VIN Decoding my new bike (mismatched?)

just picked up a new bike represented as a 1986 seca 650, but am having some difficulty reconciling that, as i don't see that this model was produced in 1986. So i'm looking for a bit of help from the forum on figuring it out.

so the head tube vin is: JYA2A...

the vin decoder on motoverse says is a 1986 FZ600 but you can see the photo of the bike indicates quite otherwise.

and the shorty vin on the engine case is: 5V2...

so i'm guessing that is not a matching bike and would like to find out what exactly this thing is made of.

 

The engine is from an XJ650RJ - 1982 650 SECA.

The rest of the bike looks like a SECA, not an FZ.

Are you looking at the sticker on the head tube, or the number stamped onto the right side? See if the sticker matches.

 

That is indeed a Seca 650. They were only produced for the US market for model year 1982, and only came in those colors. It's not any sort of FZ, but it is a rather nice example of a 650 Seca in stock trim. If the frame sticker serial number and the engine number didn't match but were from the same bike, I would say it had simply been "re-motored" along the way, but that is not the case.

The frame number you provided is indeed for a 1986 FZ600. The engine number IS a Seca 650. Close (and not so close) examination of the photo indicates that is NOT a Seca 650 motor in an FZ frame. That bike is Seca 650 all the way. (Nice one, too.)

If the sticker on the steering head is the JYA2AX (2AX=FZ600) 00XGA (G='86) number then the only explanation is that the serial number sticker was switched, who knows why. (Suspect shenanigans.)

How many miles on the odo?

 

the 17 digit vin is from the right hand head tube stamping, the left hand head tube sticker is missing/removed. the bike looks stock and nothing has a hodgepodge feel about it (save the additional fuel cutoff switch plumbed in near the petcock{vacuum problems?}). so i am inclined to believe that this frame stamping maybe some sort of anomaly, either way im happy with the bike and it is in good condition, rides well and seems mechanically sound, though i could use a luggage rack/top case.

as for the odo is reads ~72000 but i was informed that this had been replaced before purchase and the original mileage is unknown.

so maybe it has some origin difficulties but it is has proven to be a sound bike so far and that is really what i was looking for, though if anyone else out there has some insights they would be very much appreciated.

thanks for the help guys.

 

Someone "swapped" steering stem headpipes?

 

Weird. It definitely DOES NOT have any "hodgepodge" to it as you said; all the sideplates and grab rail and everything are in exactly the right spots, etc. It's NOT an FZ frame, and I seriously doubt it has an FZ steering stem headpipe grafted on.

You can buy alpha-numeric hammer die sets, I happen to have one that belonged to my grandfather. The ONLY explanation is that someone went to a lot of trouble to stamp an FZ serial number into that bike's frame. Only the person that did it could tell you why...

It's a very nice example and looks quite complete. The VIN mystery baffles me. Since you're already aware the odo can't be trusted I would check the valve clearances, adjust the cam chain, change all the fluids and ride it.

 

Sounds like good bike no title. Junk or crashed bike with good title . Hummm Lets see. Grind and stamp new number in frame on good bike and Volia no more title problems.
Looks like you have a nice bike there and I would try to make the best of it. Good Luck Or you could go back to the DMV and do a search on the owners of that Vin # and make some inquiries

 

{{{{{shudders}}}}} at the thought of the going to the DMV with such information.......

 

If you have a tile and or registration leave well enough alone.....

 

+1 for leave well enough alone. As long as you have a title and it is registered and insured (or register-able) under the bogus VIN just let it be. Only someone really versed in Yamahas would ever know the difference (like us, so don't tell us either.) Enjoy your '86 FZ.

 

well it has a title and i registered/insured it recently so its ready to go per the state, so... ill pray for nice weather this weekend and go for a ride.

going to look for a luggage rack though - did these bikes ever have yamaha factory racks/bags or just after-market products?

 

Yamaha did make a factory luggage rack for that bike; there was a NOS one up on eBay a week or so ago, I don't know if it's still running, or got sold, or???

 

I was not suggesting that he were to tell the DMV what is going on simply that he get the previous owners name and address and call him to see what he knows. He should do alittle digging himself. I know you guys say leave well enough alone. I would err on the side of caution. myself

 

I for one would love to see the vin stamp on the frame. I was under the impression that Yamahas from this era did not have the full vin stamped into the stem. I know all of my bikes just have the shorty vin.

 

Later models ('83-up, some but perhaps not all) have the full VINS on the headpipes...........

 

But this is an '82 Seca 650. A really complete example. Some form of shenanigans caused an FZ serial number to get banged into the frame. The state is happy and the bike is registered, which means it can continue to be registered. I vote for ignorance is bliss, let it be.