Re-framing bike and the DVLA
Discussion
Hi all,
New to PH but looking for some advice please.
I inherited a Honda C90 a couple of years ago which suffered from the usual bodywork rot. I took the bike apart and got the frame sandblasted, at which point a large proportion of the back end disappeared. There was also extensive rot in the main frame tube so I removed the tube from the body and prepared a chunk of heavy steel tube to replace it.
While the tube was out it was easier to get to the rotten rear end so I decided to fix that before replacing the tube. I bought repair panels and cut the rot out, intending to weld the new panels in. However, removing the rot was also going to remove the VIN number so I took photos to show at MOT time - I was going to re-stamp the VIN anyway but didn't want any awkward questions without answers . . . I did have a good go at repairing the bodywork but as fast as I was welding it, it was vaporising - it really was that thin.
Time went on, life (and the scamdemic) got in the way and the bike wasn't getting any closer to completion, then last week I saw a company selling new frames for a decent price. This was the answer to my prayers - good coat of paint, rebuild and Robert's your father's brother . . .
So - say I bought one of these frames . . . ??? How much of an uphill struggle would it be to get the bike legal? I understand that you *can* re-frame a bike and keep the registration number IF you use a substantial amount of the old bike's parts in rebuilding it.
DVLA says:
"Keep a vehicle’s original registration number
A rebuilt vehicle can keep its original registration number if you can prove you’ve used:
the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van)
a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van)
the original unmodified frame (motorbike)
a new frame of the same specification as the original (motorbike)
You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists.
For cars or light vans:
suspension (front and back)
steering assembly
axles (both)
transmission
engine
For motorbikes:
forks
wheels
engine
gear box"
I've never been through this process before but worry about the part that says, 'a new frame of the same specification as the original (motorbike)' The new frame is made to fit that make and model of bike so in my view that should satisfy the criteria - or does anybody know different?
TIA for any advice.
New to PH but looking for some advice please.
I inherited a Honda C90 a couple of years ago which suffered from the usual bodywork rot. I took the bike apart and got the frame sandblasted, at which point a large proportion of the back end disappeared. There was also extensive rot in the main frame tube so I removed the tube from the body and prepared a chunk of heavy steel tube to replace it.
While the tube was out it was easier to get to the rotten rear end so I decided to fix that before replacing the tube. I bought repair panels and cut the rot out, intending to weld the new panels in. However, removing the rot was also going to remove the VIN number so I took photos to show at MOT time - I was going to re-stamp the VIN anyway but didn't want any awkward questions without answers . . . I did have a good go at repairing the bodywork but as fast as I was welding it, it was vaporising - it really was that thin.
Time went on, life (and the scamdemic) got in the way and the bike wasn't getting any closer to completion, then last week I saw a company selling new frames for a decent price. This was the answer to my prayers - good coat of paint, rebuild and Robert's your father's brother . . .
So - say I bought one of these frames . . . ??? How much of an uphill struggle would it be to get the bike legal? I understand that you *can* re-frame a bike and keep the registration number IF you use a substantial amount of the old bike's parts in rebuilding it.
DVLA says:
"Keep a vehicle’s original registration number
A rebuilt vehicle can keep its original registration number if you can prove you’ve used:
the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van)
a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van)
the original unmodified frame (motorbike)
a new frame of the same specification as the original (motorbike)
You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists.
For cars or light vans:
suspension (front and back)
steering assembly
axles (both)
transmission
engine
For motorbikes:
forks
wheels
engine
gear box"
I've never been through this process before but worry about the part that says, 'a new frame of the same specification as the original (motorbike)' The new frame is made to fit that make and model of bike so in my view that should satisfy the criteria - or does anybody know different?
TIA for any advice.
My personal opinion based on the fact you're doing a straight up above board job, is get the new frame stamped and don't involve the DVLA at all. I've heard too many horror stories of reg numbers being pulled by them and Q plates issued despite owners best efforts so I wouldn't be involving them unless I had to.
That's what I'm thinking too but I don't want to go to all the time, trouble and expense of painting and building it for the MOT tester to become suspicious of a brand new frame on a 20-odd year old bike. They EXPECT to find a rusty frame on these C90s.
When I took my car to him for an MOT while I was messing with the bike I told him the problem of the disappearing VIN and he said he'd be happy for me to re-stamp the number so maybe I'd get away with it . . . ???
When I took my car to him for an MOT while I was messing with the bike I told him the problem of the disappearing VIN and he said he'd be happy for me to re-stamp the number so maybe I'd get away with it . . . ???
trukker said:
That's what I'm thinking too but I don't want to go to all the time, trouble and expense of painting and building it for the MOT tester to become suspicious of a brand new frame on a 20-odd year old bike. They EXPECT to find a rusty frame on these C90s.
When I took my car to him for an MOT while I was messing with the bike I told him the problem of the disappearing VIN and he said he'd be happy for me to re-stamp the number so maybe I'd get away with it . . . ???
Could you not just say it's original and has been repaired or repainted?When I took my car to him for an MOT while I was messing with the bike I told him the problem of the disappearing VIN and he said he'd be happy for me to re-stamp the number so maybe I'd get away with it . . . ???
As an MOT tester I really don't give a toss if your frame is all new and shiny etc (if it's rotting it's arse off and dangerous that's another matter) All I want is a registration plate and a legible vin number(be that stamped into the frame of an attached VIN plate) so I can log the vehicle onto the system.
Too many MOT testers think they are the last bastion of law and order when all they are there to do is carry out a basic roadworthyness inspection. The mantra from DVSA is test as presented, not what you may or may not think is going on or may well go on in the future.
The legal status of your vehicle is between you and the DVLA not the mot station.
Too many MOT testers think they are the last bastion of law and order when all they are there to do is carry out a basic roadworthyness inspection. The mantra from DVSA is test as presented, not what you may or may not think is going on or may well go on in the future.
The legal status of your vehicle is between you and the DVLA not the mot station.
Darkslider said:
My personal opinion based on the fact you're doing a straight up above board job, is get the new frame stamped and don't involve the DVLA at all. I've heard too many horror stories of reg numbers being pulled by them and Q plates issued despite owners best efforts so I wouldn't be involving them unless I had to.
That^.Stamp the number onto the new frame, get on with life - why complicate it?
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff