Harley or Not??

[Kernow]

Can anybody try and answer a question that has been puzzling me for a while now: When is a Harley not a Harley?
For example: the first change is to install a RevTech 100 engine, S&S carb etc. next a custom frame with 200 or more rear end from Germany, wheels from Arlen Ness, Electrics by Kuryakan, tank from Battistinis. Can this still be classed as a Harley or must it now be re-registered?
If so would the owner still be allowed at a Riders Club or Federation Rally?
Assume that all the changes are done over a period of years and not all together.
What would be the view of DVLA/VOSA assuming that they were(as required) informed of the changes?
This may of course have been discussed on this forum in the past, if so I apologise and would appreciate a link. It may be that there are other users of the Forum who would be interested.
Gwith dha dhewlin y'n gwyns
Ian

[chopper]

In My opinion i would class anything that either has a harley engine in it or says it on the logbook. As far as the DVLA are concerned i believe there need to be at least three major components from the original manufacturer to class the bike as a Harley (but i could wrong) if its allready registered as a harley and you change the motor then you just tell the dvla the new engine size and numbers as for notifying them about the new frame depends on how honest you are!

[kiwidave]

In strict club terms, we don't give a shit, nor are we sad enough to count components.

If it walks like a duck, blah blah blah, it's a duck for the purposes of club events. This comes from the committee down...it has been discussed many times. There are loads of members with such bikes.

In other spheres.....

resale value is never as good if it is *all* aftermarket bits

but if you love it, why should you care what anyone else thinks???

[Kernow]

Originally Posted by kiwidave

In strict club terms, we don't give a shit, nor are we sad enough to count components.

If it walks like a duck, blah blah blah, it's a duck for the purposes of club events. This comes from the committee down...it has been discussed many times. There are loads of members with such bikes.

In other spheres.....

resale value is never as good if it is *all* aftermarket bits

but if you love it, why should you care what anyone else thinks???

I was not asking from a personal point of view, my Fat Boy is fairly near standard (Stage One/Screaming Eagles and a few odd shiny bits) and will stay that way. I was trying to get an informed opinion on the legal status of the type of conversion.

[Chiefy]

The day you change the frame you'll change the vehicles legal identity.


At this point you will also need to SVA the bike and possibly re-register.

I thought if you put the old frame number on the new frame (and didnt sell or use the old frame) you didnt have to SVA and just continue as was.

[YOFFI]

If it's a custom frame and revtech engine?

why do people insist on writing harley on the tank?

it's no longer a harley so why write it?

[Chiefy]

Originally Posted by dynamet1

I thought if you put the old frame number on the new frame (and didnt sell or use the old frame) you didnt have to SVA and just continue as was.

If only life was that simple.

[telboy]

ain't that ringing a motor,naughty ,naughty

Sorry to reserect an old thread - but I was looking at Buell engined chop..rolling thunder frame and all after market or custom parts. Obviously not a Harley - but you do see the odd Buell turn up now and then. Would this be aligable to join the HDRCGB? and also could you join owning a stock standard Buell.?