Different VIN number on bike than V5C

[Pelle]

Hi,

Sorry if my english is bad, it's not my native tongue. I recently purchased an RVF400 in the UK, to import to Sweden where I live. Now, the transport company told me that the VIN on the V5C differs a bit from the VIN stamped on the frame of the bike.

The V5C number starts with RV4001W-, and the frame number starts with NC35-. All the following numbers match. Is this something I should be worried about, or is this something ordinary when it comes to imported bikes? As I understand it, all RVF400's in UK are grey imported?

I'm a bit worried that this may give me problems when trying to register the bike for road use in Sweden.

Thanks alot for your input.

//Pelle

[Neosophist]

It might well give you problems as the V5 registration document you have is technically for a different vehicle!

Vehicle identify is determined by the frame number.

It isn't common but has happened to people on here before that when the bike was registered in the UK whoever filled the forms out made an error transcribing it to the computer systems.

Do you need the V5 owners certificate to register the bike in your country?

If so it might be best to contact the DVLA who should be able to issue a correct V5 with correct details on it.

[CMSMJ1]

Hi Pelle, welcome to the site..

The V5 should have the VIN listed as the frame number - my NC30 race bike has VIN of NC3010045xx

If you have the complete V5 there is a sextion where you can send off to have the numebr changed - section 7.

Hope this helps..

Stick about, there are a few Scandinavians on here already!!

[ibby4585]

Like Mark says. Surely its just an error on the V5, and all you have to do is correct the details on the form and send it off?

Kris

[Pelle]

Thanks for your answers. The transport guy didn't seem all too surprised about this and said that I need to request a new V5C with the correct details. The swedish authorities will check the V5C against UK registers before they will let the bike be registered in Sweden, so it needs to be correct.

As I write this post, I got this email from the guy helping me with the transport:

Don't worry about engine numbers on a bike this old - it is not necessary to use a engine number on the ursprungkontroll anyway. Nothing you can do until I get back and then I will make some phone calls to DVLA.

I have had similar problems 1 or 2 times before and it is not serious but it might take a bit longer for all the paperwork to get sorted out.

Ursprungskontroll is the swedish term for checking a vehicle's history.

Looks like it's time to let the blood pressure drop and just wait... thanks again for your answers.

[Speedy]

Welcome Pelle!
As CMSMJ1 said, all it needs done is for section 7 to be filled in with the correct VIN which is the one stamped on the frame!
The keeper of the bike will have to sign & date and send the entire V5C document to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
Close up photos showing the frame number and the numberplate might help in this case, as it's a change of frame number!

"Other changes

Your vehicle may need to be inspected by a DVLA local office. You must contact your nearest DVLA local office if you change:

* wheel plan
* body type
* vehicle identification number (VIN)
* chassis number
* frame number for motorcycles"

Full info on here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Ow ... DG_4022054

This is a scan of my own V5C; it may help somewhat:


Good luck!
P.s. Your English is 100% better than my Swedish!!!

[Pelle]

Well, I'm not sure how this will be handled. It's not a change of the VIN, it's a correction. I emailed the transporter about this and asked if this can be sorted out before the bike leaves UK. Not sure how though, as I'm the buyer and not available for signing any documents on location.

[Pelle]

Ok, so here's what has happened since my last post:

The bike has arrived, and it looked really nice judged by the fairings!



I'm the third owner since it was imported to Britain. Last owner was a lady who bought it in 1999, which in my world indicates that it's less chance of it running on track days.

I've removed the fairings and boy, it has been used all year round. Lot's of grit and oil, but nothing seems damaged. On the contrary, the dirt has served as a protection layer. So after degreasing and scrubbing, it looks really good for a 13 year old bike that has been driven by a commuter.

I spoke to the DVLA yesterday, and got instructions to send in the original V5C with a letter and an explanation of the situation. I sent it via recommended mail today, complete with a photo of the frame number and a copy of my receipt. It's quite nervous for me now, since I can't get the bike registered in Sweden without the V5C. On the other hand, an incorrect V5C is useless...

I took it out for a test drive yesterday, mainly because I'll make an oil and filter change before the winter. I'm already in love...

Here are a couple of pictures taken the day after it arrived here. If anyone is interested in swapping an original speedo dial with my "redial uk"-version, send me a PM. We're using km/h in Sweden, so I'd like to have an original one.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pesc74/HondaRVF400NC35#

[Speedy]

I'm not 100% sure, but once you get the V5C corrected, you might have to fill in section 11, "Notification of Permanent Export" and then send it again to DVLA which will then issue a new registration document so the vehicle can be re-registered in its new country.
You might need an Homologation Certificate too, Honda Sweeden might be able to help you with that.
The Sweedish equivalent to the DVLA should be able to help you with most of it, including where to go for the MOT type test which will likely be needed also.
Good luck!

[Pelle]

I'm not 100% sure, but once you get the V5C corrected, you might have to fill in section 11, "Notification of Permanent Export" and then send it again to DVLA which will then issue a new registration document so the vehicle can be re-registered in its new country.
You might need an Homologation Certificate too, Honda Sweeden might be able to help you with that.
The Sweedish equivalent to the DVLA should be able to help you with most of it, including where to go for the MOT type test which will likely be needed also.
Good luck!

I think that all I need is a correct, original V5C. The rest will be handled by Transportstyrelsen (swedish equivalent of DVLA). First, they will check that the vehicle is legit, when that check turns out ok, I'll have to do a sort of MOT, where they basically just look at the bike and thereby know it's physical existing. They check the VIN, issue a swedish licence plate and notify the DVLA that they can remove the bike from the british records.

That's how it worked when I imported a car from Finland, and I can't see it should be any different with this, since both countries are members of the european union.

Anyway, I'll post the progress, perhaps it can help someone else who'll be in this position in the future.