Hitchcocks Forum

After I bought my T90 (with new V5 and MOT etc) I realised that the numbers and paperwork did not all match the history of the bike which included the original log-book etc. Enquiries with DVLA showed that the previous owner - a dealer in classic bikes - had re-registered the bike, and subsequently the bike was given a new, age related, 1963 "A" plate. I've just found the bikes correct, original registration number for sale with a cherished number dealer for £1,350 inclusive. To say that I am pi**ed off and about to burst a blood vessel is an understatement. And how am I going to explain to "'er indoors" that the holiday to New Zealand in December is now off because I need the dosh to buy a new number plate?

The bike has an age rtelated number from 1963, presumably the year of original registration, so how will you persuade DVLA to fit another ARN or even the original number if you are able to buy it back? Sorry but I do not really know what your peoblem is. If it has an age related number appropriate to its first registration then why waste your money. Frankly I would not worry about it, as it was obviously not an issue before you bought the bike, I would just take your good lady to New Zealand and enjoy life.

The point, and my problem, is that the bike is 50 odd years old and in practically as new condition. And the registration number does not match the original log book, sales receipt and a pile of history. I'd rather have the correct 6-digit original number that was issued to the machine in 1963 than an incorrect age-related number. You don't have to persuade DVLA to change the reg. number, you just have to pay them the £80 transfer fee, which in this case is included in the purchase price of the (original)number which is currently owned by a cherished number dealer. I don't see it as a waste of money, people pay far more for personalised number plates (my wife included), but I am narked that a classic bike and car dealer would spoil a bike or cars history just to make a few hundred quid. I would have paid more to retain the number in the first place had they asked and I have been looking for the correct number for 2 years, it has only now come on to the market. And another thing, a 7-digit number won't fit on the front number plate holder without fitting a non-standard one!

OH RIGHT!



You had a 6 digit pre age related number, and they sold it and gave you a slightly later age related mark?



That would piss me off no end.



Maybe she would like a better holiday next year?

apparently lucky eddie is either tongue in cheek or ............... !

I can understand your annoyance as I think is such a shame to part a bike or car from its original reg.no.Just a thought though,I understood that it was illegal to transfer a number plate to a vehicle to make it appear to be younger than it actually is. ATB, john

Sorry ,I should have read your post more carefully- your bike is a '63 so the A reg wouldn't have appeared to be suspect when you bought it.

Eddie - Yes, it would be nice if the bike had retained its original number BUT looking at it another way, if the seller had told you before you bought "the price is X pounds, but it'll be another £1350 pounds if you want the original number" would you have paid it? And furthermore, if you wanted to sell it at some time in the future what chance would you have of finding a buyer prepared to pay £1350 more than the bike is worth, I wonder ? As things stand, you have a 63 bike with a 63 registration number (albeit "age-related") and anyway the frame and engine numbers will STILL match the original logbook. Personally, I think the whole cherished mark business is set up for greedy people (dealers/DVLA, whatever) to extract money from the gullible and misguided with more money than sense........

A further thought....I think that even if you were able to purchase the original number and get the DVLA to re-apply it to the bike the V5C will now show it to be a RE-registered bike with a reg. date of 2014.......Save yer money !!!

seven digits will fit in a front number plate - well it does in mine anyway....