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How do I know what model or year bike I have?

Updated

The sub-model (K0, K1, K2, etc.) is a far better indicator regarding part fitment and sub-model specific specs. Production year is loosely affiliated, but doesn't necessarily correlate to a certain K model. It's good to know your year (bragging rights or whatever) but for parts, know your sub-model. We try to keep our model charts accurate in our part descriptions for help.

The VIN number should be stamped in the ID plate riveted to the steering tube behind the headlight, along with the production month and year. The VIN should also be stamped into the frame near the ID tag. Every engine stamp will have the bike model and E for engine ex: CB350E-xxxxx. This number was not matched to the frame from the factory, so it shouldn't be used to identify your bike.

Each model has different rules for determining the sub-model from the VIN number, but they all share the same structure with the model, followed by a dash, then a series of numbers (ex. CB450-3008956). Below refers the the first digit AFTER the dash in the VIN number:

 

  • Honda CT90 (ex. CT90-400245)

    • K0-K3 VIN numbers have 6 digits
      • K0 begins with -1
      • K1 begins with -2
      • K2 begins with -3
      • K3 begins with -4
    • K4 and forward increased to 7 digit VIN numbers
      • K4 begins with -14
      • K5 begins with -15
      • K6 begins with -16
      • 1976 CT90K7 begins with -17 (in 1976 Honda began designating models by year)
      • 1977 CT90K8 begins with -18
      • 1978 CT90K9 begins with -19
      • 1979 CT90 begins with -5
  •  

  • Honda CB / CL 175

    • K0 models have a different engine referred to as the "sloper". They begin with -1
    • K3 begins with -4
    • K4 begins with -5
    • K5 begins with -6
    • K6 begins with -7
    • K7 begins with -8

  • Honda SL 175

    • K0 begins with -1
    • K1 begins with -2

  • Honda CB / CL 200

    • CB200K begins with -1
    • CB200T begins with -20
    • 1976 CB200T begins with -21 (in 1976 Honda began designating models by year)
    • CL200 was a 1 year only model

  • Honda CB / CL 350 K0 - K5 (ex. CL350-3003456)

    • K0 and K1 begins with -1
    • K2 thru K4 begins with the submodel -2 for K2, etc.
    • 350G is the K5 and begins with a -5

  • Honda SL 350 K0-K2

    • K0 begins with -1
    • K1 begins with -2
    • K2 begins with -3

  • Honda CB / CL / CJ 360

    • The Honda 360 family of motorcycles did not have many variations. It mostly remained the same throughout the production run. The exception being the early 1974 CB360 identified by a front drum brake. These are pre-recall chain tensioner models, and are identified by two dots above and below the dash in the engine stamping if the recall HAS already been done.

  • Honda CB / CL 450 K0-K7 (ex. CB450-3008956)

    • K0 is the black bomber and begins with -1
    • K1 begins with -3
    • K2 begins at -3008956 including higher numbers
    • K3 begins with -4
    • K4 begins with -41
    • K5-K7 begins with the sub-model -5 for k5, etc.

  • Honda 500T

    • Built in one batch and sold for 2 years. They're mostly all the same.

  • Honda CB500K (4 cylinder)

    • K0 begins with -1

    • K1 begins with -2

    • K2 begins with -21

  • Honda CB550 K and F (ex. CB550-2106456)

    • K0 begins with -1

    • K1 begins with -12

    • 1976 CB550K2 begins with -123 (in 1976 Honda began designating models by year)

    • 1977 CB550K3 begins with-20

    • 1978 CB550K4 begins with -21

    • The CB550F did not change much from year to year.

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