Tucinieks

Heiy guys,

So i have a question about VIN numbers / how to understand what year the chassis/ frame was made in?

For example, i have FE/FS 450 2005 with VIN number : VBKHUA40X4M38..
From what i understand the year of the frame is ''2004'' as ''4'' is before letter ''M''.
But i bought another frame from FE 550 2003, but the VIN number is different from the standard ones... : YU7FC5K3620000011
So how i tell which year is this one? Is the year still 10th position in the WIN number or no? So this would be 2002?

Regards,
Tucinieks

husabutt

Yes, you are correct, it is a 2002. This frame was made in Sweden and your other frame was made in Austria.

Tucinieks

Oh, Thanks!

So then follow up question is, do you guys know how can i check if the bike frames are identical, disregarding pictures?
Because the my 2 frames looks identical, but my shitty country need some kinda proof that says this FE450 frame is the same as FE550 frame.

My concern is that the part numbers between the 02y and 04y is different.

Year / PART NR
2001-2002 : 110 229-01
2003 : 110 251-01
2004 : 800.03.001.000/68
2006 : 800.03.001.000/30

Taffy

there should be differences between the 2002 and the 2004 frame.

2002
under the main tube there will be two female holes side-by-side upwards these are for the coil.
the swing arm bolt holes are just flat metal.
the headstock is 28 degrees.

2004
the coil bracket is two metal strips hanging down with a female bolt hole in either one.

the swing arm bolt hole has curved metal around it to strengthen the area. also, one side has a little flat plate welded that means a swing arm bolt with a 'D' shaped end must be fitted. this stops it turning.

headstock is 26.5 degrees.

Taffy

husabutt

The steering head angle is much steeper on the 2004 frame as mentioned by Taffy.

The 04 frame will turn better than the 02.

Tucinieks

Did not know that.. Do you think im gonna have problems to transfer everything from the 04 to the 02 frame?

Taffy

you couldn't even see the differences we mention? do you have a white stick and a labrador?

I did it. the 2002 engine in the 2004 frame. the coil hung on one bolt hole. I used all the 2002 electrics, no attempt at an upgrade. anyway, what is an upgrade when the 2002 electrics were working just fine.

husaberg just changed the headstock angle and didn't even check that the front wheel would or wouldn't miss the exhuast headers or not. oddly enough, they used to hit the LOWER headers of the 450 and couldn't reach the 501 or the 650 headers as they are higher.

so it will be fine handling and ride wise. it'll be OK. I think that they need at least 20mm offset TCs, indeed I ran 18mm offset which was a lot better. how many people here care enough to change? Nobody.

so the 570 that started with 18mm offset ended with the 22s.
the 2004 450 started with 22s and ended with 18s.

strange world.....

Taffy

ned37

strange world, indeed

Tucinieks

Well i didnt until you point it out, plus i aint great at these kinda things.
What did mean with ''TCs'' ?

Gonna need to make it work as this was the only frame i could find in my region.
Any other tips from you guys? Paint should be dry tomorrow, so gonna start the transfer.

Taffy

the yanks say "triple clamps"

we say "yokes"

I'm gradually turning stupid.....

Taffy