Topic: 1979 CB650 Seats and tail lights.

[Adam80]

I have what I think is an Australian delivered 1979 CB650 and the seat is torn and the pan is rusted. I am trying to get a new one however this has led me down a small rabbit hole. I actually never noticed that there seems to be a variation in the seats and tail section of 1979 CB650's. Mine has a more "built-in" tail light assembly like this:


Which is different to this 1979 CB650:


And then I noticed the wheels are different also. I turned to the trusty CB650 history page here however there is no explanation I can see but there is an image of the built in tail light version. Is this a variation of UK/Australia vs American bikes?

At first I thought the seats might be the same anyway but on close inspection the seats have a different angle at the rear. 

I was happy to see that Texavina.com have this with reference of "CB650B" and that is the seat design I need.
https://texavina.com/1979-1981-honda-cb650z-rc03-cb650b-1979-1981-classic-style-motorcycle-seat-sku-l1709/
I've never heard of CB650's being called CB650B and always thought they were CB650z's.

If anyone can help explain the difference or if there is a reference link someone can give that would be much appreciated.
 

[bryanj]

Try cmsnl and look at UK parts list, the rear light looks like CX500 to me

[MauiK3]

Very nice looking bike

[CycleRanger]

The parts list at CMSNL shows that seat/cowl and tail light on the '79 General Export model.
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb650-1979-z_model48677/partslist/0248.html
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb650-1979-z_model48677/partslist/0334.html

[Adam80]

Thank you yeah I didn't think to check CMS, seems its just a different design for different countries.

[jlh3rd]

American Honda guide:

[CycleRanger]

Thank you yeah I didn't think to check CMS, seems its just a different design for different countries.

I think that tail light looks pretty good.
There were a lot of cool Honda's the US never got for some reason. Still true today.