Author Topic: How to ID the version and find the OEM colors?  (Read 1148 times)

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Offline ST1100

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How to ID the version and find the OEM colors?
« on: April 26, 2011, 12:54:06 PM »
Hi,

recently bought two CB500/4s and I'm a bit unsure on how to identify the version and find the proper color?

bike a) was first registered in April '76, frame No 2083333, engine No 2169911

bike b) was first registered in April '73, frame No 2016197, engine No 2016202

Would be helpfull for locating parts and get the right color and decal set on them

Thanx in advance!
'92 ST1100 (sold in '03)
'00 ST1100 (current since '03)
'94 ST1100 (under refurb)
'73 CB500/4 (yet not done)
'76 CB500/4 (yet not done either)

Offline TwoTired

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Re: How to ID the version and find the OEM colors?
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2011, 01:01:53 PM »
Are those US Models?

If so, those frame and engine numbers are listed as 1972 CB500K1
Three colors offered:
Candy Jet Green/Black
Candy Garnet Brown/Black
Candy Gold/Black

Fuel tank Panel is Black

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline Gordon

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Re: How to ID the version and find the OEM colors?
« Reply #2 on: April 26, 2011, 01:05:50 PM »
You can find a model guide with serial numbers on the soh4.net website.  This will tell you what year each bike is based on the number as well as the available colors for those years.  There is no way, at least from the number, to tell exactly what color the body parts were originally painted, so any color available for that particular year would be considered correct. 

If you still have some of the original body parts, though, and depending on what's been done to them over the years, you may be able to figure out their original color. 


Edit:  TT typed faster than me. :)

Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: How to ID the version and find the OEM colors?
« Reply #3 on: April 26, 2011, 01:06:37 PM »
You might find this page helpful

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php/cb500

Especially the Model Guide.  I think the engine in Bike A is a K2 and not original to the K1 frame.
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Offline flybox1

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'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

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Offline ST1100

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Re: How to ID the version and find the OEM colors?
« Reply #5 on: April 26, 2011, 02:28:33 PM »
I think the engine in Bike A is a K2 and not original to the K1 frame.

Thanx, brilliant!
Indeed an obscure engine No on bike A... but it has the original title from the importer back then with no indication of having received a replacement engine... (might email Honda Austria on this, maybe they have something in their archives...)
Will it be OK to go with the Candy Jet Green on it?
Maybe I'll find out once I start stripping the tank, till now I've only spotted some Candy Blue underneath, but who knows just how many layers are on there...
'92 ST1100 (sold in '03)
'00 ST1100 (current since '03)
'94 ST1100 (under refurb)
'73 CB500/4 (yet not done)
'76 CB500/4 (yet not done either)

Offline Gordon

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Re: How to ID the version and find the OEM colors?
« Reply #6 on: April 26, 2011, 03:02:21 PM »
Sometimes you can see the original color by looking at the bottom of the tank or the backside of the side covers.  These are often areas that are not completely covered when doing a repaint.