Topic: Key number relationship to lock number? (1975 400F)

[centerpunch]

I just bought a very nice 1975 400F on bringatrailer, it came with one unnumbered aftermarket key, which works fine in both locks. I found the lock numbers - they have different numbers, but the last three numbers are the same. (For security I use 123 here, the actual numbers are not that.)

The number on the ignition switch is 7GA123

The number on the seat lock is 7FI123

Is the key number one of these numbers, or something related but different?

[bryanj]

Dont know but also dont matter if you have a key that works both just get a locksmith to cut a copy.

[centerpunch]

Yes, thanks, I know that.

There are also multiple sellers with stocks of NOS oem precut keys at reasonable prices, just thought I’d try that first if I could determine what key number to search for.

[Flyin900]

Look for a key that has the ignition lock number, which should also work then on the seat and steering lock. I have found on the few I have searched for that the numbers are normally the same on all items. So unsure why you have different first digit numbers on the key and seat locks.
They usually are T1234 for example and that is normally shown on all Honda original lock/key items. Those could be an  aftermarket replacement set someone installed. I restored a 1972 CB350F and bought a new Honda complete lock set for everything, as they are/were still available a few years ago from Honda. It is a TEC key the original supplier to Honda and it uses only a 3 digit number now, where I believe they were more digits when the bikes were originally built.

Check your steering lock number and see if it relates to the other numbers and if that key fits the steering lock. If the number is different and the key doesn't fit, there is a good chance the other keyed items are an aftermarket replacement. Then as Brian noted getting a replacement key cut is your best option.

[bryanj]

Usually more than 3 numbers, does yours have the steering lock on the ignition or on the headstock?

[centerpunch]

400F has topmount ignition switch that also locks the steering.

Since the numbers don’t seem to be Honda numbers, I guess it’s likely that at some point over the last 49 years both locks were replaced with an aftermarket set.

[Oddjob]

Honda keys for that era are always prefaced by a letter eg H12 or T1356. The 3 numbers are most likely the right numbers but you’ll need the prefacing letter to order one. You could try searching for a Honda key with that number, if it shows the key check to see if it matches the way your key is cut.

[Hailwood1965]

The mention that the 1975 400F is 49 years old--just reading that hits hard. I remember them new. I remember them being raced by Kaz Yoshima and others for years. I remember seeing waves of them in So-Cal in the 1980s. In my head this was just a number of years ago. Like 8.

49. Whoa.

[centerpunch]

Following up with the answer.

Mark at hondakeys.com told me those are legit oem lock codes, and the key code is simply the last three digits.

He didn’t have any keys with my code but referred me to cyclekeysonline.com.

However, I had already ordered a cut key on ebay from keys4urride.com

Bottom line, there are multiple sources for the right keys.

[Stev-o]

Did you win this one?    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1975-honda-cb400f-super-sport-33/

If yes, that was a great buy!

[centerpunch]

Did you win this one?    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1975-honda-cb400f-super-sport-33/

If yes, that was a great buy!

That was an amazing buy at $3000! But that's not the one I got.

I did bid on this one, but glad I didn't win it (sold for $6400)- I got quotes of $4k-$5K to ship from western Canada to Ohio!
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1975-honda-cb400f-super-sport-32/

This is the one I bought ($5000). Very nice shape, except the 20 year old tires! (Getting replaced as we speak.)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1975-honda-cb400f-super-sport-34/

Prices really vary a lot on that site, a few have even sold for about $15K.
https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=cb400f

I've had 3 or 4 of these over the years. Had one in college in the 70's, then later bought a nice one in the 80's, later sold it to a friend, but bought it back and had it several decades. Sold it about 5 years ago, replaced it with 550F and Transalp, but never really warmed up to either of those.

So back to my roots!

[Flyin900]

Always nice to learn something new. I have restored a lot of Honda bikes in the last 18 years and those first digits on your lock set are new one for me.
How did you get a Florida bike on Bring a Trailer back to northern BC? If those shipping quotes ($4-$5K) are accurate in the previous post, it is the value of the bike?

[centerpunch]

How did you get a Florida bike on Bring a Trailer back to northern BC? If those shipping quotes ($4-$5K) are accurate in the previous post, it is the value of the bike?

The expensive British Columbia to Ohio quote was due to the distance (many-day drive) and customs paperwork.

For the Florida bike I won, I used the shippers arranged by BaT- enclosed trailer to Cincinnati was about $1000, delivered very quickly.

[pekingduck]

On the subject of shipping, I had 3 bikes shipped from the East Coast to So Cal in the last couple years, and highly recommend contacting a shipper who actually owns the truck/transporter vehicle rather than a broker, who then contracts it out.  Communications is much better, and usually cheaper.

[Stev-o]

Did you win this one?    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1975-honda-cb400f-super-sport-33/

If yes, that was a great buy!

This is the one I bought ($5000). Very nice shape, except the 20 year old tires! (Getting replaced as we speak.)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1975-honda-cb400f-super-sport-34/

Congrats, very nice bike!  And has the owners manual and tool kit to boot. 

What tires are you installing?

[centerpunch]

Congrats, very nice bike!  And has the owners manual and tool kit to boot. 
What tires are you installing?

The tool kit container lid was a hard plastic repro, but I found a nice original case and lid on ebay. The manual is original, I haven't looked at the tools.

I'm putting on Avon Roadrunner MkII 90/90-18 and 100/90-18.

[Stev-o]

Congrats, very nice bike!  And has the owners manual and tool kit to boot. 
What tires are you installing?

The tool kit container lid was a hard plastic repro, but I found a nice original case and lid on ebay. The manual is original, I haven't looked at the tools.

I'm putting on Avon Roadrunner MkII 90/90-18 and 100/90-18.

Excellent tires, you will love them.

[MauiK3]

Very nice bike, those little fours sound great.