It's not of my business, but personally i feel that bikes should be sold as is, not in parts.
Otherwise, another m20 might disappear.
And there is the risk that you are left with a number of hard to sell parts, reducing the "profit."

Hi, I’m interested in the bike?

Would it be possible to have a chat?

Many thanks,

Martin
07984297708

email (option): delaneycheryl@btconnect.com

I get your point Michael and I agree entirely. However after 4 months of correspondence and phone calls with DVLA I can't see any way to register this as a whole machine. Basically they are saying (I think) that this is a built up bike of parts from other machines. If correct this was done many years ago, hence when found after a lay up of maybe 25 years the bike carried a G registration. I didn't understand any of this at the time and happily set to restoring the bike, and as I'm now semi retired but with access to engineering facilities this was an ideal project. I have enjoyed the process and have learned so much but I am totally fed up dealing with the DVLA and just feel like I should give up, sell up and move on to another project - there are many other interesting bikes out there.

email (option): paduanomike58@gmail.com

If the bike is registered with a G plate and either you have the log book or it's still on the DVLA data base? Then they are duty bound to issue you with an age related plate upon request......It's their rule that you can't now put a plate on a vehicle that is newer than the vehicle. They will correct that situation if you ask them.

However it sounds like you have given them information to the determent, by disclosing that it's made from parts. If it was me, I'd have built the bike and registered it as a 1946.....There's no law that says you can't fit a replacement engine, even if it's from another year (most of us have that anyway with our rebuilt WD bikes) Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

In reply to your message Ron, I think the problem is actually the frame number, and it's the frame that was changed long ago and now none of the numbers (including the engine number) match their records. When I tried to register it they wrote back and asked for a photo of the frame number and after that it all went pear shaped. I gave them as little information as I could get away with but with no log book I was rather at a disadvantage. If anybody can see a way through this their advice would be very welcome.

email (option): paduanomike58@gmail.com

Mike, which club have you used to authenticate ? It pains me to say it, but the more correct the club, the lower your chances of a successful outcome..DVLA now puts them under such pressure to justify their advice. Best bet is the VMCC. They have little knowledge of individual makes but are authorised for everything.

I don't know if DVLA keep a record of frame numbers from enquiries - quite possibly they do now, making multiple applications difficult.

Worst option is to find a replacement frame with a number that they don't have on their computer - preferably from a period that matches the engine.

If your frame has a number that doesn't match the 'G' reg. log book then it is irrelevant as far as DVLA is concerned. Regardless of whether the swap and 'economy with the truth' took place forty years ago.

OK Mike I can only give the benefit of what I've learnt from years of dealing with DVLC/DVLA. (I'm also one of the two vehicle inspectors on behalf of the Military Vehicle Trust verification officer, covering Dorset area)

If the frame number is genuine and legible (I presume XM20 for 1946) Then you need to send pictures/rubbings to the BSAOC or VMCC for a dating letter.(engine number also but it's not imperative) The fee will be accordingly if you're a member or not.

Add your dating letter to the required DVLA form V55/5 and their fee. I always back up my applications with scans/copies of any relevant litterateur/publication that might add any additional information. Pages from O&M for instance for WD bikes.

DVLA use an independent firm for inspections (SGS) which I'm led to believe are carried out at random at the ratio of about 1 in 10.....Or if they suspect something is amiss or don't understand something.

But it's nothing at all to worry about, if you have a mostly built up 1946 bike on the bench! It doesn't need to be MOT'd or even running. The inspector will be an ordinary working guy or gal and will probably know very little about your bike. They are just there to check numbers and that it looks like what you say it is and built mostly from original or period parts.....Which of course it will be. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Hello Martin. Having now read the posts that have been generated I think I will have another go with the DVLA. If not successful then I will be in touch as you have registered interest first. Be a few weeks I think. Best wishes
Mike

email (option): paduanomike58@gmail.com

Hi Ron
Just had a look at form V55/5 which states at the top that incomplete forms are rejected and was wondering how anybody could fill this in for a machine built in 1946. It seems ridiculously specific and seems to require information nobody would have for an historic vehicle of any sort. I think I'm becoming paranoid about DVLA forms! Your advice most welcome and appreciated.

email (option): paduanomike58@gmail.com

Mike there is also a guide to filling in form V55/5 which you should also download. Lots of the questions don't apply and I just leave them blank. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/734201/v355x5-how-to-fill-in-form-v55x5-to-register-a-used-vehicle-for-the-first-time.pdf

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

I will have another go with the DVLA and let you know in a few weeks. Thanks to all of you for your advice.

email (option): paduanomike58@gmail.com