Topic: 1975 CB400F Vin Plate Missing

[Charlie63]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and am waiting for my introduction post to be approved by the moderator.

I purchased a fully restored 1975 CB400F on eBay and have found that it doesn't have the VIN plate. I am trying to figure the date of manufacture as close as possible then get a reproduction plate made up.

Wondering if anyone can help by providing a photo that I can use as an example so I get the correct plate - there are several different styles available and want to get as close to the original as I can.

Here is a photo of the bike - the frame is stamped on the left side of the head tube CB400F 1010954

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[flybox1]

The frame vin will be stamped into the neck.  Check there.
Check all stickers on the tank, rear fender, etc.  might have a date....

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The month will be the trick. You'll have to guestimate it.

[CycleRanger]

Your best bet to get close to the month would be to find a bike with a number close to yours.

In other words, you might ask the other '75 400F owners here to look at their numbers and build month
and see who is closest to your number.

You bike would be the 10,954'th bike produced so it would be a few months into the '75 production, which began in late '74.  (I don't know monthly production numbers, but someone here might.)

Also, I believe the shop manual will have total year production numbers.

[przjohn]

There is used to be a Seller on Ebay that has plates, I used him for my 75 400F Resto. He has them only with certain months and you tell him your VIN and he stamps it. He also includes the rivets. I wouldn't worry too much about the month if you are just looking for the plate as long as you have the right year. It is a nice detail touch to have a plate but unless you are going for a 99 point restoration the month isn't a big deal IMO. By the way, that looks like a very nice bike you have there. One of the biggest, if not THE biggest detail item on the 400F is the stock exhaust, which from what I see, you seem to have a nice one in the photo. Please post more pics. We are like hungry dogs on this site when it comes to pics. 

[rockvegas400]

Charlie,

My 400 does not have a VIN plate either. Production details from the parts manual attached. You can find more information about this model in the articles section of this site.

Regards,

Justin

[NobleHops]

This is the guy you want:

http://www.khneisser.ch/

His name is Bruno, and he worked with me to do a new VIN plate for the DOHC bikes. He is a stickler for quality, and to my eye the two sets he has done for me have been *perfect*. He also does the compliance plate that is present on many bikes, includes the drive rivets, etc. Great service and quality.

N.