Topic: Fiche part numbers - can anyone decode?

[csendker]

I went to the parts fiche at crotchrocket.com (http://www.crotchrocket.com/fiche_select.asp) and looked some stuff up to see if the same part crosses product years.  Everything looks the same, but the numbers are slightly different.  For instance:

1975 550-K1 handlebars: 53100-374-000 (Note: product code 390)
1978 550K handlebars: 53100-404-670 (Note: product code 404)
(Note: 1974 550-K0 product code 374)

I was initially thinking the first number is the basic part, the second was the product code, the third was   But, the '75 product code is 390, the middle number of the '78 part while the middle number of the '75 is the product code for '74. 

Does the whole number have to match to be 'the same' or just the first number?  What's the other numbers all about?

Thanks.

[R. Hykawy]

According to my parts manual;

[csendker]

Cool. Thanks.  I had to go to the CMS site to get the product codes referenced in the part numbers. 

Now I know the front forks I just bought may not match the frame I have.  If not, I'll just have to find another frame/bike to put them in!

[Zane]

Yeah Richard - way cool!  Thanks a lot.

[R. Hykawy]

Glad I could help.

[SteveD CB500F]

Good info Richard.

I've put a copy in the FAQ

Cheers