T200 frame number location

[Neale]

Hi Guys, my first post. My name is Neale (I'm Sportston's dad).Please can anyone advise me where to find the frame number on my 1969 T200 invader? All the parts are off the frame, and I still can't see a number. (Engine number matches the log book). Cheers.

[jabcb]

Welcome to the forum.

Look at the T200 frame on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/294188076097

A riveted-on VIN tag was originally on the steering stem. This may not be there because it was removed when the frame was repainted or powder coated, and reinstalled.
The VIN was also stamped into the frame on the right-side gusset that holds the swing arm & rear motor mount.

[Neale]

Hi jabcb,
Thank you for the welcome. And of course, thank you very much for the information. Perfect reply to my question. Of course the ID plate has long gone. And the location on the frame was painted over. I have now removed the paint, and it is just visible. There is some surface rust making it hard to read, but as I said, just legible.
I am looking forward to getting her on the road. Last time I rode a T200 Invader was 1970 when I was 15 (on a private road), with the owner on the back. I travelled a fair bit as pillion on that bike. It was what made me fall in love with Japanese twin and triple 2 strokes.
Best wishes, Neale

[Alan H]

The Invader is a cracking little bike, as is the TC200. I sold mine about a year ago as I didn't like thrashing a 50+ year old bike! The triples I still have can take it better!!!
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=13815&hilit=T200

[jabcb]

There was some variation in how Suzuki stamped the frames.
I couldn’t find the stamped VIN on one of my bikes until I noticed that it was covered by the riveted-on VIN tag. Another was lightly stamped like yours.

Don’t powder coat your frame. Several of my bikes have powder coated frames. Am a fan of the results but it makes the stamped VIN harder to see.
Safe bet would be to repaint the frame & apply the minimum of paint to the stamped VIN.

Might also be useful to look into your country’s VIN tag rules.
In my state, you can get a state-issued VIN tag if needed. And I think some locales permit the use of replica VIN tags.