Topic: Different frame and engine VIN's

[loupoin]

While photographing the frame and engine VIN's for a prospective buyer for my 1976 CB400F, I noticed my frame number was 2 digits off from the engine. As a matter of fact, the last digit on the engine look hand etched, not like the factory stamped numbers preceding it. It is not filed or altered in any way. Are they supposed to be the same, other than the additional 'E' in the engine VIN? The frame # is CB400F-2001427, The engine is CB400FE-200149. I bought bike with a clear TN title and was issued a clear SC title. I've scoured here and the internet and found a wealth of info on VIN's, but nothing as basic as are they supposed to match, which I assumed they should. Thanks for any light you can shed on my mystery. Attached is a photo of the engine VIN.

[Muckinfuss]

quite normal for this generation of honda to mismatch.  I'm not aware of any state (but there could be one I suppose) that uses the engine for title work...always a frame number.  Insurance.....always a frame number.  Stolen vehicle registry.....always a frame number.  Good luck with your sale.

[loupoin]

Thanks for the info guys. As I researched VIN's I noticed all the sites listed frame and engine numbers separately, so I began thinking (hoping) they might be different. Plus if there was a conflict I would think TN and SC wouldn't issue a title if there was a problem.

[Stev-o]

  I'm not aware of any state (but there could be one I suppose) that uses the engine for title work...always a frame number. 

Not always.  My CB550 was bought out of Wisconsin and they used the engine number on the title. Others from WI have reported the same.

[loupoin]

So that must mean the numbers don't match? Which # they use is not my issue.

[Stev-o]

So that must mean the numbers don't match? Which # they use is not my issue.

The numbers never match.  The frames and motors were manufactured in different factories and mated later.   

[dusterdude]

But,my panhead is registered by the engine number(because harley didnt use frame numbers back then),which means i can put my engine in any frame i want.there's benefits to both systems

[lucky]

  I'm not aware of any state (but there could be one I suppose) that uses the engine for title work...always a frame number. 

Not always.  My CB550 was bought out of Wisconsin and they used the engine number on the title. Others from WI have reported the same.

Many times the state agencies are not informed.
They are car thinkers too.

The numbers of frame and engine do not match on Hondas.

[dusterdude]

Cali,depends,any pre 69 ish engine with title can go in it.after 69 ish,harley had to put numbers on the frame and title using the frame number.i could use a later engine and get a special construction title for the whole bike