What's it worth?

[shep65]

Z1b, owned by me for the last 15 yrs, US import originally but semi Euro looking.

Recent engine work I've had done inc new valves, valve seals, springs, guides, all genuine gaskets inc o ring, Dyna ignition, new coils, leads, caps, carbs rebuilt using genuine Mikuni Jets from Allens, twin disc conversion (old photo), runs and rides really well.

A4 exhausts bought from Z power years ago with '1976' stampings on, still perfect.

One anomaly, engine casing look 'unstamped' as if replaced at some stage? not ground off as you can see the outer ridge around where numbers would be?

I can up load more detailed photo's if needed.

Appreciate any opinions, I'm not easily offended so feel free to be brutally honest.

[Jay1969]

Are you saying there are no engine numbers at all, or...

[shep65]

That's right, where the engine number should be you can see the raised outline but the area in the middle is blank, imagine a casing prior to stamping.

I can take a photo and post it up.

[Jay1969]

So how did it get regisitered? by the US Vin number on the label on the headstock?

[shep65]

Here you go, as for registering, it was already UK registered when I bought it back in 2000 from the previous owner.

In hindsight I was a bit naïve at the time I guess but as I've had it all these years it was never a problem, now I'm contemplating selling it I realise it may be an issue.

[Jay1969]

I guess you'll just have to stamp it or get it stamped with the engine number on your V5 before selling?

[shep65]

Thing is, the log book states 'unknown' in the Engine number section?

I guess the value will be affected by this, with prices you see all over the 'net I was just seeing what the general consensus on value was.

I really fancy a Thruxton R and was half considering selling up.

[baz]

That looks like it has had number welded up and re machined down again

[KeithZ1R]

Pretty sure for a fee you can get the vehicle histrory from the DVLA as long as you can prove it is legitimate. I did it a few years ago for one of mine and got a list of previouse owners and vehicle details, but for the life of me I cannot remember from where I got the form. mebe worth a phone call

[Garry.L]

Thing is, the log book states 'unknown' in the Engine number section?

I guess the value will be affected by this, with prices you see all over the 'net I was just seeing what the general consensus on value was.

The lack of an engine number will probably affect the value more than if it was just a non-matching engine. The above pic of the block shows what looks like traces of the number which have been removed, which lets be honest would set alarm bells ringing with 'most' buyers.

That's said it's a good looking bike so I'd think £8-9K wouldn't be out of the question.

[shep65]

Thanks for all your thoughts, I must admit it does look a bit iffy.

The lad I bought it from back in 2000 was the 1st UK owner and logbook shows it as being first registered in 1998 which ties up with when It was imported, it had no engine number on the logbook then either.

I think tracing any previous owners/numbers from when it was in the states is never going to happen so I guess I'll have to see how it goes.

Cheers again.

[freddyz1r]

Re:- engine number....
as previously stated, it looks like the original number as been 'drilled' out and re-filled.
I have one the same , mine came on a Q plate z1b (not import/usa).
The log book also states (as on imports), ((paraphrasing)) registered 1990, previously registered before that date. I can't remember the exact wording without digging the log book out, so to all reading don't get picky ,but I do recall that it was the same wording as on a totally legit z1r 'import' I've got.

As for log book 'no engine number', I too have had one of those, (might still have the original to peruse), that came on an ex army yankee harley

I think they stopped wanting to issue Q plates about 20+ years ago. They then had to be registered on the original chassis number?
Otherwise no registration?

[baz]

out of curiosity, whats the frame no ?
I have a good set of eng casings

[shep65]

out of curiosity, whats the frame no ?
I have a good set of eng casings

Without checking I don't know, why what's your thoughts?

[skid11]

If it was me i would leave it with the unstamped/blank engine cases.You know the bikes history for the last 15 years or so(that's more than i know about most of mine!).The v5 shows no number so that checks out ok legally etc to any buyers
If you change the cases it still wont have matching numbers
If you try and get numbers stamped on to the existing cases i think you will open up a whole world of potential trouble with both the Old Bill and DVLA
I dont think it affects the value much unless your potential buyer is looking to do a full nut and bolt restoration
It looks a nice and tidy bike so i cant see you having a problem selling it