for european sales the "year" is irrelevant. That's correct.
This here forum happens to be an international forum. I have no knowledge of a genuine Honda document (not American Honda) that dominates by year. CMSNL does it as a service to Americans and - as expected - it has lead to errors. On the page where they list 31 CB550 models, the first one listed already leads to confusion: CB550 FOUR 1975 CB550K0 USA it says. 1975? A K0? Really? And as far as the CB500K3 fender, the partsnumber is even omitted. Luckily we have Honda4Fun to consult the genuine Honda documents.
It's a strange habit to always start with the year. Maybe it's because Americans also start with the number of an address and then the street. For the rest of the world it's a bit strange, not logic.
FYI - CMS shows that the european exports 500K3 and the 550K3 have a single stay front fender, whereas the bike for sale shows a 2 stay front fender. CMS could be wrong.
Well, the parts list isn't. p.55 in https://www.honda4fun.com/dwnload/Part-List/CB500/CB500-K3-CB550-K3-K4-Parts-List.pdf Realise that these parts lists were meant as reference for dealers! When you consult the paper editions, carefully collected and published by volunteers, you will also be informed on modifications during the production term of your model and will have a perfect overview. The CB500K3/550K3 parts list at Honda4Fun offers all in one glance. So it also gives you an overview for who's interested to have it like other markets had. It's only there where you can identify your bike accurately by engine- and framenumber. You only have to do this once. From then you can't go wrong in ordering parts.
In the states, the correct model identification is determined by frame and engine #'s. I don't know how europe does it.
Well... not by many Americans in this forum... In Europe you and your dealer know your model and you don't mention a year, not until you decide to sell your bike. Then you advertise your bike with the year it was registered to indicate when the bike actually started rolling. Makes sense doesn't it?
lol....christ!
Never said this wasn't an international forum.
Never said go by year. I can't speak for others.
American Honda is genuine honda whether you want to accept that or not.
Never claimed CMS was infallible.
I like my #, street, city, zip in that order and could care less what you think as a spokesperson for the rest of the world. A little narcissistic. And just how is this helping the OP.
My post was to the Op referencing a possible discrepancy as to what model was being represented. I don't do all the leg work, it's up to the buyer as it's his money. It matters to me so I'd confirm the model. He asked for opinions, he seems new with vintage Honda's, does he understand the mismatching of parts that can occur?
I don't care what someone says in an ad, I'm checking the #'s AND looking for mis-matched parts. Then I negotiate.
and to answer my own post. Depending on the export country, the K's could have either fender.
And FWIW:
two basic truths stated in this entire thread.
1. It is really a nice looking, seemingly well cared for bike, well worth $4000 if it checks out.
2. It hasn't sold.....so why?
