Frame Numbers - Proof of Year?

I am trying to get my Katana through the Manx MOT test, so that it can be
registered on the Isle of Man. At present it is on a UK Q Plate, as the bike
was made up from spares. Its passed on everything except for the Harris
exhaust which I put on before the test to replace the straight through
SuperTrapp system. However as there is no BS mark on the exhaust the
examiner will not pass the bike unless he is given proof the frame was on
the road before 1985, when the exhaust regulations came in. The bike was
assembled in 1991, but I would have thought the donor frame was a 1982 or
1983. Is it possible to know the year of bike from the frame number? and are
records kept somewhere to prove that a particular frame was on the road in a
certain year. The bikes frame number is GS110X00530810.

You can see the bike here (with old exhaust):

http://homepages.manx.net/ash/kat2.jpg

Thanks for any help in advance.

Ash

 

Ah, That's that beautiful Katana. I remember now ...

The first thing that occurs is - why don't you put the Supertrapp back
on the bike? It isn't straight through as the discs on the outlet
provide the muffling that would otherwise be achieved by baffles. Not
only that, but Supertrapps have BS stamped into them - or should do.

 

Isn't that just *lovely*.

Maybe Suzuki can help with fating the frame?

 

The first thing that occurs is - why don't you put the Supertrapp back

The discs only work if you have the end cap on (of which I have three -
anyone want to buy one?) and the bike just wouldn't run with the cap in
place. Also there is no BS marking on the Supertrapp system that I have.

I do prefer the Supertrapp, it's stainless steel and looks better that the
Harris.

Ash

 

Gorgeous bike. Gotta love the 8" of chain adjustment.

--
Cammo
VT500 Rat
GSX750SE Katana
GT250-X7
GT380
http://cammo.webs.bikers-engine.com
cammo at bikers-engine dot com

 

Maybe Suzuki can help with fating the frame?

Phoned Suzuki up this morning, this nice lady told me after I gave her the
frame number, that it relates to a 1981 bike (quite early) but she couldn't
provide any written evidence to me, as the publication she was looking at
was for internal use only.

Ash

 

Right then, here's a thing. Try varying the number of discs - look it
up online for advice: they also do an open end cap which may assist.
Looking at
http://www.supertrapp.com/MotorcycleATV/motorcycleatv_page.htm
and searching for your bike, they _only list Katanas for 1982 and
1983_ which should suggest the year of manufacture that you mentioned
earlier to be accurate.

I like Supertrapps. There's no mention of a BS number though - but
I'm sure mine has one although I'm not prepared to drag the VF out
from its resting place to investigate. I've dealt with Supertrapps
before and I'm absolutely certain that I've seen little BS stamps on
the cans. Hmph.

 

Right then, here's a thing. Try varying the number of discs - look it

Yep did that too. Still way to loud to get through the test. The Test
Examiner thinks the Harris is too loud, but loudness wont matter if I can
prove the bike frame is pre 1985.

The Examiner it has to be said is being quite helpful. the bike failed the
first time it went in. Rear disc was too thin, no parking light is the
headlamp and headlamp not set correctly. After sorting these out (new
second-hand disc, wired up a parking lamp and sort of adjusting the
headlamp) He was still not happy with the headlamp, but let me adjust it
there and then using his machine to set it correctly. Then he bought up the
problem with the exhaust, which his colleague who inspected the bike last
time didn't. I get the impression that he wants to pass the bike, but needs
to cover himself.

Ash

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, Champ

Its fate was sealed as soon as it left the factory...

 

That is feckin *gorgeous*!!

I nearly bought one of those, but the CBR6 I used to own, came up
cheaper and roadworthy. All the Kats I saw were half shagged with
"classic" price tags. Bloody unfortunate - I love those bikes.

 

Ash wrote in

Perhaps the Suzuki Owners Club would verfiy the age for you?

I know the Honda Owners Club have a Classic Sec. who does this for members
so I'm guessing the SOC is similar.

http://www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk/whyjoin/default.asp £23 to join though.

 

Ash says...

Do a search on ebay for a BS stamped plate that you can fit to the end
of the 'silencer', and then take the bike to a different tester once
you've fitted it.

 

Lozzo wrote in

search string "strap on" finds it

 

Ash wrote

Have I missed something here? Does this mean that pre 85 bikes don't
have to have compliant cans?

 

<furtive snigger>

 

Do a search on ebay for a BS stamped plate that you can fit to the end

Hmm. If you think that would work well...

All vehicles that are brought into the Isle of Man that aren't new have to
be examined at the Government Vehicle Testing Centre. I don't think a stick
on BS Plate would fool them, it would most likely make them look for other
'problems' just to make sure it never passed.

Ash

 

Basically, yes. For the MOT it mustn't be louder than could expected for
a machine in average condition.

Bikes first /used/ on or after 1/1/85 must have a silencer marked as
follows

1. OE silencers with the bike manufacturers name don't need a BSAU
mark.

2. British Standard classification BSAU 193 or BSAU 193a or an EEC
approval number prefixed by a small 'e' marking or an ECE approval
number prefixed by a capital E.

3. Not marked with 'NOT FOR ROAD USE', TRACK USE ONLY' or similar.

 

Have I missed something here? Does this mean that pre 85 bikes don't

The Examiner showed me his book that he works to, which is a UK Government
MOT Publication from what I can see. It clearly stated that bikes produced
after 1985 have to have a BS mark on them to show they comply to noise
regulations. Bikes prior to that don't.

Ash

 

I think I'm getting sorted. Have been pointed to a couple of websites which
list Suzuki bikes and frame numbers and they both show that my bike was
produced in 1982. Hopefully this will be enough for the vehicle examiner,
who I will go and see tomorrow.

Ash

 

sweller wrote

Really?

Hmmm. I feel a plan forming, or is it me piles playing up?