NUMBERS GAME
Michael Wightman is building a BSA Gold Star-based special using a newly made engine from ABSAF and asks what to do about an engine number – a problem I had when I built my Goldie from new bits years ago. I know my bike’s original engine number from the factory records, but I couldn’t use it in case that engine still exists. Besides, that could be seen as fraudulent – increasing the value by making the bike ‘matching numbers’.
If the DVLA are consulted, they tend to stamp on a long, modern vehicle-type number which looks awful. My solution was to use my date of birth; DBD Goldie numbers only run to four digits, my birth date has five, so my number won’t deceive a future buyer.
I think Michael should contact the Gold Star Owners Club for advice – they must have experience of this problem. Sadly, registering classics is getting complicated as genuine enthusiasts are getting caught in the crossfire between the DVLA and greedy people trying to pull a fast one for financial gain. Ain’t it always the way?