Topic: How to tell Year of Manufacture?

[seabird]

Is there any way to tell, from the Frame and/or Engine number, the year (and maybe month) of manufacture of a particular model?

I have a CB400F just completed in restoration, the registration number (being a UK 'bike - is with an "S" prefix, making it officially a "First Registered in UK on 9th May 1977, yet David Silver's informed me that with the frame/engine numbers as :

Frame/VIN CB400F-1067974

and Engine Number: CB400F - E - 1063776

They say it's a 1975 model, so it would appear that either previous registrations lapsed, or the 'bike sat around in a showroom somewhere in UK until sold to the first owner in 1977 (which I find hard to believe).

Perhaps Hondaman or another knowledgeable member can pitch in here?

Thanks,

Seabird

[supersport_CB400F]

S started 1st Aug 77, you should be on a R if reg'd in May 77.you must have a ringa

http://www.motorcycle.co.uk/registration_letter.html

[Gordon]

Both engine and frame numbers on the 76 and 77 models started with a 2.  All the 75 models started with a 1, so it looks like you've got a 75 there.  It's really not all that uncommon for some of these bikes to have been first registered a year or two after the date of manufacture. 

[GeoffT]

According to previous posts  and advice from other members my 550 f1 SS is a 77 model but I can't find an earlier registry than 1980. I don't really want to believe my bike sat in a showroom for nearly three years either but that may be the case.

[seabird]

S started 1st Aug 77, you should be on a R if reg'd in May 77.you must have a ringa

http://www.motorcycle.co.uk/registration_letter.html

Doh!!   And I pride myself on being able to read!  After the cold hand of fear clutched at my heart in response to your reply, Bifta, I re-read the V5 and realised with some small feeling of relief) that it has an "R" suffix!

Think I'll go lie down in a darkened room for an hour or three!

Seabird

[supersport_CB400F]

Have a large drink…….. 

[SteveD CB500F]

My 550K3 is a '77 model but has a V (80) plate.  Bryan Jones said that some models sat around for several years before being sold. Can't imagine that for a 400 though!

[malcolmgb]

Both engine and frame numbers on the 76 and 77 models started with a 2.  All the 75 models started with a 1, so it looks like you've got a 75 there.  It's really not all that uncommon for some of these bikes to have been first registered a year or two after the date of manufacture. 

according to parts manual I have only US & Canada had the 2 series

[supersport_CB400F]

Both engine and frame numbers on the 76 and 77 models started with a 2.  All the 75 models started with a 1, so it looks like you've got a 75 there.  It's really not all that uncommon for some of these bikes to have been first registered a year or two after the date of manufacture. 

according to parts manual I have only US & Canada had the 2 series

Your right fella …they got high bars and different brake/gear change/foot rest positions I prefer the European flat bars and rear sets....I dont think Gordon knows much about UK 400/4's any that did come here are 2nd imports that did not sell in the America's new or used from what I've read.

[bryanj]

Yup even the 400's sat around at some dealers awaiting sale! Depended on the dealer, how much money he had spare and his "deal" with Honda. Back then if you made your anuial "Target" you got a retrogade discount on all the bikes you had bought which could be 5% so if you were close you would buy in "extras" and store them