engine swap legalities

[prairiehorse]

Ok here;s the Q:
A friend of mine was involved in an accident on his BD. It is the same bike as i have. Tragically he did not survive the crash. I purchased the bike from the family as they did not want to let the bike go through insurance or have it resold and see it on the streets... understandable for personal reasons. I have given my word that they can have the frame back as that was part of the deal (ensures the bike will never be driven on the streets again).
The damage was minimal. I am thinking i will part out the bike, as it seems to be difficult to find a replacement frame. So here is my question (long winded...coffee...sorry):
The title is in my name(not a salvage title)... can i swap my current bikes motor and the "wrecked" bikes motor? Is there any kind of link between the frame and motor serial #'s? If so what do i have to do to make it mesh with title? Just want to do this correctly so there is NO confusion or i dont run into problems if i sell off some of the extra parts i do not need.
Thanks for the help.

 

[HMAN]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I believe the frame is the key to your situation. The VIN from the frame is what is used on the title. You shouldn't have any issue swapping motors. What would you do if you blew the current motor and needed to replace it? Same difference. Good luck with the swap.

 

[prairiehorse]

Thanks Hman. I thought about that situation also if i needed to replace a blown motor, but wanted to get input from others. Do you know if i need to or can one even tie that "new" motor to the title?

Any constructive input is welcome

 

[kickstart]

Thanks Hman. I thought about that situation also if i needed to replace a blown motor, but wanted to get input from others. Do you know if i need to or can one even tie that "new" motor to the title?

Any constructive input is welcome

I would think if you have the title and some type of receipt that would cover it.

You also mentioned selling off some parts, if you can afford to keep what you have do it.

 

[pknowles]

Shouldn't be any different than having a motor installed in any other vehicle. They do it all the time. Vin number is what is on the title. sorry about you friend. Good luck with the swap.

 

[TimNY]

PrairieHorse
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.Prayers to you and his family.
As for the motor swap - no legalities - Just get a copy of the title of the donor bike
and you should be good .
Theres a memberhere -BDThunder - looking for a tranny and primary for a 05 Chopper.
If your going to part out the bike ,would be great if you could help him out if the parts are compatable .
My sincere condolence. . .

 

[Nukeranger]

Assuming your bike isn't already registered, here in Louisiana you document your bike build. Keep pictures and receipts for this. Then you take your documents, including the motor and bike frame serial numbers, to the Department of Motor Vehicles and register your built bike. If you replaced your motor on a registered bike, just keep the receipt for the new motor. They really only care about the VIN number on the frame.

The only time I have come across the need for matching frame and engine numbers is for restored vintage bikes where people cared about original equipment and looked for matching serial numbers to authenticate an original bike for various reasons. For example, if I wanted to restore my wife's BSA to original condition, I would have to remove the Engine from her modified BSA, put it back in the original frame in the attic, and find all the rest of the original parts. Right now she has a modified BSA with Harley front forks, machined triple trees by her uncle, extended rear swing arm, and a dragster front wheel as her rear wheel to name a few changes.

 

[liferider]

Assuming your bike isn't already registered, here in Louisiana you document your bike build. Keep pictures and receipts for this. Then you take your documents, including the motor and bike frame serial numbers, to the Department of Motor Vehicles and register your built bike. If you replaced your motor on a registered bike, just keep the receipt for the new motor. They really only care about the VIN number on the frame.

The only time I have come across the need for matching frame and engine numbers is for restored vintage bikes where people cared about original equipment and looked for matching serial numbers to authenticate an original bike for various reasons. For example, if I wanted to restore my wife's BSA to original condition, I would have to remove the Engine from her modified BSA, put it back in the original frame in the attic, and find all the rest of the original parts. Right now she has a modified BSA with Harley front forks, machined triple trees by her uncle, extended rear swing arm, and a dragster front wheel as her rear wheel to name a few changes.

Nukes correct, I have been down this road with a 4x4 I built. I bought 3 wrecked 1976 f150's for a total of $1200.00. Used parts of all 3 to make one monster 4x4. I had to register it with the title belonging to the cab since that's where the vin# is located. Reframing a bike is just as easy!

 

[FrankBDPS]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

 

[prairiehorse]

thank you all for the feedback and sympathies. I have the bike pretty much stripped except for the motor/trans. I am sorting out what i can keep and what i have no need for. With BD going out of business i am a little hesitant on selling a lot. TimNY i will get in touch with BDThunder if i decide to sell the trans/primary. trans was rebuilt 2 weeks before wreck :/ Anyhow, thanks again to everyone.
I didnt do too bad...complete bike stripped in a day. For me that was good! LOL

 

[TimNY]

PrairieHorse
Keep on wrenching ! Nothing like a few hours in the garage .
Let us know if you decide to let any parts go . Screw E bay .
You will get what you want for the parts right here and you'll be helping out
a fellow BDB site member . I have found out what a great bunch of people they are
first hand . I wish I could do more to help anyone out in need.
I <3 B.D.B.