Honda-SOHC

The problem I have is that one of my bikes hasn't been taxed since the early 80s. I thought I'd lost the V5 but have since found it again, however an enquiry to the DVLA some years ago resulted in them saying I'd have to apply for my own registration as they have no record of the bike at all, even though the V5 is computer generated.

I have no idea on how to apply for my own registration number.

I have just done this for a CB400f that had been off the road since 1978 (never had an MOT).....I have the original old style 1970s V5.  In short you apply for a registration document (Form V62)....with a cheque for £25..I also enclosed photos of the vehicle and the engine and chassis numbers although I don't think they were asked for. 

I included a letter outlining the circumstances of purchasing the bike along with a clear colour photocopy of the original V5.  They ask for the original, but I just said I was scared of losing it in the post (true) as it was my only proof of entitlement to the registration, offering to forward it if they insisted.... and they accepted that.

I had insured the bike but it did not have an MOT at the time; I received a letter saying that as it had been off their books for so long they wanted it to be inspected.  When I received that I realised they either had my bike in a dormant record (it doesn't show up when you do an on line DVLA vehicle check) or they accepted the validity of the original V5.

An appointment was made with a company called SGS who carry out vehicle examinations for the DVLA.....that took about three weeks, a guy who knew little or nothing about bikes turned up, took photos of the engine and frame number and recorded them using a formatted system on a tablet....he also took front, rear and side photos presumably to ensure that it looks like whatever you claim it to be....the whole thing took about fifteen minutes, done at my house and no charge to me.

A couple of weeks later (yesterday) I called the DVLA vehicle inspections team as I had heard nothing and spoke to a very helpful bloke who told me my application was all in order and he would be finalising it and issuing a V5C shortly....so hopefully I might get it next week, then it's MOT time.

I did a bit of interweb research when I realised I was going to have to put up with this examination to see what it was all about and as far as I could work it out it seems some people have been playing a bit fast and loose with the definition of an historic vehicle and some glorified kit cars etc had been granted historic status and age related numbers where perhaps they should not have....so, as usual in these circumstances the rules get tightened and we all have to put up with it. 

Mick.             

A huge thank you to Menno who sent me a touch up pot of red matched to the CB400f......and refused all offers of payment.

I haven't tried it yet, but I was instantly suspicious of the RS paints version which looked too 'orange' and immediately confident that Menno's version looks right even in the pot.

Hopefully I will get round to trying it out within the next couple of days, but thank you for all the advice and to Menno for taking the time and trouble to send this paint.....it is very much appreciated.

Mick.

Unless it's photographic perspective playing games, the front wheel of that bike looks too close to the exhaust downpipes.

Mick.

Thanks Menno, I'd be very happy to buy a small pot, just enough for touch ins if you do have any.

Mick.

Walk around boots with a side panel, checking out the nail varnish......what could possibly go wrong?

I'll try Halfords though...bit disappointed in RS paints.

Hi all.......does anyone know of a good match for the Honda Light Ruby Red Paint as used on the early CB400f?

I bought a touch up pot from RS Paints via Amazon, having used them many times before.....and it's miles off, almost pink by comparison; I'm very surprised because RS Paints are normally dependable for a perfect match.

I've tried email......no response thus far....so, anyone know of a good substitute? it's only for a few tiny chips.

Mick.   

Just the top crankcase and the rocker cover had silver paint......(and the clutch cover, sprocket cover and alternator case of course)......... everything below the seam between the crankcases was plain alloy.

Never been too sure what if anything they put on the cylinders and head......it looks like nothing at all, but I'd be interested to know for certain.

Mick.

Precaution against what if it wasn't leaking?

People do this all the time....it's madness, I've had two bikes with tank sealer, both of them were flaking and blocking the carbs, both of them were an absolute nightmare to remove and neither of them needed it in the first place.

Tank sealants are right up there with powder coating ........ seems like a good idea at the time, utter pain in the a**e to get rid of.

Mick.