Topic: title matching engine but not frame.

[Kalamazoo]

So I have a 1976 Honda CB 550K with a title that matches the engine but not the frame.
I had no trouble transferring the title.

I didn't even notice this until I sold my other 1977 Honda CB 550 and the guy who bought it called me saying
the title matches the engine but not the frame also, and accused me of swapping engines on him. Which I did not do.

So pretty much I'm wondering if this is normal for titles to match the engine # but not the frame #

[zzpete]

I had one like that! I sold it that way and pointed it out in the ad. It didn't seem to bother the new owner. Maybe he can get it switched at the DMV. The frame and engine numbers never match anyway!

[Stogie1020]

Weird timing, I was just looking at mine!  Mine matches the frame but the plate on the engine is different (and kinda looks fake... like it was hand etched for the last few digits!)

Runs great, great though, so I am not going to complain.

[MickeyX]

Back then, it was more common for them to not match. Depending on how your particular state titled, they went by the engine or by the frame #. 

[zanorak]

Kalamazoo wisconsin?

[Johnie]

Many of the early bikes were like that. The engine number is on the title. That is how my title reads on my KO, K1 & K4. Guess you could say that is how they did it back in the day. Never had title issues as this was the norm.

[bradweingartner]

I was under the impression that WI used to title bikes by engine number and that's just how it was.

MI titles bikes by frame number.

[kck3]

Engine and frame numbers will not match up-but should be close.  As long as the frame or the engine matches the title then you are good.

[Kalamazoo]

Thanks for the info.  I live in Viroqua WI and never had any problems titling either of the bikes.
However the guy I sold the bike to lived in Minnesota.  I called him and I guess he got the title transferred now after just a little trouble at the DMV.
So I guess everything worked out.

Thanks the help!

[Kframe]

I'm in MN and my title is that way, too.

Bought the bike ('74 550) last fall from the second owner.  The title he gave me (issued Dec. 76) has the engine # in the VIN spot.
My new title issued this spring is the same.

I don't think it really matters. 
Only thing I could think of is if it was stolen and recovered or in a wreck and someone checked the VIN against the title it wouldn't match and *maybe* the insurance co. could hassle you.  I seriously doubt it though.
-K

[Gaucho]

I'm going through something like this right now.
I've bought a 1966 Kawasaki with Wisconsin title. Everything was fine until I went to my local DMV (Florida) and they requested to see the bike and match the numbers.
To my surprise they didn't match.
So first I was embarrassed, and after I was pissed. I called the PO and he told me that back in the days Wisconsin DMV put the engine number in their titles even when the title says chassis number.
So I sent an email to WDMV and they confirmed that this indeed was true and if my local DMV had any issues to please contact them to confirm this info.
Of course I checked my bike and engine numbers match the title as the PO stated.
So now I'm going to take the bike back to my DMV with a notarized bill of sale and the letter I've got.
Hope this sheds some light on your problem.


Gaucho

[Gaucho]

I'm going through something like this right now.
I've bought a 1966 Kawasaki with Wisconsin title. Everything was fine until I went to my local DMV (Florida) and they requested to see the bike and match the numbers.
To my surprise they didn't match.
So first I was embarrassed, and after I was pissed. I called the PO and he told me that back in the days Wisconsin DMV put the engine number in their titles even when the title says chassis number.
So I sent an email to WDMV and they confirmed that this indeed was true and if my local DMV had any issues to please contact them to confirm this info.
Of course I checked my bike and engine numbers match the title as the PO stated.
So now I'm going to take the bike back to my DMV with a notarized bill of sale and the letter I've got.
Hope this sheds some light on your problem.


Gaucho

Well, after a whole day visiting Florida DMV and a local tag agency it's done. I have a Florida title with matching frame numbers.
Nobody wanted to touch this one, not the DMV employees nor the tag agency people. They all called Tallahassee (capital of Florida) and requested authorization from a higher authority.
Mind you I presented every piece of mail and paperwork you can imagine.
I'm glad I did it but what a hassle. Next time if the PO does not have a current title I will not purchase the bike. Way too much time invested and people looking at you like if you were delinquent. Let the PO work the system.
Just for the record I presented: Wisconsin title, Notarized bill of sale, inspection by the local DMV inspector and an email from WDOT confirming the story about the frame and engine numbers.

Gaucho

[dusterdude]

thats not a big issue,the only problem being,you cant change engines without a title.

[Gaucho]

that's not a big issue,the only problem being,you cant change engines without a title.

Maybe is not a big issue were you live. In Florida if you get stopped by a LEO, they will check matching numbers from the registration to the frame. Try to explain then: " but Mr. occiffer, back in the 60's this was the way they titled bikes in other states".
And besides, the law says that the frame number is to be your VIN. This applies for all vehicles on or off road.
And yes, I can change any engine without a title. When you work for a manufacturer and you replace an engine, let's say in you car, the new engine comes without a EIN. The technician gets paid for hammering the numbers with a die (we use to get paid 1.0 hs from Mercedes). Guess what, nobody did it.
When you go to DMV for inspection down here, they go straight for the VIN and if there are any doubts they make you pull the carpets and check one of the hidden VIN's in the car (there are at least two laser etched in the floor).
I know all this may not be relevant to the owner of an SOHC Honda, but there are a lot of people rescuing older hardware out there and they may get discouraged or believe they were screwed when facing situations like this.
It can be done, it just takes time. 
 Gaucho

[oldhondarider]

Washington titles the frame... I asked about the engine number and the DMV explained that it was like a car... you can rebuild the engine but you don't normally rebuild the frame, etc..   made sense to me...   moving on now..