Topic: serial number ?

[guitarkev66]

I have a 1972 cb750 project that I am starting(a real basket case).  It looks like there have been many alterations to the bike over the years.  My question is I noticed the bike was built 11/71 the frame serial number is 20040## ,the motor has 20118##.  Is that too big of a difference between the two numbers, I know they never match but I was expecting the motor to be at least in the 200's.  Also when the time comes to paint the tank (it has a real bad rattle can job now) should I use the stripes for the 1969-71 or do I use the 1972 stripe with the white? I heard they didn't start to use that style until after 3/72 but I could be wrong? It was originally candy gold

[ekpent]

Here is a time line.      http://www.hondachopper.com/engine/engine_timeline/timeline.html

[guitarkev66]

That still doesn't tell me if I should think that the motor was replaced at some point.  Or was it pretty common to have such a big gap in the serial # to the motor #?  Plus that time line for k1 and k2 start/end date seems off. I have a 1971 k1 that was built in july of 1971 and this k2 was bulit in november of 1971. the time line has k2 bikes start in jan 1972. I AM COMFUSED!!!!

[Hinomaru]

See if this serial number format helps, note the (USA) sell date and release date:

http://www.spookytoms.com/CB750K-IDPlates.html

I don't know about the stripe change after 3/72

The 750 K2 was sold in different markets around the world in the following colors:   

Candy ruby red
Candy gold
Brier brown metallic
Flake sunrise orange
Planet blue metallic
Silver metallic custom
Astro purple metallic

K2 Candy Ruby Red and Silver Metallic Custom: