Q-plate query

[Bru]

Hello. I did a quick search, but still have this question: if the issue for a Q-plate is to do with verifying the 'age' of the machine, does that mean that as long as I have the documentation for the frame (V5?) and seperate documentation for the engine (casing - but what document?), then an appropriate age will be determined. I was at the DVLA website, and it seems to say that unmatched engine/frame combo's get a Q. The site is unavailable right now, for me to check again.

I am trying to work out how best to sort my bike - or not. Thank you.

[Kal]

If you have a V5c then vehicle already has a registration mark.

Are you performing a striaght engine swap without messing anything else about then just send the V5c back to the DVLA with the change in the relevent section just as you would if you had it resprayed for example.

There is no charge for this.

If you don't have a V5c then you will need a letter from the manufacturer confriming when the vehicle was originally built.

If you can use the original engine casing on with the number attached then the DVLA will give you less grief and will issue an age related registration once they have inspected the vehicle at one of their centres to make sure it is the vehicle in the letter.

If you can get it on age related plates its best too as I had my insurance cancelled on me and had to start a policy twice as expensive with Adrian Flux
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[KTM Gordo]

Q plates are given to vehicles of indeterminate age or origin. If you can prove the age of the vehicle with frame and engine numbers (for obvious reasons, the engine number isn't usually on a removeable part of the engine) then you should be able to retain the number on the V5C.

Q plates are a pain - more expensive to insure, and seriously reduces a vehicle's value.

The DVLA also issues Q plates when a registration mark is withdrawn following misuse. This can be mis-spaced registration plates, too small (or too big) plates and other number plate related offences. There's also a £1000 fine involved.

HTH
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Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.

KTM 990 Adventure | KTM EXC 250 Racing | Land Rover Freelander SE Td4

[Bru]

Thank you for your help. So an engine swap is not the nightmare suggested.. I guess that the same applies to a frame then, relatively - if I get a good frame and put my engine into it, then the change will be marked relative to the frame (ie. DVLA consider it as having a new engine)?

Their site quotes:

"motorcycles must use:
Unmodified frame (original or new) and two other major components from the original vehicle; forks, wheels and engine or gear box.

If a second-hand frame is used the vehicle must pass a motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA) test after which a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated."


As long as I have the paperwork.. but if someone breaks a bike, does that mean that there are two sets of paperwork, one following the frame, and the other, the engine? Does the frame have priority then, as suggested by the site? Then I could chuck my rusted frame away, and pick something up off *Bay or a breakers.

I apologise if I seem to be labouring this issue, but understanding it will open up some options for me. Thank you.

[Kal]

I have to SORN a CB400 every year. All I have of the bike is the frame (hanging from my garage ceiling) and the V5c. For the purposes of legality the frame holds the registration.

If you pick up another frame you need it to be with a V5c, otherwise you are opening yourself up to a nightmare.

If someone tells the DVLA that they have scrapped the bike then a new V5c will need to be generated for it. In any case the engine dosnt get a look in documentwise. I have V5c's here without an engine number on them.
____________________
Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S