proved bike is a 87'

[fintip]

This is some weird stuff. First thing I thought was, 'missing title, found a frame with title to transplant bike to'.

They didn't make bikes that look like yours in '87, though, so there's definitely a story here.

It could just be a factory glitch, though, guys. Shit happens. My last bike had a factory misprint on the VIN--two number stamped on top of each other, a 3 and a 4. For the title, they just picked one. (Turns out the picked the wrong one, and that gave me hell crossing the border into Mexico, but that's another story.)

Maybe the funny line-up is just further evidence of that.

Then again, how would '87 get on the title if the bike wasn't sold until at least late '88? I've never purchased a new vehicle, does the title come with the year model or the year sold, or is it calculated off of the VIN?

Dogs, fairing mounting points will be interesting... Is there an engine number cast into the engine like there used to be on the XJ's? Non-antidive forks? Only the post-90 had a steel swingarm, so that's not relevant, right? And what size is your rear wheel after all? Anyone know a visible give-away between the 16 and 17? Or does he have to get out his measuring tape? And yes, fuel pump/carb style...

[rktmanfj]

Regarding the VIN stamped on the frame, they are definitely not lined up as you might expect from the factory; concerning.  Can anyone else look at their (preferably '87 or '89) VIN and see if they are perfectly straight and lined up, or do the numbers float around a bit, as is in the picture below?  



Dan

1990... you be the judge:

[aviationfred]

Regarding the VIN stamped on the frame, they are definitely not lined up as you might expect from the factory; concerning.  Can anyone else look at their (preferably '87 or '89) VIN and see if they are perfectly straight and lined up, or do the numbers float around a bit, as is in the picture below?  



Dan

1990... you be the judge:

Shawns bike is a Monday morning completion bike. To much partying over the weekend and could not get the type set straight in the VIN Punch holder. I will look at my 89' VIN tomorrow and maybe post a photo.

Fred

[1tinindian]

Then again, how would '87 get on the title if the bike wasn't sold until at least late '88? I've never purchased a new vehicle, does the title come with the year model or the year sold, or is it calculated off of the VIN?

Vehicles are titled  the year of manufacture, (or year model), NOT the year of sale.

[crzyjarmans]

I had a Harley years ago I bought new, VIN had one number not in line with the rest, Maybe? that's what happened here, there is no evidence of any other number ever stamped, is it possible to get a frame with out a VIN stamped where it belongs? on the question about the fuel pump, No fuel pump, 

[Steve_in_Florida]

I had the opportunity to view the VIN yesterday on both a 1986 and a 1989 FJ. I can attest that the numbers and letters imprinted in the frame on both bikes are PERFECTLY lined up.

Sorry, no pictures. We were busy adjusting valves!

What was the verdict on the rear suspension type?

Steve

[yamaha fj rider]

is it possible to get a frame with out a VIN stamped where it belongs?   

Yes, Yamaha sells frames, but the dealer is suppose to stamp your VIN# in the new frame. The dealership I worked at, required the old frame and the VIN was removed. From what I understood that was normal. Having seen VIN# stamped in frames buy the service department they looked better than this. Don't ignore all the other evidence. What numbers are on the engine? Look on top of the transmission, above where a kick starter would be. Also take a picture of the bottom shock mount, to see if has dog bones or not. Hope this helps.

Kurt

[fintip]

Fascinating. No fuel pump. 87 carbs.

Fun mystery indeed.

[crzyjarmans]

is it possible to get a frame with out a VIN stamped where it belongs?   

Yes, Yamaha sells frames, but the dealer is suppose to stamp your VIN# in the new frame. The dealership I worked at, required the old frame and the VIN was removed. From what I understood that was normal. Having seen VIN# stamped in frames buy the service department they looked better than this. Don't ignore all the other evidence. What numbers are on the engine? Look on top of the transmission, above where a kick starter would be. Also take a picture of the bottom shock mount, to see if has dog bones or not. Hope this helps.

Kurt

Thanks Kurt, I wont Ignore any evidence, This is why I asked the question it getting a frame with out the VIN stamped was possible, maybe this weekend I check the numbers on engine and see if there are dog bones or not