Topic: What is matching numbers in CB400F

[madsundaysurvivor]

On my other Hondas (cb250k4 and CB350k), for my, matching number it is when there is a low difference in numbers, around 300 or 400. But on my CB400F there is a difference of 4000 numbers, 1063400 frame vs 1059300 engine. The most curious thing is that the engine number is lower than the chassis number, I had not seen it before in other Hondas. can I consider matching numbers or not?


 On the other hand, the half crankcases are M1-5 and M1-10, are they a pair? thanks

[Stev-o]

I'm not familiar with the 400F or Euro bikes, have you checked the model guide?

http://www.sohc4.com/cb400/cb400/#serial-numbers

[bryanj]

Those casting M numbers mean nothing

[jlh3rd]

On my other Hondas (cb250k4 and CB350k), for my, matching number it is when there is a low difference in numbers, around 300 or 400. But on my CB400F there is a difference of 4000 numbers, 1063400 frame vs 1059300 engine. The most curious thing is that the engine number is lower than the chassis number, I had not seen it before in other Hondas. can I consider matching numbers or not?


 On the other hand, the half crankcases are M1-5 and M1-10, are they a pair? thanks

A 3-400 difference in frame/ engine is the generally accepted norm for Hondas as discussions go.
But there's no official documentation that would say it couldn't be 4000 off. Stories mention things like honda sets an engine aside for whatever reason....only to throw it in a lot later.....or vice versa with a frame
It does raise questions.
Could be a swapped engine or frame. What's the history?......
I'd be curious to see pics of the engine # and frame #/plate.
Regardless...U.S. wise, and numbers wise, it's a 1975 400F (F0).
So yes....

[Nurse Julie]

Is it a European Direct sales model, is the clock KM or miles?

[Tim2005]

I wouldn't worry about it, I just checked 4 CB400F logbooks and the numbers differ by 3000, 5000, 5000 and 8000

[madsundaysurvivor]

Good morning, it is a European model, with kph, a 1976 model, the rear footrests are in a loop welded to the frame, not directly on the swingarm.

I assume it is a "France" model because the frame plate is in French. In mainland Spain, Japanese motorcycles could not be imported until the first half of the 80s. They all came from the Canary Islands or from small workshops in France, which made some modifications to comply with the Spanish import law.

 I have no doubt that the bike was sold new with that engine number, but I was curious to know why there was such a difference between the numbers, on my other Hondas from UK and US, there is only a difference between 300 and 400 numbers.

[Nurse Julie]

I have no idea why but all the non USA VIN plates have French text on them, even the UK model ones.

[madsundaysurvivor]

then I'm probably wrong. The old docs were Italian, the previous owner was Italian and brought it to Spain in the 90s.

What is the difference between the European general export, germany, french, sweden, dk... models?

[madsundaysurvivor]

Those casting M numbers mean nothing

Hi bryanj
I was afraid that this didn't mean anything, I suppose both crancases match, but only the upper one is painted, is this like that on all of them?

[Nurse Julie]

I've no clue what the differences are between the diffent country specs in EU but the will be very minor probably for country compliance. Yes, only top crank case painted as standard from the factory, barrels not painted either.

[madsundaysurvivor]

I've no clue what the differences are between the diffent country specs in EU but the will be very minor probably for country compliance. Yes, only top crank case painted as standard fr
the factory, barrels not painted either.

Thanks