Topic: Serial number confirmation

[fordster]

Hi Everyone. I am new to the forums.  I have been reading them for a while and getting lots of info.
I now have 2 CB750's on the go, inspired by my years as a youth with a café style CB360. So I just picked up this second CB750 and the guy I bought it from said it has a European engine in it.  I wasn't 100% about the fact and not too concerned about it at the time as I thought for the investment of $200, worst case scenario I have a parts bike. But before I touch this I thought I would confirm what I have here. The engine case is painted black and it has allen bolts on most covers so I assume someone has been in the engine. So I thought I would check the serial numbers to find out more info and I am not 100% what I have here. If anyone has insight it would be appreciated.
Here are the details;

1973 frame and brown/gold/white tank frame #CB750E 2233435 - this number and colours jive with what I found on the web for 1973 models.  The engine #1072485 does not fall into the 1973 serial numbers. Does this fall into the 1971 engine with serial numbers that start at 1044806?

Which led me to I check my 1978K numbers which are; engine #3061934 and frame #2861934. When I cross referenced the numbers I noticed that the frame is the 4th last production number and the engine is the 2nd last production number in Canada. Is there any notable recognition to this 78 for being one of the last SOHC produced in Canada? If so should it be kept as original as possible as I have plans to modify it somewhat?

[davidtime]

Here is a list if you haven't seen it yet.

http://www.sohc4.net/cb750k-serial-numbers/

[Dream750]

Welcome to the forums. Sounds like you got a super deal on your K1/K3 for $200!

Your serial no: CB750E-1072485 is a 750 K1 engine and it’s not a European market engine per se. All K1 engines share the same part numbers for the crankcase, head, cylinders, covers, transmission and internal components for the USA, Japanese, European and General Export bikes.         

However ... part number changes that made 750 K1 European market specific were the different exhaust pipes and carburetors fitted to them. Examples of these carb/exhaust differences are found on the Germany, France, Netherlands and European Direct models. Perhaps this could be what the previous owner meant by saying that it has a European engine?     

The 750 K3 was sold only in the USA / North American market which is why there isn't any Japanese, European or General Export market models.

I don’t have any information on your 1978 K.

This K1 engine & frame serial number chart below was published by Honda UK: