Topic: K this and K that just what year is what?

[ElCheapo]

I thought a K1 was a 71 and a KO was a 70, you do the math on the rest. Just what is the truth on the K? models?

[Bob Wessner]

This seems to be a frequently referred to site for the K model ID's by serial number, probably the best way to go about it rather than year. There is another thread trying to ID a K7 with a reference to 1980 which is the year it might have been first registered rather than year of build or manufacture.

http://www.hondachopper.com/K.classification.html

[ElCheapo]

So it matters the serial numbers and not nescessarily the year. I think I have this right. Problably not though.

[Bob Wessner]

So it matters the serial numbers and not nescessarily the year

That's always been my understanding.

[dusterdude]

So it matters the serial numbers and not nescessarily the year

That's always been my understanding.

bob,didnt honda quit building 750`s after the k1?

[ElCheapo]

It wasn't until after the K1 they got it right 

[dusterdude]

It wasn't until after the K1 they got it right 

hahahahahaha

[eldar]

I think the 69 was just referred to as the cb750, no "K" designation. After that, I think the K started being used starting at K0.

[ElCheapo]

Then the K's must have been power ratings. So those K1's and KO's were like mopeds weren't they? 

[Bob Wessner]

I think the 69 was just referred to as the cb750, no "K" designation. After that, I think the K started being used starting at K0.

I agree. Even the parts list refers to the first model as just the 750 and it covers the first three models, referring to the other two as the K1 and K2. However, I'm guessing that it sort of became the K0 simply to differenciate it from other 750 models. Even the dealer parts system refers to it as the K0.

[Bob Wessner]

So those K1's and KO's were like mopeds weren't they?

Only when I'm doing the tuning. 

[toycollector10]

Yes the K is for Kashamishikagi (or some other Japanese word starting with K) which translates to Modification.  I couldn't do the translation on Babelfish translator..The first bikes were called the CB750, they were without modifications, but for ease of reference are called the K0.  The K1 and K2 etc are defined by what the frame numbers are, and the parts manual details these.

[Kevin D]

My K1 s/n is 1067xxx, I think it was purchased 2/71 and the build date was 11/70.

K1 they got it right 

[DiscoEd]

Hmmm.... It had always been my understanding that the K and F moniker was related to the facility of fabrication. Somewhere I seem to remember seeing a reference to this, now if only I could remeber where.

-DiscoEd


In hind sight, I beleive that I was thinking of the letter designation as described in the VIN make up section of the Honda Parts lists.

[TwoTired]

According to the "Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide"  Published by American Honda motor company:

* Cataloging purposes - Example: CB750/CB750K0
"K0" to indicate the first model in a series.  If updated versions were introduced K1, K2, K3, etc... were used to indicate new models.

Beginning in 1968 with the CB450K1, and extending through the 1975 model year, "K" numbers often but not always, changed on an anual basis.  In later years, various model designations were used to indicate model changes.  Examples include CB350F1, CR250M1, CB125S2, Etc...  The "K" number designation continued to be used outside the USA through 1978.

In 1974, Honda officially adopted a "Year Model" policy.

End reprint typing.

The F and K reference is definately a model difference.  The CB550s had K0-K3s as well as F0-F2 (for the Super Sports), for example.

[cbjunkie]

i know this was certainly a noob question on my mind a month or so ago - i think i might have even brought it up here.

could this be...

A FAQ???

could be particularly helpful to at least post that link bob gave us...thanks, big bobber...