Old Banshee VIN Question

[rkdillnger]

A friend of mine has an old Banshee (I have no idea what year it is) that her late husband used to ride. She said she would give it to me, but I would like to pay her for it. However, she says that when he bought it he received the pink slip, but never went to the DMV to change the title. The pink slip was sent through the washing machine, so it doesn't exist any more. I checked the left frame area below the engine for the VIN, but could not see it. Could the VIN be someplace else, or is it on the lower left frame for all years?

 

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[sinisterboo]

I have the frame from a 87 with the last digits "00000015" so I doubt you have one older than number 15 off the line, LOL

[rkdillnger]

I have the frame from a 87 with the last digits "00000015" so I doubt you have one older than number 15 off the line, LOL

 

And it's on the lower left frame rail also?

[sinisterboo]

Yes, look behind the shifter on the frame. If you cant see anything, than is been ground off for sure. also, if its ever been powdercoated, it will be tougher to see....

[Bansh-eman]

the VIN should always be located on the lower frame rail on the left side (as sitting on it) in plain view. Like already said, it you dont see it, it was either taken off or might have been powder coated over.

[rkdillnger]

Thanks! I'll take a closer look!

[ny98banshee350]

grinded mine off the new frame i bought

[desertdeweller]

another exception is if the frame has been replaced with a factory replacement then it will not have a vin. it may have a state id # and they could have put that anywhere. I will be going through that pretty soon replaced my old bent frame .I have to get the new one inspected once the bike is reassembled. all they will issue is a sticker here. So I will stamp or engrave the frame myself and hide the sticker some place so it does get washed off. That will also vary from state to state

[NYUK]

j arms frames the vin is harder to read.

[rkdillnger]

I stood it up on the back wheels and cleaned every square inch of the frame and there is no VIN. There's no sign of tampering or grinding or painting. In fact it looks like it's the original factory color. I can't imagine how this thing was ever registered without a VIN..anybody else ever seen this?

 

Thanks again for everybody's help....

[LiftdT4R]

It's either a factory replacement frame, has no VIN

 

Or the Vin was ground off. The stamping is so light, its very easy to grind off, and youd never even know.

 

Either way you may still be able to register it or obtain a VIN depending on the state. In NJ, its tough but you can do it. Look into getting a title for a vehicle with a "custom" or "home made" frame.

[Keyser Soze]

The whole deal sounds kind of hoaky to me. It doesnt sound like your going to be able to accept this from your friend. I think you would be better off giving the banshee to me. It would make you feel warm inside.

[rkdillnger]

OK jugriggs, you talked me into it. It's all yours! Now you have to figure out how to get it from California to Indiana

 

Anyway, thanks everybody for your assistance. According to a friend at the DMV I can get it regeistered by filling out some forms and going to the California Highway Patrol office. They'll issue a VIN on the spot. Hopefully that will work.

 

One other question: From what I can tell by the engine number, I have a 97 banshee. But, it only has one carb. I was under the impression that these came stock with two carbs. Does anybody know?

 

Thanks!!

Edited October 20, 2008 by rkdillnger

[sinisterboo]

Yep, they all had 2 carbs, unless one fell off, or it has a single set-up......

[rkdillnger]

I'm assuming the previous owner went with one carb because they changed the throttle to be a twist/motorcycle throttle instead of the thumb throttle.

 

I wonder if the single carb reduces the overall power of the bike, compared to the two carb setup??? Has anybody else every heard of this type of mod? Is there a performance advantage/dis-advantage to this set-up?