I went to register my CB500 today (state of Oregon), and received an interesting surprise when they went to do the VIN inspection. Turns out the chassis VIN (on the neck) was totally different from the WA state title from the previous owner. Additionally, it was registered as a 73, although the production date stamped on the neck plate shows 9/71.
I was referred to the state police for a more thorough inspection procedure they have, which undoubtedly checks stolen vehicle records, and provides me with a complimentary strip search. In the mean time I did some research on CB500 VIN formats.
My chassis VIN shows CB500-1037xxx, which is an early K0 model, 1971 production year if I understand correctly. The WA title shows a VIN of CB500E1037xxx, and a model year of 73, which the inspector took to be a totally different bike. It wasn't until I looked into it that I realized those numbers with E were the engine serial numbers. Furthermore, the WA title is simply showing the engine number which is on my bike! Someone a long time ago incorrectly read and recorded the engine serial number as the VIN, rather than the chassis VIN number. As for the year discrepancy, the previous owner says the bike is indeed a 71, but was sold off the lot in 73 as a 1973 model year even though it sat for 1.5 years before being sold. Tricky move on the dealer's part I think.
I think I have that part figured out, but what I don't know is if the exact numbers should match between my chassis and engine. The xxx in each number is different on my bike by a few hundred. If Honda built these to match, then I have a slightly later engine on my chassis. However, if the engines and chassis were built in parallel and numbered seperately, then the several hundred difference makes perfect sense, as they would have been coupled at some point on the production line.
Anyone have any insight? Should the numbers match?
Cheers,
Jason
