Commonly requested entries from the Honda Identification Guide (US models only)

I recently purchased a '67 CL77 and want to know if the frame and engine both have serial numbers on them? If so where can I find them? I plan on doing a restoration, but want to know if I have matching serial numbers before undertaking an in-depth project. Thanks!
 
I recently purchased a '67 CL77 and want to know if the frame and engine both have serial numbers on them? If so where can I find them? I plan on doing a restoration, but want to know if I have matching serial numbers before undertaking an in-depth project. Thanks!
Check the entry for the CL77 in this thread above. Matching numbers are very rare on Hondas of that era, Honda did a lot of destructive engine testing by pulling engines off the assembly line randomly so even seeing a bike with the numbers within a few hundred is rare. The frame number will be stamped into the left side of the steering head, turn the forks to the right and look there. the engine number should be on the left side top of the crankcase basically under the carbs.
 
I recently purchased a '67 CL77 and want to know if the frame and engine both have serial numbers on them? If so where can I find them? I plan on doing a restoration, but want to know if I have matching serial numbers before undertaking an in-depth project. Thanks!
Not sure where the engine number is found. On the CA77 the VIN is hidden, so I suspect your's is as well.
Here's pictures for the CA77 VIN location
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Here's the CL77 frame number location, courtesy of BaT where one sold for $12,000

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Hi, does it show the CB175 K0?
Sadly, it does not and I don't understand why. I've had this book for a couple decades and there are very few omissions or mistakes in it, so it escapes me why they didn't include the CB175K0.
 
Help!! I’m considering a CB450 that the owner claims is a 1968. Frame # is 5007108 and engine # is 5007150. Sorry if I posted in the wrong place. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Ed
 
Help!! I’m considering a CB450 that the owner claims is a 1968. Frame # is 5007108 and engine # is 5007150. Sorry if I posted in the wrong place. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Ed
Ed, go back to the beginning of this thread and look at all the entries for the CB450 - the frame and engine number you posted above is for a CB450K5, which is a 1972 model. Hard to say what the story is there, but you'd need to see paperwork showing it's titled a '68 and even if true it doesn't have the original frame or engine.
 
Though the CM200 is shown earlier in this thread along with the CL200, I was remiss in not scanning all of the CM185 through CM250 models, so here they are together.

CM185.jpg

CM200-1.jpg

CM200-2.jpg

CM250-1.jpg

CM250-2.jpg
 
If anyone needs to identify any US Honda model built between 1959 and 1988, I have the Honda ID Guide and will be happy to look it up for you.
All the usual model pages are below like the 125, 150, 160, 175, 200, 250/305, 350, 360, DOHC 450 and 500T, as well as the SOHC 400/450.
Let me know if you'd like any others scanned.

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I would like to ask you to look up my vin # for my Cb160 sport. I was told it was a 68’ most likely. However the Calif. DMV ask for correct age. So far it looks to be a 64’. I have picked through forums but always they say “ it looks to be”, but nothing definite. My frame number is B1601050635 Thanks, Ken Koll
 
The CB160 was released 7-1-64 starting with VIN CB160-1000001 as a 1965 model. Honda only lists it as sold 1965-1969. There is no year break down of the VIN.
 
On the older bikes I have seen others recommend checking for a label on the wiring harness for a date when it was made which will get you about as close as you will get.
 
Hello….i got a cb160 in boxes, the guy I got it from said it was a 1968, but the vin #s seem more like a 1964. The vin # is B1601050635. Can you help me fiqure this one out?
 
Hello….i got a cb160 in boxes, the guy I got it from said it was a 1968, but the vin #s seem more like a 1964. The vin # is B1601050635. Can you help me fiqure this one out?
Pictures of your forks would help. The early lowers were steel, the later CL's and the last year of the CB's were alloy.
Mine is titled a 65 and the wiring harness shows a 1964 white Sumitomo tag, also inside the rear hub ink stamp 39. 12. 4 of the Showa dynasty which is 1964. My serial is B1601013524 and that all makes sense.
Yours is more than 37,000 units later, so....
I would bet yours is a 67, sold and titled in 68. There were no model years back then. Honda parts catalogues will list serial numbers if any parts were changed.
 
