Topic: 750 K0 transition questions/mystery seat

[zoo mob]

So I'm working on getting parts in preparation for a complete restoration of my 6/70 build 750 K0. Mine seems to be a bit of a K0/K1 hybrid, it had a non-honda seat when I got it, but had the later model locking seat latch with a key that matched the flush ignition. I'd assumed all k0's came with a duckbill seat, is not the case. The bike does have the larger sidecovers, K0 gauges etc. Also, the parts bike I'm picking up has some older parts as it is a 1/70 build, recessed ignition etc, what is my best bet for figuring what parts would have originally come on the bike? I want it to be authentic, but I don't want to end up building a fake sandcast.

[markjenn]

Not sure if this is useful, but I have a K1 and it doesn't have a keyed seat.  So sounds like your seat latch is post-k1.

- Mark

[zoo mob]

OK, the mystery deepens...I just took a second look at the seat that came with the bike, and it is clearly made atop a K0 seat pan, the bottom is identical with the ducktail from the parts bike, it has red foam, same latch, seat rubbers, aluminum trim etc. Does anyone recognize it as an aftermarket seat, or is it likely just an upholstery shop special? I'd thought it was just some random seat that had been thrown atop the bike, but it looks like it might make a good start for someone.

[Johnie]

My KO has a build date of 1/70 and does not have the keyed seat.  It does have the recessed ignition.  Both these items are unique to the sandcast and KO models.  When they discontinued the recessed ignition and started the keyed seat maybe someone knows.  Those appear to be OEM Honda pans to me.  Your pans have the 4 holes at the back in the arc and I believe that pattern was on the sandcast and KO.  The K1 has 3 large holes at the back.  Below is a pic of the seat latch on the KO.

[dusterdude]

My KO has a build date of 1/70 and does not have the keyed seat.  It does have the recessed ignition.  Both these items are unique to the sandcast and KO models.  When they discontinued the recessed ignition and started the keyed seat maybe someone knows.  Those appear to be OEM Honda pans to me.  Your pans have the 4 holes at the back in the arc and I believe that pattern was on the sandcast and KO.  The K1 has 3 large holes at the back.  Below is a pic of the seat latch on the KO.

xactly

[dusterdude]

since we are on the subject.if anyone has a k1 latch assembly they want to sell,give me a holler.

[greenjeans]

I have a latch from an early '72...if that works, it's yours.

[Clyde]

Both seats look original K0/K1 seat pans, but the one on the left appears to have been cut down and reupholstered.
The key lock was introduced with the K2, but can be retrofitted to the K0/K1 frame.
The bracket for the key lock will bolt on to the early frame. The seat is different and would either have to be changed to a K2 seat or modified to fit the plunger for the key lock.
6/70 would be the last month of the K0 and should have a recessed key switch. However a lot of these switches failed over the years and were replaced with later ones. If the PO had fitted a key seat lock then he probably replaced both locks anyway
I have seen an early K1 with ducktail seat and larger frame sidecovers but with rod operated carbs.

[zoo mob]

So if I take the recessed ignition off the parts bike, will I be able to get a key for it?

[754]

Honda dealers used to have a box of spare keys, if you showed you had the number , they should sell you one..

if they dont ask, get a spare for your buddys 750, and move it once in a while, just a few feet.. when the fork is locked.. drives em freaking nutz...

 If you ride a lot you may want to save the recessed one for later.

I have 2 question re Honda keys I wonder about..
 Can a non-collared key still fit in a recessed ignition/?

 Does a keycutter machine exist??

By keycutter I mean like Schwinn uses.. send a guy with a cutter your lock number and the hand tool will cut a key that fits!!

[Clyde]

Check to see if there is a number on it-for example T4546.
If so, there are a few sellers on eBay selling keys which will have a matching (hopefully) number.
Any good locksmith should be able to match a key for the lock, but it may be expensive.
A non collared key will fit the recessed ignition. My 5/70 K0 has ordinary keys, but I am still looking for an original key (but I am not sure whether I will live that long)

[Terry in Australia]

I have a K1 seat latch on my 1/70 K0 seat, I'd be happy to give it to Dusty, if a kind soul here would send me their spare K0 latch........... 

