Bike History

[ardvark1]

I have a SF over here in the UK. I was wondering if there is a log over in the USA where you can find out when a bike was first built or registered by using the bikes engine and frame numbers.

[Schming]

Here's a link to Model Identification :

http://www.xs11.com/faqs/153-serial-...ry-colors.html

[ardvark1]

Thankyou for your reply. Very interesting but not what I'm after. What I know is my SF was bought in the US in 1979 them exported to the UK in the 90's

When was the bike built before exported to the US?

When was the bike first sold in the US?

[DiverRay]

Each of the 50 states has it's own Department of Motor Vehicles. They do not talk to one another, and they, for the most part, do not keep records over 10 years AFTER the last year of registration for a vehicle. If you know what state the bike was registered in before being shipped, it MAY help.
As far as build dates, the serial number WILL help. Some of the owners here still have the paper tag on the neck that gives the month/year of build. If you post your VIN, and ask if someone has a bike with a close number, they should be able to get you within two months of the actual build month.
Keep in mind that Yamaha started producing the '79 Special model about June of 1978. The '80 model would have started production about June of '79. The models went on sale in the US in September, That being said, I purchased my 1978 XS1100 brand new, serial number 254, in September of 1978.

[Eveready1100]

Mate, if it helps at all, my SF is 3H3 - 012808 and has on the label 2nd month 1979

[IMG][/IMG]

[Buckmaster79]

Serial Number

Mine is 3H3 011735 2/79

[ardvark1]

Thanks for all your replies.

Errol you win. That info you gave was just what I was after. My SF was built 9/78 and the other which is in bits 2/79

The reason for me wanting this info is that last year our government changed the law on historic vehicles. The new ruling is that any vehicle which is 40 years old from date of being factory built is MOT and TAX free. So providing I look after me SF, all I need to pay is for insurance to ride it on the road.
So my SF being built in September 1978 means I can ride test and tax free from 1st April 2019.

[Eveready1100]

No worries Al. Glad it helped you out. I've been following that thread on the UK site with interest. Looks to be a good deal for you guys up there. Hope there's no nasty strings attached to it like if you going into areas with that Congestion Tax stuff happening? No limits on travelling with it? I hope it lets you get out and enjoy your bike as much as I am.
We've got a system here in Queensland where if you're only using you bike solo (no pillion), you can get the bike mod plated as such, and it cuts the registration costs in half without the massive hit for the third party insurance for your passenger. Helps me justify the costs of it along with my car just for one person.
Errol

[mack]

Try this one

You find some history for your serial number. If the PO registered it! I still haven't put in my E yet.
http://micapeak.com/reg/bikes/XS11/