Topic: VIN question...or two!

[Sniper X]

So I have my 1973 CB350F on the carrier on the back of my GFs truck today to have the vin inspected. I need to get it done so I can title it in my name since it is from Jersey and I live in New Mexico. I remember these had a different engine number than the VIN on the frame, but is there a VIN decoder for it online free anywhere? And why did Honda do a different frame number and engine number?

[wowbagger]

I believe that the frames and engines were made in two different places and they never bothered to make them match. Most states require the title to be done by the frame VIN. Here's the best you'll get for a decoder:

http://www.sohc4.net/cb350f-model-guide/

[flybox1]

Most cities/counties will title the frame, as engines are swapped more frequently.

Two different production lines = 2 separate VIN runs.....only the very early ones have a chance at matching

[Sniper X]

That appears to be a model guide instead of a decoder but thanks for the information confirming what I thought. I don't put anything past the stupidity of the DMV and them starting an argument with me over the fact that all frame and engine numbers were different from each other back then. I remember my 2006 Husqvarna TE610 had a number that was hard th read on the motor and they almost didn't vin it due to that util I pulled out my flashlight and showed it matched the frame number. I seem to remember they didn't start matching up frame and engine numbers till 1981 or 2 when they went to the 17 digit VIN in the US.

[wowbagger]

I realize that is not a decoder but it is as close as you'll come to one for these old Hondas. It will at least narrow down your VIN to a model year. 

[Sniper X]

Most cities/counties will title the frame, as engines are swapped more frequently.

Two different production lines = 2 separate VIN runs.....only the very early ones have a chance at matching

Plus mine is close, frame is 1033337, and motor is 1033392 so at least it is the same series. I know it is the right motor in the frame since I bought it from the original owner. Both start with CB350F as well. I am trading it tomorrow for a 2001 XR400R which I intend to plate so I need to GIT ER DONE!

[Xnavylfr]

Here's a good site to keep on hand . Does a NATIONAL VIN check to make sure bike is NOT stolen or totaled.

https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck/vincheck

The reason HONDA  FRAME and ENGINE numbers don't match IS . Engines were assembled  in a different part of factory and didn't follow assembly in line with frames. They had a lot more engines assembled in a work day than complete bikes!!If someone tells you ,you can't have a bike registered by engine # they are WRONG!!! It DEPENDS by state.
Sometimes NM DMV is HARD HEADED ( was raised there). I gave my MOM a car from ALABAMA a 69 falcon. At the time Ala. didn't title anything prior to 1970. My MOM had to have the NM DMV call ALA. before she could get a TITLE in NM.

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[Sniper X]

I realize that is not a decoder but it is as close as you'll come to one for these old Hondas. It will at least narrow down your VIN to a model year.

Yeah, thanks for that. I didn't really neeed the decoder to tell me what year and model it is since i know it is a 1973 CB350F, I have the title but I wanted all the fodder I could find for the DMV if they start talking sheeite. I did print a copy of that page you sent to show them it had a different engine and frame number so that is a big help. So thanks again! Here's the bike in case anyone is interested in seeing it.

[Sniper X]

Here's a good site to keep on hand . Does a NATIONAL VIN check to make sure bike is NOT stolen or totaled.

https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck/vincheck

The reason HONDA  FRAME and ENGINE numbers don't match IS . Engines were assembled  in a different part of factory and didn't follow assembly in line with frames. They had a lot more engines assembled in a work day than complete bikes!!If someone tells you ,you can't have a bike registered by engine # they are WRONG!!! It DEPENDS by state.
Sometimes NM DMV is HARD HEADED ( was raised there). I gave my MOM a car from ALABAMA a 69 falcon. At the time Ala. didn't title anything prior to 1970. My MOM had to have the NM DMV call ALA. before she could get a TITLE in NM.

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Thanks! I did run it and of course its clean but just more paperwork for the DMV if they ask! Thanks again. I hate to see this little Jewell of a bike go but where I live, I NEED a dual sport.

[Sniper X]

Well that was easy! It WAS expensive though! Last time I did a title only I didn't have to have a VIN inspection, and it cost me $12.50. This time, since I went to an MVD fee agent, they popped me for their charge (which I uderstand) plus the title, and they must have charged me at least 25.00 for the VIN inspection! I walked out $79.80 out of pocket but it is worth it I guess. I have a new fresh title in my name in hand for the 73 CB350F now. The thing about the motor and chassis number was not an issue at all.

[Bankerdanny]

$79.80 is still reasonable. Title transfer is $100 in IL and the mail the title, so it takes at least 30 days to get it.

[flybox1]

cheap.  my WA title transfer, and collector plate(no yearly registration) was $150 

[Xnavylfr]

Unless things have changed in TEXAS.. They automatically hit you for 250$ just to say you're from TEXAS+ all other fees!! But that was many years ago, it may be 500$ now!!!


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)