VIN decoded

[Cycleeric]

When I acquired this DT175 I was told it was a 1967. Tonight I started the tear down finally and came across a VIN tag on the frame near the right shock under the side cover. VIN # 16F10289  Would this number not make this a 1966 DT175 ? It still doesn't change my mind on making this a small café racer but would like to know for sure the model that I am starting with. This is a far cry from the other late model dirt bikes and sport bikes in my garage.

Thanks in Advance for any help or advice you guys can give me on this one.

[disc_valve]

Hi,

Yes, the Serial number is for a bike manufactured in June 1966 - but it may well not have been registered until 1967. It takes a month or two to cross the ocean, and then many bikes spent quite a while in the warehouses and showroom before being sold.

Graham

[Steve S.]

Graham is absolutely correct.  My GTR is a 1969 according to the VIN, but is Titled as a 1970.  This was a pretty common practice back in the day.

Steve S.

[slawsonb]

My GTR is a 1967 build registered in 1968.
...bert