Topic: Maybe someone here can shed some light on my 71 CB350 Four.

[strangedaze39]

 Anyone know why I would have a 71 CB350 Four, since they didn't start making them till 72. The PO told me a brief story, on how it was special since it's a 71 and they weren't made till 72. And he wasn't trying to sell me up on the price  Since I bought it for $350 and it's in really good shape.

The only thing I can think of, it's a show bike for the the next years bike. Or a prototype (which is more unlikely) Oh the title also says 71.

Any light shedding would be awesome, thanks 

SD

[mj_honda]

Sounds like mistake was made along the way on the title.

Do you have the frame and engine number? Go here to find what year you have:

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php?title=CB350

[mattcb350f]

What's the Serial Number on the frame? If it's higher than some of the 72's around here than we would know for sure that its older than that.

I think the date on the number plate is the date of manufacture so it's possible it's a 72 model build late in 71.

Post some pics too.    We like pics 

 Matt.

[HondaMan]

Yeah, like a pix of the serial number plate on the steering head.
In my recent re-titling experiments for the Hondaman Specials, it has become apparent that a bike that lost its title and was retitled along the way somewhere will be titled per the year noted on the steering head tag, not the "model year" when Honda introduced it. For example, the CB750K2 was built from 11/71 until 8/72, and were called "1972 CB750K2". My Hondaman Specials were built in 11/72 and 3/73, and the titles now will read "1972 CB750K3" and "1973 CB750K3", respectively.

That's likely what happened... 

[markjenn]

Up until 1974, Honda did not have a "model year" policy, so bikes were typically titled by state agencies on the year the bike was sold.  350F's were first sold in 1972 and 1973.

I suspect the bike was mis-titled at some point in the past - it happens often.  Might be a simple mistake, but might also indicate that the shenanigan was done at some point to get a title for the bike.  According to Honda, the first CB350F was first released in 5/72.

I have a CB750K1 that is titled as model year 1972, but the frame and engine number are definitely K1's that are typically titled as 1970 and 1971 bikes.  It was probably first sold in 1972 and titled as a 1972 at this time.

- Mark

[strangedaze39]

Thanks for the reply everyone  I'll get some pics up ASAP. I have the tank and seat off ATM because I'm having some electrical problems, I shorted something in the handle bar switch area today. That blew the fuse and I haven't been able to get power after that all though I replaced the fuse with another 30a 32v and it's the same size it has different ID numbers and looks different inside. So that might be the case.

BTW I would post my serial number on the neck but they really don't have much to do with the day it was made. I can tell you it starts with CB350F-10578

I'm thinking it's a title change thing now as well the more you guys talk about it. Also it's the Olive Green color I love that color.

Thanks everyone, you all seem very knowledgeable.

-SD

[okie]

For a point of reference, I know that VIN CB350F-1001004 shows 5/72 for the build date.  The one I bought July 5, 1972 was built in 5/72 and had a VIN of CB350F-1000217.

[mattcb350f]

CB350F-10578

I thought it should be 7 numbers like: CB350F-1XXXXXX

 Matt.

[strangedaze39]

Hey Matt, I said it starts with CB350F- etc. sorry bout the confusion.

Would you need the whole number, to tell? Or is that enough? Also I thought you can't tell any semi accurate time period by the stamps alone. Thats what honda said on the phone but who knows.

Oh FYI, I'm such a dork. The reason I wasn't getting any electricity in my bike..... My fuse had a weak connection. Darn fickity connections. Sometime I wonder if I'm doing more bad then good on these things.

-Sd

[cafe750]

I've got CB350F-1000455, the build date on the number plate says 4/72. Hope this helps!

[bryanj]

Honda in Japan can give you the month and year of build from the frame number and, if they feel like it, sometimes even the day.

Notice I said BUILD which is NOT when registered

[Johnie]

Yah, take a look at the black plate with silver lettering and numbering on the right side of the steering stem neck.  This is different than the number stamped into the neck.  Should say Made in Japan by Honda, etc.  Then you will see a "2/72" to let you know the actual build month and year.  That should give you some reference too.