G'day guys,
I have a butchered K model frame that came to me as part of an ironhead project. The motor is a 70 XLCH but the frame is a hard tailed K model frame. Most identifying features have been cut off or boxed in. One thing is for sure is that it has the version 9 re-raked 52 neck described in the bulletin. I can see faint remnants of a number stamped into the front right down tube. Obviously this was not a place that was stamped from the factory. I suspect somebody previously had stamped their VIN from engine into the frame. The number is 55--168X. I can clearly make out the last 4 digits but not the "--" model designation. As far as I am aware some of the 55 models did have that 54 neck with the version 9 re-raked profile consistent with it being a 55.
The whole reason I am going down this road is to try and figure out the full VIN number that was stamped into the frame as that will need to be the number used for registration here in Australia. It's illegal for me to stamp the frame obviously and if it's ever X-rayed this number will show up. Which does happen. Obviously pre-70 frames didn't have VINs on the frame but I will need to register this as a 55 K/KHK. I know the first 2 digits and the last 4 the only thing missing is the model designation I suspect it would likely be 55KH168X. Were there any differentiating features of the KHK models that would help me confirm? This is not my wheelhouse and I know nothing of K models really so forgive my ignorance. Is it likely this frame could have come with anything other then a KH?
This is what I do know.
- It has what looks to be the 52 reraked neck with the version 9 profile used in 54/55
- Peg mounts are solid, the hole in the rear of the stand mount is casted over
- Has weep holes on the rear motor mount casting above the bolt holes
- It does not have the reinforced down tubes
- All tubing is mild steel not chrome moly
Cheers.