Topic: Serial Number Guru's - need a second opinion

[greenjeans]

I think I finally have my project, but have a few quick questions for the gurus

1972 or 1973?  Serial numbers:
Frame:  CB500E-2011409  Motor:  CB500-2011514  -  Are these numbers close enough that it could
be considered original / matching ?  It's titled as a '73        6193 miles!!!!

Also, a 1976 CB550
Frame:  CB550F-2003263  Motor:  CB550E-1112959  -  Again, could these be original?      13170 miles

Both are complete bikes, the CB550 has an aftermarket exhaust.  Other than that everything seems
to be there - side covers etc.  Neither is running, but turn over and they seem to shift through the
gears fine.    Been stored in his garage since 1985!  wants 'em out.    Does $900 seem reasonalbe for
2 non-running bikes ?  He's throwing in a '73?  CB350 as well that is complete but locked up.  I get it
all.   I was inspired after following Doug id's (newbie project)   I plan on doing both of them at the same
time and posting photos of the progrees similar to Doug's.  Hopefully I'll be able to do them justice.

And one final question - I figure I'd do one in the "cafe" style and the other as more of a restoration.
Are there advantages to either model  -  500 vs 550?

Thanks everyone.
with me.  Lemme know

[Bob Wessner]

This might help.

In particular, this might help with the 550.

http://www.sohc4.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=13&id=39&Itemid=56

[bryanj]

Honda numbers NEVER match from the factory

the 500 is almost certainly original and from march 72.

550 cant help at moment as all my books are packed for a move.

If US models there ought to be an ID plate on the RH side of the headstock with the Japanese build date specified

$900 for all three--Rip his arm off and beat him to death with the soggy end ESPECIALLY if they have titles. (if they were in UK you would be trampled under my feet!!!!)

[Einyodeler]

I guess that is Queens english for..................

GO FOR IT !!!!

[okie]

Honda CB500

1971 K0 the serial number began CB500-1000001.
1972 K1 the serial number began CB500-2000001.
1973 K2 the serial number began CB500-2100001.

Honda CB550
1974 K0 the serial number began CB550-1000001.
1975 K1 the serial number began CB550-1200005.
1976 the serial number began CB550-1230001.
1977 the serial number began CB550-2000007.
1978 the serial number began CB550-2100001.

Honda CB550F
1975 the serial number began CB550F-1000002.
1976 the serial number began CB550F-2000003.
1977 the serial number began CB550F-2100001.



Homda CB550F
1975 the serial number began CB550F-1000002.
1976 the serial number began CB550F-2000003.

There may be confusion as to the year designated on the title.  At the end of the year when there were leftover unsold bikes, rather than selling 'last year's bikes' Honda provided Manufacturer's Certificates of Origin for the, then current calendar year.  It was very confusing and there was a big class action lawsuit.  I think I got $25 out of it for having bought a 1971 SL350 that was MSO'd as a 1973.

Hope this helps.