Frame/Engine Serial #'s Don't Match

[shaka]

I'm interested in a 1998 ev1100 for purchase, which will be my first MG ever, and the first bike I'll be buying in 41 years. I can't believe I just wrote that! This new bike has two totally different serial numbers on the engine and frame, and I'd like to know if that's the way it should be. Thank you for answers.

[Kiwi_Roy]

98 EV, a good choice but then I'm biased.
Sorry I've never bothered to compare numbers but if it's less than 100k miles I doubt it's been swapped out.

[Perazzimx14]

Guzzi's a comonly a collection of parts even from the factory. It would not surprise me if it rolled off the assembly line like it sits know. Even if it was changed out as long as the bike runs and rides good go for it. The EV's will not be collectors so matching numbers are moot.

[jlburgess]

Watch out for the evil people at the DMV.  I know of at least 2 states that verify the numbers match before issuing a transfer of title. 
I'd get some documentation from the seller.

[pauldaytona]

Guzzi from after 1980 sure never have things as matching numbers.

[shaka]

The bike is currently titled and registered in Maryland, where the owner lives. My next step is to determine if the DMV in my state (Delaware) will title and register it even though the frame/engine #'s don't match. I'm guessing that they will honor the Maryland documents.
I thank you all for your insights about this issue. 

[Triple Jim]

When I lived in MD, the title had the frame serial number only.  I've been around kawasaki triples most of my life, and they all came from the factory with non-matching numbers.  Mine was titled in MD, and I've never heard of anyone having trouble getting a title because the frame and engine numbers were different.

[Triple Jim]

Watch out for the evil people at the DMV.  I know of at least 2 states that verify the numbers match before issuing a transfer of title. 
I'd get some documentation from the seller.

Don't you mean those states verify that both the frame and engine numbers match what's on the title, as opposed to each other?

[Cam3512]

New Jersey titles the frame VIN number only.  They don't even ask about the engine number.

[fotoguzzi]

Minnesota titles by frame vin but they ask for an engine # at registration.. they don't care if the numbers match.

[oldbike54]

 I swapped the frame on a 1977 T140 Triumph while living in AR . Never gave it a thought , until moving back to OK a few years later . Triumph frame and motor numbers matched , only now my new frame didn't jibe with the title . The tag agent in Ft Gibson OK , famous for being a good guy , accepted my story that Triumph used motor numbers instead of frame numbers . Pretty sure he knew the truth , just figured it wasn't worth any hassle 

  Dusty

[Triple Jim]

Pretty sure he knew the truth , just figured it wasn't worth any hassle 

The guys who work that way are to be respected.  I love it when a bureaucrat is willing to streamline the process a bit.

Did you get your PM, Dusty?

[Scud]

I recently registered my LeMans in CA, but it was previously registered in Florida - so DMV did a detailed inspection. The frame and engine numbers do not match each other. However, both numbers were on the paperwork - so it was cool. If you are concerned about authenticity (or suspicious about past work) see if the title lists both frame AND engine numbers - and if those different numbers match the appropriate parts.

[oldbike54]

The guys who work that way are to be respected.  I love it when a bureaucrat is willing to streamline the process a bit.

Did you get your PM, Dusty?

 Yes , thanks 

 The tag agent in the story passed away a few years ago , but his son and daughter have carried on the tradition of helping folks . Witnessed this first hand . A fella had purchased a new car from a dealer in Tulsa , and a required document had not been provided in the packet of paperwork from the dealer . The agent called the dealer and requested the document be faxed to the agency to save a 100 mile round trip by the customer . The uncaring employee at the dealer said no , that wasn't possible , the new owner would have to drive up and pick it up . Ray , the tag agent became very stern and said ,

 "You mean to tell me this man just spent $20,000 with you , and it is too much trouble to get the damn thing , walk over to a fax machine , and send a copy of the damn thing to me so he can get his tag ?" A moment of silence followed , Ray grinned and said " That's more like it" . Always buy my tags with them , always will . 

  Dusty