Registering Replacement Frame in UK

[Guest]

Sorry for such a basic question, but I need to get it right before I start cutting! My new (and first) project is a GS550, starting only with a frame and engine, which are matching. I'm not happy with the state of the frame, which has been hacked about by someone trying to build a bobber. I have bought a secondhand frame to either use parts from to fix the original, or to use as a straight replacement. My question is, if I do the latter, which I'd prefer, can I just send the V5 off with the new frame number, or is it going to be more complicated than that? It will never be worth restoring the bike to original, so the plan is to use it as a base for a cafe racer, street tracker type thing. I've contacted the DVLA, and after 20 mins on hold, spoke to someone who didn't convince me that they knew what they were talking about.
Thanks, Pete

[Brendan W]

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/rebuilt-vehicles

They seem to be saying that you can replace the frame and still keep the old reg no. if you can show that is the same spec as the original.

[potlid]

I missed that - it would appear to answer my question. Thanks

[Brendan W]

I've never dealt with them but if they are anything like our lot, there can be a world of difference between what they say and what they do.
We are in cat license territory
I imagine some of the UK guys will be along presently.

[gsrick]

I've never dealt with them but if they are anything like our lot, there can be a world of difference between what they say and what they do.
We are in cat license territory
I imagine some of the UK guys will be along presently.

Sounds like this is a universal thing around the world. I can call four local DMV's, ask a question and never get the same answer from either. Even in the same office there can be one lady that will smile at you and process your paperwork smooth as butter and the next one will scribble all over the paperwork making your life miserable.

[uk gs nut]

Have you a V5c for replacement frame ?, just use that. Otherwise I think your in bother, can you prove with paperwork that it's not stolen or registered as a Wright off. If your lucky and get it registered it could end up being on a Q plate, a vehicle built from multiple vehicle parts.

[potlid]

Thanks for that. No I don't have one for the replacement. I think what I'll do is fill out the 'change vehicle details' section on the current V5, send it off with a crawly covering letter and see what happens, before I start fettling. Nothing to lose that way. I'll post the result!

[salty_monk]

Know a good welder... You could potentially replace the headstock from one to the other as they are not marked any other way...

[Grimly]

My '80 GS850 has no frame number at the moment, because when I was fitting a fairing I had to grind off a welded bracket that was from a previous fairing.
I could put the number of the other bike on that, if I wanted to.
But nah, that might be illegal.