First off I apologize if I offended all of you posting 2 request. I find the forum difficult to navigate. I’m very weak on computer skills. I know how to order parts on Amazon and EBay, but not much more. After asking Ancientdad to look up info by my frame number even my wife couldnt get back on the post. Having no luck she posted another request. Today she found her way in and I read all the replies. Thanks to all of you. RobMan: my 160 was torn down years ago boxes of nuts and bolts including the wiring harness. Good idea but no tag. Ballbearian: helpfull, lower forks are steel so I guess it’s not the 68’ I was told. Ancientdad: you were so annoyed that I posted 2 times that you failed to look up my frame number as your post says you gladly offered. So have a little patience for an old dinosaur. Thanks Ken Koll
 
Ancientdad: you were so annoyed that I posted 2 times that you failed to look up my frame number as your post says you gladly offered. So have a little patience for an old dinosaur. Thanks Ken Koll
Sorry, didn't mean to come off as annoyed, I simply mentioned that you had posted the same question in 3 different places (including your PM to me with the same question) apparently because you didn't see the replies you'd already gotten. We have no way of knowing how tech-savvy a member might be, or what they see or don't see on the forum. Many of the things you may not understand about using a forum like VHT are explained in my Welcome Package of helpful links which I posted in my reply to your introduction. If you missed it, here it is.


As to me looking up your frame number as offered, that only applies to models not yet shown in the list of scanned model entries on page 1 of this thread and unfortunately, my Honda ID Guide does not offer anything further on your 160, only this below which is already in the list. I can't look up a specific bike someone owns, only the model information for that series bike from the book described in the first post.

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Just starting a new project and need help identifying the year. It is a Honda 300 Dream , the ad reads that it is a 1966, but want to be sure.
Frame # C78-1001909
Engine # C77E-1001797
Can anyone confirm?
 
Just starting a new project and need help identifying the year. It is a Honda 300 Dream , the ad reads that it is a 1966, but want to be sure.
Frame # C78-1001909
Engine # C77E-1001797
Can anyone confirm?
I don't know the Dreams very well, but those are low frame and engine numbers.

And your question helped me realize I left out a couple of entries, the early CA77 and the early CA72. I'll have to scan and add them.
 
Just starting a new project and need help identifying the year. It is a Honda 300 Dream , the ad reads that it is a 1966, but want to be sure.
Frame # C78-1001909
Engine # C77E-1001797
Can anyone confirm?
Seven digits means it is at least a 1965. Title date is only sale date, there were no model years back then. It's good, later battery is easier to find and undercut engagement dogs on gears shifts better.
 
Do you know of any good parts sources, done a little checking, could be a challenge.
Since the 305s are from a decade longer ago, your situation might be a little more difficult but here are some suggestions from my Welcome Package in case you didn't see it.

 
Hello, can someone help the newbie settle the date of his new(old) ride? I bought what I know is a Honda Dream 305 off FB for the princely sum of $250. If I understand the image from Bill (sorry Bill, still don't know who you are yet), my bike has an engine code of CA77E-101808. I found that very easily. The frame number was less easy, and only says '-101799', no CA77 or CA78 prefix. I looked today for other identifiers, like the tag on the wiring, a plate on the head stock, etc, but found nothing. The FB ad said it was a 1968.

But I feel like, given the information here in this post, the bike is a 1964 Type (1), which I assume means early 1964. Is this right? And would the Frame # be written on a title application as 'CA78-101799' or 'CA77-101799'? The page from bill has CA78, but I admit I'm confused. Again, the frame has only the dash and six digit number, no prefix. Any help would be appreciated, and thank you!
 
Hello, can someone help the newbie settle the date of his new(old) ride? I bought what I know is a Honda Dream 305 off FB for the princely sum of $250. If I understand the image from Bill (sorry Bill, still don't know who you are yet), my bike has an engine code of CA77E-101808. I found that very easily. The frame number was less easy, and only says '-101799', no CA77 or CA78 prefix. I looked today for other identifiers, like the tag on the wiring, a plate on the head stock, etc, but found nothing. The FB ad said it was a 1968.

