LeMans vin,1 or 2 or?

[dakota]

Double checking ere exactly what a LeMans with an engine # of VE70697 is.Done some checking around and need to be sure what it is as Im selling the bike and need to clarify this detail.

I understand US bikes got a riveted plate on the frame head that matched engine and frame and so to check weather you have a frame # between VE11111-VE13040 you need to check under this plate?,as I also understand most (all?) LM's didnt have matching frame and engine numbers.

[john zibell]

If memory serves me correctly, about the time the LM I came out the US went to VIN. That would effectively end the matching frame and engine numbers. I have replaced some frames, and there were no frame numbers under the VIN plate. Even on Eldorados that I've had the frames powder coated, I've removed the ID plate (to be re-installed after powder coating) and there were no numbers under the plate. The LM I should have a plate riveted to the frame, it will either have a serial number for the frame, or more likely a VIN. By breaking down the VIN, you can get the year of the frame.

[Series4]

For the US market the LM1 had the VIN stamped onto a plate riveted to the headstock. The VIN stamped onto the plate was the engine number and given that LM engine numbers started at (around) VE70000 it indicates you have a '75-76 Series 1 LM1 provided that the engine number matches the number on the VIN plate.

[Shane]

Sorry, a little late to this thread.

I have a Euro Mk1 (bought new from Shoxx in London), and there is a frame number stamped under the headstock plate. My frame and engine numbers do not match.

[LMP1]

I have just bought what appears to be LM1 on an agricultural auction. The engine is most certianly LM1 and has the larger valve head, with valid engine number. However the frame has no data plate and no number stamped into the head stock!

Is this normal?

I will need to have it stamped before I can register it but would like to get the origianl font and size for the stamping, where would I find this?

[john zibell]

I have just bought what appears to be LM1 on an agricultural auction. The engine is most certianly LM1 and has the larger valve head, with valid engine number. However the frame has no data plate and no number stamped into the head stock!

Is this normal?

I will need to have it stamped before I can register it but would like to get the origianl font and size for the stamping, where would I find this?

I don't know how bikes were imported to S. Africa in that time frame, but if it was a US bike, then my guess is that the frame was replaced at some point and the data plate, or frame numbers weren't transferred. There should be four holes in the head that are where rivets go for the data plate. Did you bet any paperwork with the bike? If so, I think you could have a plate made with the correct numbers, or as is done is some states in the US, a replacement serial number/ identification plate is issued by the state, or in your case country or province/state in place of the original. Your best bet is to contact the local officials and ask what is required to obtain proper title/registration. I'd as for the requirement is writing or e-mail because if it is like here, each person you talk with may give you a slightly different requirement.

[Series4]

All Tonti frames should have two numbers stamped into the headstock. One is the VIN (starting with VE for the LMI & II) and the other is the homologation number (similar purpose to a part number) which should be something like DGM 9104 OM. The numbers are not that easy to see, looking down at the headstock from the saddle the VIN should be at about 2.30 o'clock and the homologation number at about 1 o'clock. See this photo from a Convert frame (dressed to look like LMI)

Even if the VIN isn't there the homologation number will be there.