Topic: VIN Help with year

[mustymex]

Hi guys so I recently bought a CB450 in California.  According to the guy i got it from its a 1968 CB450 K1 according to the VIN, but on the title its a 1969 because that was the year it was sold.  However today i went to a local motorcycle store and the guy ran the VIN and says its a 1965.  So Im kinda confused as to what it is.  Any help or general info would be greatly appreciated.  I insured it but the insurance has no idea or record of the vin either.  The bike doesnt have matching numbers on the frame and engine so I know i go off the frame.  Im not going to post the VIN because i dont know if thats a smart thing to do or not. 

[Scott S]

 I don't have an answer for you, and I hate to direct you away from this site (you're truly welcome and we look forward to talking to you), but the Honda Twins site might have some insight, too.

http://www.hondatwins.net/forums/forum.php

[Stev-o]

Look here, this might help determine the model...

http://www.cyclerestorer.com/pages/show_man_serial_num.php?sort_field=7&manufacturer=Honda

FYI - your bike is a DOHC and this website is dedicated to SOHC Hondas, that is the reason Scott directed you to the twins site.
Nice bike you have, I would like to own one....

[tbpmusic]

The bike in your photo is a 5-speed CB450 K1 (in the US), with aftermarket mufflers.
A pretty nice one at that.
Honda says it was 1968 - but as mentioned, in a lot of places bikes were commonly titled as the year they were sold.

[Kevin D]

Lots of info here at motorera, and not all of it good regarding 3valve 450s


https://www.motorera.com/honda/h0450/sport.htm

I almost got myself a new cb450 identical to what you have pictured in late 69, but waited till spring of 70 for a candy blue green 750.

[tbpmusic]

Incidentally, the frame and engine numbers never match on these bikes - and a few states actually title on the engine number.
You need to lose those handlebars, or else get a new cable set.

[MikeSimon]

Don't know whether you got a response through any of the above, in case you didn't: Official Honda documentation says the 1969 (K2) VIN numbers start with CB450-3008956~. Maybe easier to identify with the engine numbers. 69s are starting with CB450E-3100000~. All 68 K1s have CB450E-3000001~