Engine number

[Russell_l]

I am trying to get my bike registered in another state, but are unable to read the engine number?
I now have to go to the RTA (Roads & Traffic Authority) inspection station....
My bike is a 99 Thunderbird Sport with the black powder coated finish. Where the number should be (on the right side crankcase) the flat section looks completely blank? It does not look to been tampered with, the coating appears original but no number can be seen.
Have tried rubbing with thin paper and soft pencil (like a brass rubbing), different light sources but no luck

Has anyone else had this problem or have a solution?

thanks Russell

 

[devo]

unfortunatel, geoff who has that exact bike is away for three weeks, but there are a couple of t bird owners here so hopefully?
good luck :happy:
:y18:

 

[otherwise]

Hi Russell,
I'm in Wollongong, so the same conditions apply for me. My understanding is the most important thing is the VIN on the frame, that identifies the bike. Equally as important is your receipt from purchase and being able to identify the previous owner. If a problem occurs it is on the head of the last owner in the paper trail. Statutory declarations combined with receipts usually make the RTA happy. They will issue an engine number, you stamp it on, then go back and show them. This is all after the bikes history has been explored and the finger pointed to the offender.
Having said that, are you sure you are looking in the correct place for the number. Try taking it to Bikebiz or Procycles and without showing what you say is a blank area, get them to show you the engine number.

 

[The Seeker]

Behind the cylinder head, right hand side, straight up from the brake pedal on the top of the crankcase (in line with the rear-end of the carbs and the chrome trim piece).

 

[Russell_l]

Thanks for the replies, I will go to another couple of Dealers for more confirmation.
I have been to Northside for a chat & to check out another T'Bird Sport that they had on sale, you could just make out about half of the engine number on that bike.
I am looking at the correct spot, have check the owners manual / workshop manuals, plus the other bike above.
I looks like the engines have been powdercoated after the number was stamped on? I need to look at a non coated engine to see if this is correct. The current bikes have a raised, Braille like stamped number system.
But I have all the paper trail for prev. owner / Vic rego, he purchased the bike from a dealer before me, they have the service record so it should all be OK with the bureaucracy... have a booking next week with the RTA inspectors

 

[CarlS]

I hope goes smoothly for you.

 

[The Seeker]

I live in one of the strictest states in the USA when it comes to motor vehicles and not even they require the engine number...just the VIN on the frame.

 

[Russell_l]

:ya2:Good news, I have finally got my new plates. Has taken forever, new engine numbers had to be allocated, stamped, reinspected but have got it done.
Back on the road for more riding...
:wink: :happy:

 

[devo]

[quote author=Russell_l link=topic=6132.msg38041#msg38041 date=1251442953]
:ya2:Good news, I have finally got my new plates. Has taken forever, new engine numbers had to be allocated, stamped, reinspected but have got it done.
Back on the road for more riding...
:wink: :happy:
[/quote]

well done :y115: :y115:

 

[DaveM]

Cool congratulation don't for get to post some photos for us :y18:

 

[CarlS]

Very good. Congratulations.

 

[gremlin]

I live in one of the strictest states in the USA when it comes to motor vehicles and not even they require the engine number...just the VIN on the frame.

Minnesota requires the engine number on out-of-state transfers, they don't print it on the title though.