Topic: What year is my CB750?!

[nck_olson]

I bought this CB750 being told it is a 1973 which the title show in picture 2. Picture 3 is my vin which is CB750-2012451. As i've been taking the bike apart to replace some parts i've been told its a 72. I know some of you on here have also. I called the local Honda shop and they said based on the VIN it is a 72. I guess I'm just trying to double check that it is a 72 and know what I have here. Its not one of those 1972.5/1973 deals is it?

[MoMo]

72,  where in PA are you?   welcome...Larry

[nck_olson]

72,  where in PA are you?   welcome...Larry

Thanks, I'm in Lancaster

[kmb69]

No, it's not a 72.5-73 deal. It was common back in that time frame to title these bikes in the year they were sold not necessarily based on their production year model. Not sure what year they began putting tags on them identifying the actual year model of the bike.

However, hate to be the one breaking the news but that frame has been restamped. The VIN stamp is not the original Honda font. Why? Wreck replacement? Who knows?

What is the engine number? Might shed some clues about why it was restamped.

[Stev-o]

It was most likely bought and titled in '73, hence the 1973 on the title.  This was very common back then.
What's your plan for a seat?

[nck_olson]

No, it's not a 72.5-73 deal. It was common back in that time frame to title these bikes in the year they were sold not necessarily based on their production year model. Not sure what year they began putting tags on them identifying the actual year model of the bike.

However, hate to be the one breaking the news but that frame has been restamped. The VIN stamp is not the original Honda font. Why? Wreck replacement? Who knows?

What is the engine number? Might shed some clues about why it was restamped.

Ah now thats not something I want to hear. The bike is at my garage a few minutes from my house so i'll get back to you this weekend with the engine number. I did repaint the frame, could that be why it looks different?

Thanks a lot for the first bit about year info.

[goldarrow]

My 75 550 is titled 74 cuz the dmv didn't know better

[nck_olson]

It was most likely bought and titled in '73, hence the 1973 on the title.  This was very common back then.
What's your plan for a seat?

Actually my buddy and I made one a few weeks ago out of an extra seat I got when I bought it. I'm having it wrapped now. Should have it back in a couple weeks. Not sure if i'm going to use it yet but it bolts right up to the stock mounts so its a really convenient "custom cafe style" seat.

[kmb69]

100% positive it is not the Honda font. I saw it was repainted but the number 4 just jumped out and made me look closer. Honda's 4 is open at the top. Honda's zeros have a vertical split and so on.

Post a picture of the engine number when you can. If it is original and falls in the 72 range, it could be as simple as a replacement frame. Is there an aluminum tag on the other side of the frame neck?

[Stev-o]

It was most likely bought and titled in '73, hence the 1973 on the title.  This was very common back then.
What's your plan for a seat?

Actually my buddy and I made one a few weeks ago out of an extra seat I got when I bought it. I'm having it wrapped now. Should have it back in a couple weeks. Not sure if i'm going to use it yet but it bolts right up to the stock mounts so its a really convenient "custom cafe style" seat.

Looks good.  So, you formed your own team?

[MoMo]

72,  where in PA are you?   welcome...Larry

Thanks, I'm in Lancaster

I am Gap, right at the intersection of 30 and 41.   kmb69 is right-frame is a restamp but as long as the title is valid there isn't any problem in PA...Larry

[nck_olson]

It was most likely bought and titled in '73, hence the 1973 on the title.  This was very common back then.
What's your plan for a seat?

Actually my buddy and I made one a few weeks ago out of an extra seat I got when I bought it. I'm having it wrapped now. Should have it back in a couple weeks. Not sure if i'm going to use it yet but it bolts right up to the stock mounts so its a really convenient "custom cafe style" seat.

Looks good.  So, you formed your own team?

I just realized that "cover" was on  Just a friend being stupid haha

[nck_olson]

72,  where in PA are you?   welcome...Larry

Thanks, I'm in Lancaster

I am Gap, right at the intersection of 30 and 41.   kmb69 is right-frame is a restamp but as long as the title is valid there isn't any problem in PA...Larry

Thats awesome! I actually in New Holland so i'm not far at all. I'll get more pictures this weekend to see if anything matches. I'm learning a lot which is great but why does this all sound like bad news??

[MoMo]

72,  where in PA are you?   welcome...Larry

Thanks, I'm in Lancaster

I am Gap, right at the intersection of 30 and 41.   kmb69 is right-frame is a restamp but as long as the title is valid there isn't any problem in PA...Larry

Thats awesome! I actually in New Holland so i'm not far at all. I'll get more pictures this weekend to see if anything matches. I'm learning a lot which is great but why does this all sound like bad news??

You have a valid PA title so there is not any issue.   ..Larry

[kmb69]

No legal accusations made or implied by me, just noting that the frame was altered. He made comment on checking with the Honda shop, probably for parts. Most 750 parts will interchange but some are year specific. I am an anal Sandcast collector so my antennae are usually up.

Larry says it is not a problem in Pa, I would bet he's right.

[nck_olson]

100% positive it is not the Honda font. I saw it was repainted but the number 4 just jumped out and made me look closer. Honda's 4 is open at the top. Honda's zeros have a vertical split and so on.

Post a picture of the engine number when you can. If it is original and falls in the 72 range, it could be as simple as a replacement frame. Is there an aluminum tag on the other side of the frame neck?

No tag on the frame....

[kmb69]

Definitely a 1972, K2 engine with original Honda stamped number.

Hard to know why the frame was replaced over a 42 year period. It was relatively common to replace frames damaged in accidents and such. To my knowledge, Honda never supplied their factory stamps to dealers to re-stamp replacement frames. We always re-stamped replacement frames and engines cases with commonly available stamp sets.

[MoMo]

Definitely a 1972, K2 engine with original Honda stamped number.

Hard to know why the frame was replaced over a 42 year period. It was relatively common to replace frames damaged in accidents and such. To my knowledge, Honda never supplied their factory stamps to dealers to re-stamp replacement frames. We always re-stamped replacement frames and engines cases with commonly available stamp sets.

same here, every frame that was replaced at the shop was restamped with whatever font that was available.  With the original numbers of course....Larry

[nck_olson]

Thank you everyone for your wisdom