But I feel like, given the information here in this post, the bike is a 1964 Type (1), which I assume means early 1964. Is this right? And would the Frame # be written on a title application as 'CA78-101799' or 'CA77-101799'? The page from bill has CA78, but I admit I'm confused. Again, the frame has only the dash and six digit number, no prefix. Any help would be appreciated, and thank you!
Most of the '60s models are harder to be sure of and you have covered most of the clues I'm used to reading. I owned a CA72 for a while when I was 15 but haven't touched a Dream since so I can't add anything, but @ballbearian will be along to help you get it figured out.
 
Hello, can someone help the newbie settle the date of his new(old) ride? I bought what I know is a Honda Dream 305 off FB for the princely sum of $250. If I understand the image from Bill (sorry Bill, still don't know who you are yet), my bike has an engine code of CA77E-101808. I found that very easily. The frame number was less easy, and only says '-101799', no CA77 or CA78 prefix. I looked today for other identifiers, like the tag on the wiring, a plate on the head stock, etc, but found nothing. The FB ad said it was a 1968.

But I feel like, given the information here in this post, the bike is a 1964 Type (1), which I assume means early 1964. Is this right? And would the Frame # be written on a title application as 'CA78-101799' or 'CA77-101799'? The page from bill has CA78, but I admit I'm confused. Again, the frame has only the dash and six digit number, no prefix. Any help would be appreciated, and thank you!
I'm surprised there is no obvious CA77- or CA78- near your frame number (lower left). If there really is no stamp, I'd probably start title process as a CA78-101799, but it won't matter much if you do CA77-101799 either. Mine is CA78-104543, but yours is still earlier. 64 was the year Honda switched frame stamp from CA77 to CA78, exactly when, who knows, but you have matching and very low 64 numbers. 68 was probably the year it was first sold and first title went by that, as there were no actual years of production.
Here is a parts list revision sheet from 20th Oct. 1968. It only shows numbers up to 65 though.

Please do start a project thread for all deeper Q&A continuity, there will be plenty.

HTFduef.jpg
 
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I'm surprised there is no obvious CA77- or CA78- near your frame number (lower left). If there really is no stamp, I'd probably start title process as a CA78-101799, but it won't matter much if you do CA77-101799 either. Mine is CA78-104543, but yours is still earlier. 64 was the year Honda switched frame stamp from CA77 to CA78, exactly when, who knows, but you have matching and very low 64 numbers. 68 was probably the year it was first sold and first title went by that, as there were no actual years of production.
Here is a parts list revision sheet from 20th Oct. 1968. It only shows numbers up to 65 though.

Please do start a project thread for all deeper Q&A continuity, there will be plenty.

HTFduef.jpg
Yes, this is the sheet I was referencing. Thanks, Ballbearian! And I will post a project thread, once I get started on it. Right now, it's sitting strapped in my old pickup. I have to take it to a highway patrol office, which is about an hour away, for an inspection of the numbers so they can do their own checks. Once that's done, I'll unload it and start doing some work on it. This is going to be a nice, long project...

And thanks again!
 
If anyone needs to identify any US Honda model built between 1959 and 1988, I have the Honda ID Guide and will be happy to look it up for you.
All the usual model pages are below like the 125, 150, 160, 175, 200, 250/305, 350, 360, DOHC 450 and 500T, as well as the SOHC 400/450.
Let me know if you'd like any others scanned.

View attachment 13272
 
If anyone needs to identify any US Honda model built between 1959 and 1988, I have the Honda ID Guide and will be happy to look it up for you.
All the usual model pages are below like the 125, 150, 160, 175, 200, 250/305, 350, 360, DOHC 450 and 500T, as well as the SOHC 400/450.
Let me know if you'd like any others scanned.

View attachment 13272
Hi, I'm running into a few parts conflicts which are making me question the bike I actually have. I believe I have a 1970 SL350 K0. The VIN plate shows a date of Mfr of 04/70 and the frame number is SL350-1024833. Can you validate that for me?
 
