Topic: VIN's not matching and other issues

[Cartman98]

I just picked up a '75 CB750 in decent (rebuilding stage) shape.  The problem is the VIN on the motor and frame do not match and the engine VIN is on the title.  Now that I've researched it it looks like they had different numbers on the frame and motor back in those years, so no big deal right?  My main question is, the year on the frame says 11/74.  So that would be a model year of '75 right? 

[Turbogrimace]

Typically 11/74 would be a 75.  I have an 11/70 and it's a 71 bike.  The motor number is only needed when you initially register the bike so they can run the numbers and see if it's stolen.  Now I live in MD and the motor number doesnt show up on the title.  You could check your local laws and see what's up with that, but I dont think it should be a problem. 

[jsaab2748]

engine # for '75 750 k5 starts at CB750E-2500001
frame# starts at CB750-2500001. Engine and frame numbers often vary by a few hundred or so.

[Cartman98]

Well, this is where I'm not sure about the VIN.  The frame number is 25xxxxxxx + and the engine number is 24167XX.  Also the title is matching the engine number.  Does this sound right?

engine # for '75 750 k5 starts at CB750E-2500001
frame# starts at CB750-2500001. Engine and frame numbers often vary by a few hundred or so.

[MCRider]

Well, this is where I'm not sure about the VIN.  The frame number is 25xxxxxxx + and the engine number is 24167XX.  Also the title is matching the engine number.  Does this sound right?

engine # for '75 750 k5 starts at CB750E-2500001
frame# starts at CB750-2500001. Engine and frame numbers often vary by a few hundred or so.

Generally, only the frame number is on the title. Engine and frame numbers seldom (never) match.

Bikes are often titled in a year later than the build year on the frame, if the build months are late like Nov and Dec.

As the model progressed the frame and engine numbers became very far apart. For the K5 model (mostly 1975) the frame numbers start at 2500001 and end 2540000. The engine numbers start 2372115 and end 2428761, per my official Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide copyright American Honda Motor Co 1998.

[1974CB750rider]

My 74 is the same way and I've had an antique on it for 2 years now. As long as you know the bike isn't stolen, just take the title down to the DMV get your antique tag and never worry about renewing the tag again. Most of those people don't know the difference between the frame # and engine #. I'll give you a prime example. I live in TN. I bought a left over 1997 Honda XR400R dirt bike new in 1998 from the dealer. Keep in mind this is a dirt bike, it did have a headlight but no brake light or key switch which is one thing your supposed to have on a street legal bike. I took the title down and walked out with a license tag for the bike. I rode that thing all over the place on the street and never got looked at twice by the law.

[jsaab2748]

I based my last post on the info I got from this site.  I didn't question it cause' my bike falls into that criteria. Go figure....

[JohnG]

My 1976 CB750F has a 6/75 build date on it

I have heard people from Wisconsin comment that they used the engine number for the VIN there... don't know that for a fact.  What state are you in??   The fact you have a very old bike probably will make it easier for you.

I live in MA and with an old bike they simply start from scratch on the title   - have someone verify the frame number and go from there. I used to live in Maine and they don't even bother with titles for machines over 20 years.  So it varies by state.

You can also get your insurance company to do some of the legwork for you as they realize no money until its registered!!  So dont hesitate to take advantage of them!

[MCRider]

I based my last post on the info I got from this site.  I didn't question it cause' my bike falls into that criteria. Go figure....

No problem. But this is on the site too, which jives with my numbers. If there is some bad info on site, report to a moderator.
http://www.sohc4.net/index.php?q=content/serial-numbers

[Cartman98]

I also read the info for VIN's that was posted on this site, and that's another reason I had to ask about them.  Yeah I am from WI and I called the DMV who told me that some old bikes have different numbers.  Apparently they used to use the engine VIN but recently switched to the frame now.