[fixahonda]

Honda dealers used to have a box of spare keys, if you showed you had the number , they should sell you one..

if they dont ask, get a spare for your buddys 750, and move it once in a while, just a few feet.. when the fork is locked.. drives em freaking nutz...

 If you ride a lot you may want to save the recessed one for later.

I have 2 question re Honda keys I wonder about..
 Can a non-collared key still fit in a recessed ignition/?

 Does a keycutter machine exist??

By keycutter I mean like Schwinn uses.. send a guy with a cutter your lock number and the hand tool will cut a key that fits!!

When I worked at a VW dealer we had a code cutter. You used the dies you needed for whatever key you were cutting, looked in the book to translate the key code into the cutter code and chopped away. It was nearly fool proof.

I'm sure most locksmiths still have some such device. It would be finding the proper Honda blanks that might take a while.

[736cc]

hondakeys.com has nos plug keys available

[dusterdude]

I have a K1 seat latch on my 1/70 K0 seat, I'd be happy to give it to Dusty, if a kind soul here would send me their spare K0 latch........... 

sherriff,you`re a sweetheart.

[Terry in Australia]

My KO has a build date of 1/70 and does not have the keyed seat.  It does have the recessed ignition.  Both these items are unique to the sandcast and KO models.  When they discontinued the recessed ignition and started the keyed seat maybe someone knows.  Those appear to be OEM Honda pans to me.  Your pans have the 4 holes at the back in the arc and I believe that pattern was on the sandcast and KO.  The K1 has 3 large holes at the back.  Below is a pic of the seat latch on the KO.

Have you posted any pics of the finished resto yet John? My eyes aren't good enough to enjoy your avatar pic, but the pic of your seat latch shows just a hint of some of the beautiful detail! Cheers, Terry.

[Johnie]

My KO has a build date of 1/70 and does not have the keyed seat.  It does have the recessed ignition.  Both these items are unique to the sandcast and KO models.  When they discontinued the recessed ignition and started the keyed seat maybe someone knows.  Those appear to be OEM Honda pans to me.  Your pans have the 4 holes at the back in the arc and I believe that pattern was on the sandcast and KO.  The K1 has 3 large holes at the back.  Below is a pic of the seat latch on the KO.

Have you posted any pics of the finished resto yet John? My eyes aren't good enough to enjoy your avatar pic, but the pic of your seat latch shows just a hint of some of the beautiful detail! Cheers, Terry.

Yes Terry, I had posted some.  Take a look at the September Bike of the Month thread and there are some there.  Thanks for asking. 

[paulages]

Honda dealers used to have a box of spare keys, if you showed you had the number , they should sell you one..

if they dont ask, get a spare for your buddys 750, and move it once in a while, just a few feet.. when the fork is locked.. drives em freaking nutz...

 If you ride a lot you may want to save the recessed one for later.

I have 2 question re Honda keys I wonder about..
 Can a non-collared key still fit in a recessed ignition/?

 Does a keycutter machine exist??

By keycutter I mean like Schwinn uses.. send a guy with a cutter your lock number and the hand tool will cut a key that fits!!

one of my local honda dealers still has one. you tell them the number, they dial it in, then it cuts your key. they're pretty expensive, so when they broke apparently few dealers replaced them.

[HondaMan]

Both seats look original K0/K1 seat pans, but the one on the left appears to have been cut down and reupholstered.
The key lock was introduced with the K2, but can be retrofitted to the K0/K1 frame.
The bracket for the key lock will bolt on to the early frame. The seat is different and would either have to be changed to a K2 seat or modified to fit the plunger for the key lock.
6/70 would be the last month of the K0 and should have a recessed key switch. However a lot of these switches failed over the years and were replaced with later ones. If the PO had fitted a key seat lock then he probably replaced both locks anyway
I have seen an early K1 with ducktail seat and larger frame sidecovers but with rod operated carbs.

Me, too. My first one. I traded it for my present K2 in early 1971.