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Hi, I'm running into a few parts conflicts which are making me question the bike I actually have. I believe I have a 1970 SL350 K0. The VIN plate shows a date of Mfr or 04/70 and the frame number is SL350-1024833. Can you validate that for me?
That's an easy one. With a frame number starting 100xxxx, it's a K0. You might check the engine number to see if it's an original SL350K0 engine because the CB/CL engines would interchange, all had electric start as did the K0. First entry here

nRwCUNA.jpg
 
That's an easy one. With a frame number starting 100xxxx, it's a K0. You might check the engine number to see if it's an original SL350K0 engine because the CB/CL engines would interchange, all had electric start as did the K0. First entry here

nRwCUNA.jpg
Thanks. That all tracks as expected. I'll double check the engine number, but I'm pretty certain its original. The carbs have been my problem. If I order for a 1970 SL350 I get the gen 1 carb parts, but I have the gen 2 type carbs. I notice it says "dual CV carbs", can you translate that for me?
 
Thanks. That all tracks as expected. I'll double check the engine number, but I'm pretty certain its original. The carbs have been my problem. If I order for a 1970 SL350 I get the gen 1 carb parts, but I have the gen 2 type carbs. I notice it says "dual CV carbs", can you translate that for me?
This link below has pics of an SL350K0, note the carbs and their shape/design. CV stands for constant velocity (sometimes referred to as constant vacuum). The chrome cap on top is the vacuum chamber that helps the slide lift as the engine develops more vacuum when the throttle plate behind it is opened by the throttle cable. This allows more flexibility of throttle application without bogging or stalling the engine because of the design.


Part of the problem you're having is how your bike was titled due to the system in place at the time. The SL350K0 was released August of '69 but continued to be sold into 1970 so it essentially spanned 2 model years but kept the same frame number series (100xxxx). Back then, prior to the true 17 digit standardized VIN that came along almost a decade later as required by the US government for bikes sold here, the frame number was how the bike was titled and the year of the bike was determined by the year it was sold. The K1 was released September 1, 1970 so it was automatically a '71 because in the US, anything sold after September 1 is titled the following year. This is why we always refer to the K series as the last word on the bike when you need to find parts. Also, saying you believe the engine is original is different than actually confirming it by the engine number prefix, whether CB, CL or SL electric start engine that could be in it after 50+ years.
 
Thanks again for the response and help. The pics are exactly bike I have.
The engine number is SL350E-1024844. I hear you on checking, but the reason I was confident the engine is original is because I know the original owner personally. The story is, three high school buddies in my home town (pop. 350) each bought a new 1970 SL350 in each of the three colors. None of them were gear heads like that, just wanted a bike to have fun on. I talked to the original owner on a recent visit home. Of the three, I have this one (I bought 6 years after new), I have the engine from one of the others (the rest was scrapped), and the third is still owned by the original owner who still lives in town and rides it now and then.
I think the problem resides with how mfr's list the carb kit and applicability and the fact it spans 2 model years as you state. When they say it's compatible with a 1970 SL350 and don't have a K number associated, the might assume it is the earlier carb. I just have to pay more attention but it did make me wonder.
 
Thanks again for the response and help. The pics are exactly bike I have.
The engine number is SL350E-1024844.
To find one with the engine and frame numbers only 11 digits apart is rare, you have a keeper.
I hear you on checking, but the reason I was confident the engine is original is because I know the original owner personally.
Well, if I'd known that already.... :giggle: good for you, those are the best kind to buy.
The story is, three high school buddies in my home town (pop. 350) each bought a new 1970 SL350 in each of the three colors. None of them were gear heads like that, just wanted a bike to have fun on. I talked to the original owner on a recent visit home. Of the three, I have this one (I bought 6 years after new), I have the engine from one of the others (the rest was scrapped), and the third is still owned by the original owner who still lives in town and rides it now and then.
I think the problem resides with how mfr's list the carb kit and applicability and the fact it spans 2 model years as you state. When they say it's compatible with a 1970 SL350 and don't have a K number associated, the might assume it is the earlier carb. I just have to pay more attention but it did make me wonder.
All part of the larger learning experience you'll get here, and there's a lot to know about these incredibly simple and fabulous bikes that people find so hard to work on these days... because they're all mechanical, no electronics.
 
