Topic: Honda CB550 Engine Number Different on Title

[marwax]

Hey Guys,

Just a quick question regarding my motorcycle's engine number. The frame shows a vin # of "CB550..." but the engine number is "CB500..." According to:

http://www.z1enterprises.com/ShopByCategory.aspx?name=CB500&description=Honda+CB500+498cc+4-cycle+four&category=0101020403

that would make it an engine from a 1971 CB500. Is that correct? Does that mean the original owner swapped out the engine? Are there any major differences - disadvantages or advantages - to having a CB500 engine versus a CB550 engine? I bought the motorcycle under the impression that it was a complete 550F - basically did i get gypped? Any help is appreciated!

I just re-checked and the engine number is actually CB550E..., but the title shows it as CB500E...I am going to register it at the dmv tomorrow - will there be any issues? Will I have to change/update the motorcycle engine number on the title?

[fmctm1sw]

hmmm.  My 550 definitely has CB550....  stamped on the motor.  The 550 had a changed clutch among other things.

[marwax]

Hey fmctm1sw, thanks for the reply. I just posted an update - I was referring to the motorcycle's title/paperwork when making the original post. I've checked the actual number on the engine and it does say CB550... However the title is showing CB500. Will there be any issues with this?

[Bankerdanny]

Are you sure the title is reflecting the engine number? In most states the VIN on the title is the number on the frame, which is almost never the same as the number on the engine.

Other than CB500##### is the rest of the number correct? It could be an old typo.

[marwax]

The title actually shows both - the vehicle id number & the motorcycle engine number. The VIN on the title matches the VIN # on the frame. However, the motorcycle engine number does not match the one on the title - the # stamped on the engine is "550" and the title shows "500". That is the only difference - the rest of the numbers do match. So maybe it was a typo?

Is this something I am going to have to update on the title when I register the bike in my name? From what I've researched so far, it looks like the VIN # on the Frame matching the title is the only one that matters. Just want to make sure there won't be any issues. If anyone else has encountered problems with this please let me know!

[rb550four]

  Man , That's confusing, so what are you saying, that you have a 550 frame that was titled with an engine # from a 500 For some reason , then the PO installed a 550 engine in the frame?

[marwax]

Sorry for the confusion! Still trying to figure it out. I'm assuming it's just a typo since the rest of the engine numbers match - only difference being 550 vs 500. I guess I'll find out if there's any issues tomorrow.

[marwax]

Just came back from the DMV, and I do have to get the title updated to reflect the correct engine #. I was referred to the California Highway Patrol to get this completed first & then back to the DMV to pick up my registration sticker.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch22/ch22_13.htm

"All motorcycles and motor-driven cycles are registered under the engine and frame numbers.

-Engine changes and engine case changes must be reported to the department within 10 days.
-Engine case changes are referred to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) with an Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (REG 124) issued by the department."

However, if I had not brought this up, the DMV would have just issued me my registration and sticker. But better to be safe than sorry.

[reddyvv]

Since the rest of the numbers match it's obviously a typo. Hopefully it will go smoothly unless you encounter a jackass 

[bryanj]

Whilst it is possible that somebody in the past swopped a 500 for a 550 engine the chances that the numbers would be the same are so small that if it happened to me i would every different lottery ticket i could find!!!

[marwax]

Got everything sorted out today - took almost an hour of waiting but the CHP officer signed off on the engine # with no issues. Thanks for all your help.