It could be legit .....

[lardmarc]

Even if plates were punched whilst on the frame, I doubt whether there would be much to trace.

If it were an MT350, punched into the frame itself, it would be a different matter.

Like I said "Don't believe everything you hear."

[Wirralman]

Like I said "Don't believe everything you hear."

I never do

[Cato]

I doubt the Police would take much interest at the best of times. An x-ray on the engine case to see if any of the number remained legible would be the sort of expense and time they'd only take if it had been used in a very serious crime. Without any identifying numbers or paperwork you'd get a crime number to give to your insurance company at best.

There are a couple of MT500 front frame sections with disposal paperwork on there. Using one of those is the only way I could see it getting back on the road.

[lardmarc]

At least while checking the frame number the police officer could 'take a knee' without letting us all down.

[big sid]

As I understand, even if the engine number is ground off, the police can do analysis which brings up the number. When punched in, it goes deeper than just that which is visible.



You're right. In the aircraft industry we use an ultrasound technique in our non destructive testing which highlights the grain structure of the metal. If it had been stamped previously the fact that those numbers had been ground off would probably still be visible using ultrasound due to the fact the grain structure/crystal formations (casting), would of been compressed. Simple enough to do with the right equipment.

[lardmarc]

You're right. In the aircraft industry we use an ultrasound technique in our non destructive testing which highlights the grain structure of the metal. If it had been stamped previously the fact that those numbers had been ground off would probably still be visible using ultrasound due to the fact the grain structure/crystal formations (casting), would of been compressed. Simple enough to do with the right equipment.

It's good to know that technology is keeping our stuff traceable if it gets stolen.

[Wirralman]

As I understand, even if the engine number is ground off, the police can do analysis which brings up the number. When punched in, it goes deeper than just that which is visible.

You're right. In the aircraft industry we use an ultrasound technique in our non destructive testing which highlights the grain structure of the metal. If it had been stamped previously the fact that those numbers had been ground off would probably still be visible using ultrasound due to the fact the grain structure/crystal formations (casting), would of been compressed. Simple enough to do with the right equipment.

if the frame number was stamped into the frame and had then been ground off I'd agree with you but MT500 has a separate plate which is riveted on. I don't know if the plate had numbers punched on before it was riveted to the frame or after. If before, ultrasonic would find nothing, if after - my guess is very little

[lardmarc]

I don't know if the plate had numbers punched on before it was riveted to the frame.

No markings under the Armstrong VIN plate.

[big sid]

I was referring to the engine number stamped on crankcase.
I've stamped some identifying numbers on one of the the flanges where the two frames bolt together. I'm sure there were some numbers already stamped there.
There's also some unique to me numbers on the lug of the side stand. Not much but I'd be able to quickly identify my bike in the presence of a policeman.

[lardmarc]

I'm sure there were some numbers already stamped there.

Numbers are stamped into the frame, probably by the fella who did the brazing.

On new CCM frames the markings would look like this 歹列 为.

Made in Britain.