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Hi,
I'm looking at a Commando that is for sale and it has had the frame changed. It is still 'matching numbers' so I assume the VIN plate has just been transferred.
- Would transferring the VIN plate be normal practise?
- Are there any other complications purchasing such a bike if it is not listed on the Insurers data base as cat 'x' accident damaged?
- I would check for other accident damage but is there anything else specific
Thanks in advance
Graham
The term VIN is a recent t…
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- Would transferring the V…
- Would transferring the VIN plate be normal practise?One of the vagries of a Commando, all other British bikes had permanent frame number markings- Are there any other complications purchasing such a bike if it is not listed on the Insurers data base as cat 'x' accident damaged?No listing then not an issue. Seriously doubt an insurance inspector would know the differences between the yearly changes on the frame.- I would check for other accident damage but is there anything else specificTake the tank of and pit a known straight edge on the main top tube, a good frame will have a small amount of bow say 3/4mm over the full length, a front ended bike will have a lot more. Also check the 2 front down tubes for bends also caused by front ending.
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The term VIN is a recent term and in the days when Commandos were produced it was just a frame number. The frame number went with the registration number, and were stamped into the frame on models previous to the Commando. A removable plate is a licence to do anything you like regarding the frame, however, while Commando frames are generally all similar, there are several differences including headstock angle, width of seat loop, side stand and centre stand fixings and finally fixing holes for oil tank etc. At a glance, most would not know the difference. A few specialists/spotters would be able to tell unless you have a frame from a similar age machine. Some police bikes did have the frame number stamped into the frame so that the fairing could be fitted to where the plate would have been fitted.