RD350 or RX350?

[msr]

I recently worked through the bonded title process in NC for a 73 RD350 I bought in May. Part of that process involves taking the bike to a 'theft inspection' office where they physically inspect the bike and note the VIN, Make, and Model while calling in to have theft records checked.

On my paperwork, I indicated it as an RD350. They said no - it's an RX350. They say RDs start with 361, but my VIN is 351-101xxx.

In the end, they win and I change my paperwork. Only the year, make, and VIN will be on the title so it won't matter there.

Anyone else encounter this? 

[RDryan]

Lol, that's odd. Can't say I'm aware of anything like that. However whilst looking over FB Marketplace often times the RD350's get advertised as RD135's and I think that's just some automated advertise your model bike kinda database shortcut glitch...and then as I type this I sorta think if they were just determined to not correct some typo mistake on their end. Anyway how's about the irony that if it were stolen or something years ago and with a different title dept. staff it was described properly, well goes without saying that a RX350 would certainly pass the not stolen test.

[dgorms]

The people at my DMV are 100% clueless when it comes to vintage bikes! It usually works to my advantage !

[SoCal250]

RX350?!
Your lovely state of North Carolina is WRONG! All Yamaha RD350 models (US air-cooled 1973-75) begin with 351-  The bike in question is definitely a 1973 RD350. As a 1973 model, it should have a VIN in the range of 351-100101~351-124870

There is another 3-digit code called the IBM ID Number. This number is independent of the model ID used in the VIN and engine numbers (although sometimes it can match). For the RD350 it is 360. In the Yamaha part numbering scheme this number is used in some part numbers where that part was intended specifically for, or first assigned to, the RD350. For example, 360-11635-03-00 (which is a 1st over-size, 3rd revision, Dykes-ring style piston for the RD350.)

So who knows where they came up with 361? That's the goverment for ya.

[pdxjim]

The really weird part is that there is no such thing as RD135 OR RX350, but there IS an RX135 in the SE Asian (India, Indonesia, Phillipines, etc) market.

[m in sc]

lol. dmv..


look at proximity of x vs d key on keyboard. dmv typo from who knows how long ago. 

[stresa]

In Japan the RD's were sold as RX350 back then.
Regards Uwe

[The Red Scourge]

MSR, how did you start that process in NC?  I have a few untitled bikes I'll need to do that with at some point.

[msr]

Yeah, it seemed too bizarre to me as well. But the inspector said I had to change my documentation to match theirs so ... okay? Not an argument I was ever gonna win.

MSR, how did you start that process in NC?  I have a few untitled bikes I'll need to do that with at some point.

It's actually pretty easy compared to other states. The basic outline is here: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/special-cases/Pages/bonded-vehicles.aspx

There's a separate document called the MVR-92A that lays out the procedure in more detail: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/downloads/Documents/MVR-92A.pdf

I've now done this three times and the best advice I can give is this:

1) Be organized and complete with your paperwork.
2) Follow the instructions to the letter.
3) Be patient and polite with everyone you contact, DMV and otherwise.
4) When you're ready to start visiting DMV offices, take the whole day off, preferably mid-week, and start early in the day.

The part that held me up the first time I did this was getting the right bond. The next two times, I used this company and it was super easy: https://www.suretybonds.com/states/north-carolina.html

[m in sc]

In Japan the RD's were sold as RX350 back then.
Regards Uwe

the NC DMV has no idea thats even a thing, trust me on this one..  . They think Pennsylvania is an exotic land far far away. My bet is its a typo. 

[stresa]

In Japan the RD's were sold as RX350 back then.
Regards Uwe

the NC DMV has no idea thats even a thing, trust me on this one..  . They think Pennsylvania is an exotic land far far away. My bet is its a typo. 

For sure I trust you on this subject Mark. Wanted only to state that a RX350 exist. I have no clue also how the frame numbers begin on a RX frame.
Regards Uwe

[irk_miller]

I've had a TX650 titled as an XS650.  We all know they're basically the same bike, but it's enough to confuse any combination of insurance company and DMV.  I currently have an XS2 titled as an XS650.  Not sure if that is normal or not, but it was enough to stall the insurance company trying to insure it.

[msr]

I've had a TX650 titled as an XS650.  We all know they're basically the same bike, but it's enough to confuse any combination of insurance company and DMV.  I currently have an XS2 titled as an XS650.  Not sure if that is normal or not, but it was enough to stall the insurance company trying to insure it.

I didn't get the bike insured and plated yet, so I don't know yet what kind of adventure awaits on that front. My insurance agent is really good, though, and finds my motorcycle acquisition habits entertaining. Hopefully that all works out okay ...

msr

[1976RD400C]

When I went to DMV to get a plate for my 1966 YL1, the old transferable registration just had a 5 digit serial number, without the 3 digit prefix. DMV lady says there is a trailer registered with the same serial number so please go take a picture of it with the serial number and make an etching of the frame number. Went back and all was good.

[pdxjim]

My '91 TZR250R 3XV was titled as a 1980 RD350 because ... well, yunno ... ya gotta do what ya gotta do.