Hitchcocks Forum

Slowly getting on with the marrying of an Indian 500 motor/gearbox unit into my 1955 350. I have hit a snag, and am unsure at all how to procede, I hope someone on this site can advise. The engine/box unit was purchased as NOS from our hosts about 8 years ago. I still have the receipt. Over the weekend, I discovered there is no engine number!The boss is there, machined flat, but nothing on it. So, now what do I do when I come to register/insure/MOT Etc.? I know i wont need MOT, but peace of mind and all that!
Best REgards
Chris in Devizes.

Hi Chris,
If you have the 350 engine, why not use the number on that, it would be the easiest option. That said, you might get away without it, as no mot I've had done has ever required an engine number. Otherwise, look for some scrap cases to buy cheap and use the numbers from those, none of the above will harm anyone else, or their pride and joy and you get on the road with a minimum of hassle. Cheers, Paul.

Yes, I would agree with that and also suggest that you then send the V5c in to DVLA for a change in specification ie an upgrade from a 350 to a 500...From their point of view that's all it would be..No different from anyone changing to a bigger barrel and piston really.... Also, should you ever come to sell it then all is A-OK from the buyers point of view as well..........I hope that makes sense ???

i have a 2002 drz 400 with a replacement engine which has no numbers on the machine was bought from my local council and i,ve never had any problems , i think it depends weather you want it registered as a 350 or a 500 ,if you use your original numbers it will be on record as a 350,the other way round it would be to try and get a frame with log book,i think our host used to have some ,is the bike all ready registered ?

just re read your post when you say boss machined flat where is it ,ive just looked at some 1976 350 cases and the engine number is stamped just below the crank case breather ,

I don't think DVLA are too fussed about engine numbers and I'm pretty sure you can register a bike with an unstamped casing. The receipt will be required though and if you don't have a V5c you'll need a dating letter.

The lack of an engine number should not be a problem as most factory replacement engines or cases have no numbers. If you look at Japanese home market bikes you will find that they don't have engine numbers, or at least they didn't in the 80's and 90's.
If you start messing with numbers you run the risk of causing suspicion as it is difficult to replicate factory stamping with a handful of ebay stamps and a hammer. Whilst it is not illegal to stamp numbers on to your engine it could cause you a world of inconvenience if suspicions were raised.

Many thanks to you all for taking the time to reply to my problem. For insurance purposes, I would need to register it as a 500, worms and hooks come to mind should there be any need to claim!DVLA kindly made me have a different Reg number when I first took ownership in the 80's, so the bike has a current V5. So, the general concensus is, tell DVLA the engine has been upgraded, Don't attempt a dodgy Number (The boss I was refering to is as Steve H says), and all should be well?
Many thanks
Chris

hi just wondering why you,ve chosen a 500 engine rather than staying with a 350 ive only ever been on a 500 once and even though it had a little more grunt low down i thought over all performance about the same, on my 350 (road bike ) ,unless it was just a bad example of a 500

Hi, SteveH. The main reason is the 350 engine(original to the bike)appears to be a bit (lot) worn out, and it was always my intention to strip the bike completely and rebuild, but the easiest option to get on the road is to put the 500 lump in the bike, get mobile and rebuild the 350.I intend to use the bike for a 40 mile round trip commute,A & B roads and thought a 500 would have longer legs for this.
Best REgards
Chris