A Story About a Frame Part Number

[Dave Swanson]

The early 70s V7 Sports have a frame part number stamped on the headstock - DGM4104OM, a part number they all share.   This is on the right side of the headstock and is visible next to the VIN plate

It is not unheard of to select DGM4104OM erroneously as the VIN for some V7 Sports being resurrected after long term storage and separated from their titles. 

I know this to be a fact because my 1973 V7 Sport lingered over 30 years in a barn before surfacing.  The fellow who found and resold it to me selected the frame part number DGM4104OM as the VIN when re-registering it in Ohio.

I corrected this mistake with the help of a knowledgeable Secretary of State police officer and received a proper title with correct VIN soon after I purchased it. 

Not long after this episode I was admiring an amazing example of a V7 Sport located in AZ on eBay.  It was perfect in almost every regard, except for the VIN that was listed - DGM4104OM!

Since this was a serious misrepresentation of the bike with worldwide exposure, and could possibly lead to future legal trouble for the seller, I politely informed him of the error relating my experience.  I advised that looking out for his own benefit he should have the VIN corrected before selling it.   He told me to stay out of his business and threatened to send a local convincer to my house if I did not.  A gracious response if there ever was.




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[wirespokes]

Pretty sad commentary on the state of man, isn't it? You've gotta think he's either trying to pass off a stolen bike with an incorrect VIN or not firing on both cylinders.

[ridingron]

Why would someone use as stamped number as opposed to a VIN number on the plate? I guess it's happened more than once.

[Pescatore]

Sounds like an italian mafioso, to have connections local to you.
He might make you an offer you can't refuse 

[BMCMOTO]

My convert came with a completely made up VIN. It didn't relate to anything on the bike at all. The Michigan Secretary of State would not allow me to correct the title even with a law enforcement affidavit attesting to the correct VIN. I paid an insurance company for a surety bond on the VIN and was then able to correct the title.

Brian

[Tusayan]

Why would someone use as stamped number as opposed to a VIN number on the plate? I guess it's happened more than once.

Indeed.  Older bikes, particularly those sold in markets outside the USA did not have a data plate and the VIN was a stamped number on the frame, leading to potential confusion with other numbers stamped on the frame. As with many things related to automotive regulation the US was early in requiring a data plate to eliminate this confusion, and it is now a worldwide practice.