Engine number and frame number DON'T match. Now what?

[mdfb42]

Ok so I got buyers goggles yesterday and skipped one of the most basic checks on a vmax, comparing engine and frame number.

Checked this morning and they don't match. Questions that remain are how much does that matter? I'm planning on keeping the bike and making it my own so if it reduces value, o well, as long as it runs and rides good. Should I be worried though? And finally is there a way to tell which isn't the factory stock and what year they are meant to be on?

I think the frame is stock 1998 as the vin checks out as a 98. But that doesn't answer what else on the bike is stock 98 and what else is swapped out.

I'm definitely worried for those repair gremlins sneaking up on me but as long as it rides good for a long time I don't know if I am too worried

 

[SpecOps13]

It's not a problem. Vmax's don't have matching number.

 

[mckzx9]

I was just going to say that. I bought my bike brand new and my numbers don't match either. They are made that way

 

[mdfb42]

Ok. Thank God. I saw a vmax outlaw.com thing that analyzed the numbers and implied they should match. As well as some "things to look far when buying a vmax" from South Africa that stated they should match

 

[twistedmax]

My parts 85 match, frame and motor number 217. But it's not a big deal on a non concours show bike. And parts are so interchangeable that even if gremlins do rear their ugly heads it won't matter.

 

[m-cman]

I believe the early ones matched but they stopped that before long. Don't know why.

 

[one2dmax]

Correct. For many of the years they did match but for the last half of the run they didn't always match. Nothing to worry as has already been stated. IF you had purchased a Harley you would have got two vins! One for the engine and one for the frame.

 

[jfeagins]

Correct. For many of the years they did match but for the last half of the run they didn't always match. Nothing to worry as has already been stated. IF you had purchased a Harley you would have got two vins! One for the engine and one for the frame.

Them's fightin' words.

:biglaugh:

 

[gamorg02]

you can call corporate yamaha and ask if that is the engine that came with that frame. I just had to do that with another yamaha bike.

 

[mdfb42]

you can call corporate yamaha and ask if that is the engine that came with that frame. I just had to do that with another yamaha bike.

Good to know! Thanks

 

[SHAHZAIB]

Ok so I got buyers goggles yesterday and skipped one of the most basic checks on a vmax, comparing engine and frame number.

Checked this morning and they don't match. Questions that remain are how much does that matter? I'm planning on keeping the bike and making it my own so if it reduces value, o well, as long as it runs and rides good. Should I be worried though? And finally is there a way to tell which isn't the factory stock and what year they are meant to be on?

I think the frame is stock 1998 as the vin checks out as a 98. But that doesn't answer what else on the bike is stock 98 and what else is swapped out.

I'm definitely worried for those repair gremlins sneaking up on me but as long as it rides good for a long time I don't know if I am too worried View attachment 44736View attachment 44737View attachment 44738

I have a question, I cant find the engine number on my 1998 vmax! Could u guys help me in finding it and where its located? Thanks in advance and cheers

 

[Fire-medic]

Left rear top of the motor. There's a corrugated plate cast-into the top case, & a # stamped onto it. This one is a bit faint, but you can make it out. No they do not need to match.

 

[SHAHZAIB]

Left rear top of the motor. There's a corrugated plate cast-into the top case, & a # stamped onto it. This one is a bit faint, but you can make it out. No they do not need to match.

View attachment 95619

Ty very much, much appreciated! I have another query. The frame number is 3UF-000852. Been told that it is 1998. Could u experts verify this?

 

[Fire-medic]

Column 1-model code
Column 2-model
Column 3: year
Column 4: market
Column 5, 6: frame # begin/end
Columns 7, 8: color codes






https://www.vmaxforum.net/threads/vin-number.47454/page-2#post-486012