YEAR OF MANUFACTURE

[bikerburke]

HI ALL .AS MY POST SAYS IM LOOKING TO CHECK THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE OF MY CB500/4 .THE LOG HAS IT BEING REGISTERED ON THE 3/7/1973 IM SURE IVE SEEN IN ONE OF THE POSTS THAT ONE OF YOU GUYS CAN CHECK THE YEAR OF MAUFACTURE IF I CAN SUPPLY THE FRAME AND ENGINE NUMBERS AND YOU CAN CHECK IF IT WAS MADE BEFORE JANUARY 1973 AND SUPPLY THAT IN SOME OF PROOF.OF COURSE THAT MEANS I COULD POSSIBLE GET FREE ROAD TAX? OR AT LEAST THE OLD BLACK AND WHITE NUMBER PLATE WHICH WOULD COOL ON THE BIKE.IM GOING TO BE OFF WORK FOR 3 WEEKS LEAVE AND IM HOPING TO GET THE CB ON THE ROAD BY THE END  OF IT. THANKS IN ADVANCE MICK

[Bryanj]

Mike dont shout (turn off the caps lock) I have a list of early numbers and can tell you how to get the proof you need, registered on 3/7 may not be 72 but it is possible.

Email me direct with the number if you dont want to post it here

[clive]

hi,
   i obtained verification of date of manufacture through VJMC, i had to provide photographs of engine and frame numbers also of the bike itself, the then provide a franked certificate to confirm the bike has "historic vehicle" status.  look on site www.vjmc.com, was told by local tax office i had to insure, mot, tax the bike then claim back, as yet i have'nt done so.

[Bryanj]

I thought VJMC only gave Model year, only people i know that get the actual Manufacture year correct is Honda

[bikerburke]

sorry about shouting thanks all for info ,  tho i had a look on the internet and found the usa SOHC/4 Owners Club Web Site on there they gave a list of  the honda cb500 frame/engine numbers and any with numbers CB500-2100001 on were made in in 1973.mine are frame CB500-220249** engine CB500e-220249** so unless the uk model is different it looks as if mine is a late 1973 manufactured year. thanks again Mick

[mick]

I wrote to Honda to get year of manufacture for my 750 cost

[Bryanj]

US site is not always correct as Honda were VERY sneeky and all at the same time were building

CB500 K2 for the USA

CB500 K1 for the UK/Europe (smaller clocks, indicators,rear light ETC) Some frame numbers begin 20*****

CB550 K0 for the next model year in US

This makes it incredibly difficult to guesstimate the build year of a 73 ish UK bike and the only way to be 100% certain is pay the money to Honda UK for a dating letter

[florence]

I would say it is only worth doing if you are really sure.  Honda confirmed what I didn't want to hear, that my machine was made in 1974.  My frame number begins 20.

[bikerburke]

 if my bike had been registered at the start of 1973 perhaps it would have been worth while asking Mr Honda.So i think i will use the

[matthewmosse]

Hmm, this is interesting, I've 2 project 500/4s and one is a k plate (I think) so I'm pretty sure when it gets a log book will be exempt. Woul;d be good to get taxed for free

[SteveD CB500K0]

Mine's a K.

Aug71 - July72 so definitely <1973!

[Bryanj]

I have compiled a list of 500 frame numbers and build dates, mostly from US models that have a vin plate. I will happily try and fit any frame number into that and give an opinion of build date BUT i cannot guarantee the accuracy due to Honda's build program as listed before