests and the 'man' in whitehall clamping down on the home mechanic.

10 years from now no one will be building chops, trikes or kit cars. Any classic car or bike restoration will have to be done by a professional at great cost.
look at the rules in belgium, germany and italy if you don't beileve me.

bullet350

[guest18]

Yup, and the world will be a poorer place for it :-(
Apologies if I misinterpreted your post as I tend to socialise with people who would look at a v8 series as a simple swap and sort the brakes etc etc just in passing and without having to think too hard... it's easy to forget that there are people out there who have good ideas but too much enthusiasm coupled with too little skill/thought

I just generally get annoyed with the Govt/DVLA attitudes towards registrations/re-registration etc, they do all they can to make cash and make token efforts to stop the thieves ringing vehicles.

A bit like MCN's big song and dance a few years ago about how they were no longer accepting "Frame and logbook" adverts in order to help prevent bike theft... So I looked at their small ads, and as I worked for a (dishonest!) yamaha dealer I looked for the cheapest Exup frame I could find (shows how long ago it was...) I then checked the official Yamaha price for a genuine frame. Guess what, the secondhand one was £1000 more expensive than a new one, it didn't take a genious to work out what expensive little blue/green extra came with the used frame An expensive frame...or a very cheap sportsbike if you had a dishonest streak and a lockup...

However feel free to ignore me, I've been on and off soapboxes all day for a variety of reasons, I'm going for a soak in the bath now with a cold beer to see if it will improve my temper!
Stay safe everyone and keep on counting your blessings
Smudge