If I change my frame, do I have to change my VIN?
- Thread starter Moespeeds
- Start date
DMV
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That question should be directed to your States DMV..!! Probably an online version that has a frequently asked questions link.!!
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chitown
Member
if that is what you really want to do, you keep your stock head tube. and make all your mods you want too. or buy a new head tube and just transfer your vin to it, not the most legal way but it works just fine. but that is if your vin is on the head tube .
if you want a new frame you can get them with out anything stamped on them and just stamp it your self with your old vin.
you are much better off keeping you original vin for insurance and resale reasons
if you want a new frame you can get them with out anything stamped on them and just stamp it your self with your old vin.
you are much better off keeping you original vin for insurance and resale reasons
alhall88
UAW
chitown is correct,it would then have to be re-titled to a assembled title which are tough to insure,sell etc. Also if you transfer your old vin to a new frame don't try to sell the old frame without cutting off the neck first.
bdmridgeback
Low Down Chop Shop
If you want to keep the insurance rates low, modify the frame you have and keep it as a Big Dog. If you change the frame you for sure have to have it re-inspected and insured as a assembled bike.
V
Guru
Definatly try to keep the factory vin. A guy in Roanoke has a West Coast Chopper frame and built himself with the 145" tribute engine. May have been blowing smoke but told me his insurance was just under $4G 
Also know you will pay more for a kit or assemble it your self vs factory built:bang:
Also know you will pay more for a kit or assemble it your self vs factory built:bang:
Moespeeds
Well-Known Member
Got it, thanks guys. So let's just say that the bike no longer looks like a 2004 Big Dog chopper, it's raked much more and the rear is fatter and it's longer and higher, etc. The VIN is the same, but some really nosey officer pulls me over who happens to have a Big Dog chopper, and realizes mine looks nothing like it. If I were to say "Hey, I cut the neck and raked it out", would I be within the law? Inspection aside, I've never had a bike inspected in 10 yrs and never had an issue. Considering the resale market is shit right now, I'm planning on making some radical changes to the bike, but I'm not sure how far I can go without having an issue. Are you allowed to stamp a blank frame? I'm sure I don't even have to tell you what they told me at DMV, basically 10 different answers from 10 different people, including one who told me I have to goto the FAA to register a "chopper".
Yeah I would say that as long as you did like they said... stamped the neck with the old BDM vin... you would be fine. I don't think I would advertise I swapped frames... and do like Al said... chop the old neck tube off or scratch off the vin on it.
bdmridgeback
Low Down Chop Shop
I WOULD NOT restamp a new frame or tamper with the exsisting stamp in the frame. You would be illegal at that point just like transfering a VIN plate from one car to another. If you can keep your neck and modify your frame where it still resembles a BDM, you'll be fine.