Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > Help please?

[Murray Mint]

I have recently purchased a 600ss to use as my DD bike, at the time of buying it I was able to check to make sure that there were engine numbers present but I could not see the frame numbers because the frame has been powder coated. The guy I bought the bike off did explain that is was a “stolen and recovered” vehicle and that there was no V5, I was happy to except his word on the matter as there is writing on the bike that looks like insurance claim number and also a police crime number.

Now my problem is that after getting the bike home and subsequently removing the paint where the frame number should be there is no frame number, I have phoned the guy who I bought the bike from and he has said that it is quite common for the insurance company to remove the frame number so as to prevent the vehicle from being re-registered and put back on the road, is this right? And if it is what can I do to get round the problem of using the bike for racing because as I understand it the frame number needs to be entered on the race entry card and sometimes the police will check bikes at the meetings.

I would really appreciate your help and suggestions.

Murray Mint

[GsxrAge]

frame number removel by insurance companys does happen.


I think you can apply to dvla for new frame number.


age

[Rushjob]

If you're worried, contact your local nick & ask the vehicle examiners to give it an ID check.... you may have to take it in to see them but they are generally quite helpful.
They will also be able to decode the marks on the frame if they were put on by either the LVLO which used to happen a few years ago or more likely they were put on by a Police vehicle examiner when the ID of the frame was verified.

[TP]

I'd give New Era a ring Murray - plenty of time to sort things out before the first race.

As Age says, it's pretty common practice from what I understand so it should be an easy workaround. I daresay you'll need to be able to prove that you bought it so I hope you've got a receipt etc. If not, ring the seller back up and get one.

[skidlids]

Yep if it was a Cat B the insurance company may have requested the breakers or recovery people to remove the VIN numbers, or if it was indeed a stolen recovered the thieves may have removed them. Then when the bike waas recoverd the other numbers added to identify it and keep track of it.
If it is a honest bike as in recovered and then sold on by Insurance Company or alike then the appropriate paperwork should be able to prove this to the ACU who will then hopefully give you permission to race it.
At North Glos club Frame and Engine numbers are entered on you Scrutineering card at every meeting, not so with New Era

[GsxrAge]

How about buying a new/fresh frame

[paynep]

I had exactly the same problem with my M620 DD bike - it was a Cat B and a monkey with a chisel had obliterated the frame number.

When I spoke to the ACU and New Era they quoted the rulebook and stated that the frame number had to be visible and untampered with (although they didn't say original!) - so I didn't want to sell it for racing use.

If have an idea of the reg number you might be able to persuade your friendly local dealer to run an HPI check you can get a printout which shows the write-off history etc as well as the frame number. or alternatively DUK may be able to give you the VIN from the engine number.

Then repaint the frame and stick a sticker with the frame number on the headstock. I know of a couple of people who have raced like this with no problem.

I decided I couldn't be ar8ed with all that so I have got another frame sorted out.

Good luck

[skidlids]

As with my old CBR6 that I raced, new fresh frames don't come with a number, you would have to add it yourself which then usually looks as if it has been tampered with and again falling foul of the rule book.
The lead taken by the ACU to crack down on stolen bikes and parts turning up at race tracks is to be applauded, but it does cause problems for those wanting a cheap entry by legitimate means by way of a insurance write off, that the insurance company has disposed off via an insurance approved breakers as these actions should be documented.
With My CBR6 I use to take the receipts to the race meetings with me

[TP]

Originally posted by skidlids
With My CBR6 I use to take the receipts to the race meetings with me

I've heard that has been allowed - this is the path I'd go down. I'd also speak to New Era Murray. Explain the situation and they should be cool.

[Neepdocker]

I work for a salvage company. If the bike is cat a or b the frame number should have been overstamped or removed.Cat c or b salvage should still have the number on there.I hope this is of some help to you.