[Mark1096]

Hi,

I'm in the process of registering an original American K1200RS in France.

One of the things they’re insisting on is a European type VIN Plate attached to the frame. Not the American welded one.

I think this plate is riveted to the headstock but would like confirmation of this as it has to be examined by officials.

Is there anyone out there could post a, suitably anonymised, picture of a VIN plate from a European K1200RS insitu please.

Mark

 

[Beech]

While your waiting for a picture, I suggest you go to a BMW dealer and do some research.

 

[Mark1096]

While your waiting for a picture, I suggest you go to a BMW dealer and do some research.

Good advice, many thanks.

I’ve already done that and k12’s are not that common in dealerships, or at least not my part of France 🤔. Probably too old.

Thats the reason for the hopeful post.

 

[Cefoul]

Hello,
The VIN plate is not attached to the aluminium frame but stick to the rear tube frame, under the seat.
For example on ebay you will found these pictures for the main frame: Cadre Principal Allemand Papiers Brief Fork BMW K 1200 Rs 589 ABS 96-00 | eBay

I found on the web this rear frame picture of a K1200RS year 97/98

I have also attached a picture taken on my own bike. It is a 2003 K1200GT but the frames are the same.

 

[Mark1096]

Hello,
The VIN plate is not attached to the aluminium frame but stick to the rear tube frame, under the seat.
For example on ebay you will found these pictures for the main frame: Cadre Principal Allemand Papiers Brief Fork BMW K 1200 Rs 589 ABS 96-00 | eBay

I found on the web this rear frame picture of a K1200RS year 97/98

View attachment 32628

I have also attached a picture taken on my own bike. It is a 2003 K1200GT but the frames are the same.

View attachment 32627

Hi,

Thanks for that, is Yours a European model?

 

[Cefoul]

is Yours a European model?

Correct. It is a french one. And the sample taken from the web are also European models.

 

[Mark1096]

Correct. It is a french one. And the sample taken from the web are also European models.

That’s great, thanks for your time. The weird bit is that this section has the VIN number already on it and I may have to cover this original engraved number with a non original plate. It’ll be done by BMW with documentation but I still think a lot of photos are required as proof

 

[Beech]

Maybe the officials are not used to this image of a non Euro bike, but if the vin is there and pointed out maybe it will work?

 

[Cefoul]

hello Mark,

Regarding the French regulation for a motorbike, the rules are:

A manufacturer's plate indicating:

• the brand
• the manufacturer's identification number (VIN)
• the sound level of the motorcycle at idle and the engine speed at which this sound level was recorded.

This is the plate I showed on my picture.
+
The identification number must be stamped so as to be easily readable in an accessible place of the chassis or frame, on the right side of the two wheels. (Article R317-9 du Code de la Route)

For this last point, it is stamped on the Aluminium frame, near the rear brake pedal

As long as you have the same VIN on the frame, on the plate and on the official paper everything should be good.
You can buy a plate on the web and provide the needed info to be written on it.

 

[Mark1096]

hello Mark,

Regarding the French regulation for a motorbike, the rules are:

A manufacturer's plate indicating:

• the brand
• the manufacturer's identification number (VIN)
• the sound level of the motorcycle at idle and the engine speed at which this sound level was recorded.

This is the plate I showed on my picture.
+
The identification number must be stamped so as to be easily readable in an accessible place of the chassis or frame, on the right side of the two wheels. (Article R317-9 du Code de la Route)

For this last point, it is stamped on the Aluminium frame, near the rear brake pedal
View attachment 32629

As long as you have the same VIN on the frame, on the plate and on the official paper everything should be good.
You can buy a plate on the web and provide the needed info to be written on it.

Hi

hello Mark,

Regarding the French regulation for a motorbike, the rules are:

A manufacturer's plate indicating:

• the brand
• the manufacturer's identification number (VIN)
• the sound level of the motorcycle at idle and the engine speed at which this sound level was recorded.

This is the plate I showed on my picture.
+
The identification number must be stamped so as to be easily readable in an accessible place of the chassis or frame, on the right side of the two wheels. (Article R317-9 du Code de la Route)

For this last point, it is stamped on the Aluminium frame, near the rear brake pedal
View attachment 32629

As long as you have the same VIN on the frame, on the plate and on the official paper everything should be good.
You can buy a plate on the web and provide the needed info to be written on it.

Hi Cefoul,

As part of the process I had the bike examined by BMW France to ascertain II it conforms to European rules, it only having an American Certificate of Connfirmity. They identified that the information on the American “plate” didn’t have all the required information.

They sent me a spec sheet detailing size, material, and content to be engraved on it.

I have now had the plate made and ready for fitting. The issue I had was with its location. I’d read somewhere that it was on the headstock, this seems crazy. And so the post.


Many thanks for you’re replies they’ve been really helpful.

Mark

 

[Cefoul]

Understood Mark. So it looks everything is ok for you and you have what it is required for the French regulation.
Enjoy your bike and the ride!

 

[Beech]

Maybe to close the thread you could post the details :
"They sent me a spec sheet detailing size, material, and content to be engraved on it. "
Information helps everyone (almost).

 

[Mark1096]

Maybe to close the thread you could post the details :
"They sent me a spec sheet detailing size, material, and content to be engraved on it. "
Information helps everyone (almost).

Not sure I understand your point as that’s what I posted in my response to Cefoul, who had posted what the legal European requirements are for a VIN plate.

Maybe I’m missing something🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

 

[Insiders]

Why can’t you just make one up? Go to a local dealer and capture what standardized ViN plate looks like
Print it / hammer stamp kit / rivet / done.

 

[Cefoul]

Hello Mark,

The correct part number from BMW for this "type identification plate EU, adhered" is 71217657000. The same I have on my French model:

BMW Type identification plate EU, adhered Teilenummer: 71217657000 (71 21 7657000)