To find one with the engine and frame numbers only 11 digits apart is rare, you have a keeper.

Well, if I'd known that already.... :giggle: good for you, those are the best kind to buy.

All part of the larger learning experience you'll get here, and there's a lot to know about these incredibly simple and fabulous bikes that people find so hard to work on these days... because they're all mechanical, no electronics.
Thanks for all your help!
 
If anyone needs to identify any US Honda model built between 1959 and 1988, I have the Honda ID Guide and will be happy to look it up for you.
All the usual model pages are below like the 125, 150, 160, 175, 200, 250/305, 350, 360, DOHC 450 and 500T, as well as the SOHC 400/450.
Let me know if you'd like any others scanned.

View attachment 13272
Hi,

Would there be any entries in that book for an engine number NC25E-1603094 ?. I just have the engine but no VIN that I could trust. Am told that this engine was fitted to the VRX400 or maybe the Steed, Bros etc. Believe the vintage is around 1996.

Any help would be appreciated since the VRX400 was never sold in the UK but there were some imports around.

Regards,

Henry M
 
Hi,

Would there be any entries in that book for an engine number NC25E-1603094 ?. I just have the engine but no VIN that I could trust. Am told that this engine was fitted to the VRX400 or maybe the Steed, Bros etc. Believe the vintage is around 1996.

Any help would be appreciated since the VRX400 was never sold in the UK but there were some imports around.

Regards,

Henry M
Henry, unfortunately my Honda ID Guide only covers US models and there are no 400cc bikes listed in it that start with V, much less VRX.

Found this about the bike which you're probably already aware of


And if I had to guess, I'd say this result was probably you looking for further information elsewhere :giggle:

 
Henry, unfortunately my Honda ID Guide only covers US models and there are no 400cc bikes listed in it that start with V, much less VRX.

Found this about the bike which you're probably already aware of


And if I had to guess, I'd say this result was probably you looking for further information elsewhere :giggle:

OK Thanks for trying. Think I'm going to have to try Honda in Japan.

Appreciate the attempt.

Henry
 
Hi guys, I just bought a 1975 CB550 K1 with a VIN CB550-1210900 on the frame is and would like to know if my engine and carbs are matching numbers. Really appreciate your guys' help! Thanks, guys!
 
Hi guys, I just bought a 1975 CB550 K1 with a VIN CB550-1210900 on the frame is and would like to know if my engine and carbs are matching numbers. Really appreciate your guys' help! Thanks, guys!
Without knowing the engine number it would be impossible to tell you if it's original or not, but I can tell you most Hondas from that era do not have matching frame and engine numbers. And as for carbs, they do not have numbers that match any frame or engine number as some sets of carbs were used on more than one year and model. I can tell you that your frame number shows your bike to truly be a CB550K1, that model began with frame number CB550-1200005 and with engine number CB550E-1029182.
 
Without knowing the engine number it would be impossible to tell you if it's original or not, but I can tell you most Hondas from that era do not have matching frame and engine numbers. And as for carbs, they do not have numbers that match any frame or engine number as some sets of carbs were used on more than one year and model. I can tell you that your frame number shows your bike to truly be a CB550K1, that model began with frame number CB550-1200005 and with engine number CB550E-1029182.
I was able to find my engine number to be CB550E-1048023. I am assuming I have the original engine that came on this bike, hopefully. It doesn't really matter that much, but kind of nice to know!

Thanks for your help!
 
I was able to find my engine number to be CB550E-1048023. I am assuming I have the original engine that came on this bike, hopefully.
Based on the progression of engine numbers for the CB550K1, I'd guess so. Or at least a replacement engine from the same year run which ended at 1067333, CB550K '76 (which essentially is the K2 though around that time they started going away from additional K-series numbers).
 
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