Help needed to identify year for CA77, S/N included

[bpdinse]

Yes, another of these posts :). I'd imagine a question asked by many new owners. I am a new owner of what I was told was a 1965 CA77. This is my very first post. I bought Bill's CD and am waiting for delivery but I came across something that is making me question the year and it is hard to wait for delivery of the CD. The title states that it is a 1965 and that it was first registered in 6/1965. The Title VIN is: CA78102513. The Frame S/N is: CA78 102513. The engine S/N is: CA77E-102516. Now as I understand it, in 1965 Honda started numbering the engines/frames with a 7 digit S/N. Does this then mean that my motorcycle is in fact a 1964 or some other year? This is a small/interesting mystery for me. Thank you in advance for any/all replies. The bike is in very wonderful and original condition. It was sitting next to a barn in AZ covered for 30+ years. A carb cleaning got the bike running perfectly. Now the only thing is to pull the clutch apart as it does not engage - I'm sure it is just stuck together after sitting for so long. Bet it will work after I pull it apart and clean it up. I'll post pictures soon. Thanks again! Brian

[brewsky]

Welcome!
Should be a 64 model.
Bikes were often titled as the year sold rather than year of production,

[bpdinse]

Thank you for the welcome and thank you for the feedback on this! I suspected it was a '64 then. I guess it doesn't matter to me too much either way - just wanted to know which year for future parts need, etc. I guess there were more '65 CA77s but then so far (I know I am just days into this), it doesn't seem like there are differences between the '64 and '65 - parts should work from a '65 on this bike. I guess that is my main concern is parts availability.

Another thought - has anyone ever tried to re-title their motorcycle to the correct year? Being that this is actually a '64 and the title says '65, would it makes sense to get it changed on the title, if even possible?

Best Regards, Brian

[brewsky]

Brian,
Need to be careful about part interchangeability, as some items changed design during the middle of a production year.
Always go by serial number when getting parts if possible.

[bpdinse]

I guess I'll have to look at all the information on the CD I am getting to see how it correlates engine serial numbers to part number changes (I take it that is what you mean above). Sounds like this will be tricky. I appreciate the feedback.

[brewsky]

If you got a parts manual, it will show parts numbers for different serial number ranges.

Also, most online parts fiche will do the same.

The problem stands out when trying to buy something on ebay or the like that doesn't show the part number.

If you have a question about whether something fits, post your vin and a pic and someone will probably be able to help.

[bpdinse]

I now have a parts manual and I see exactly what you mean. An invaluable resource for sure. I appreciate the direction here.

Anyone have any comments on my other question? If the bike was listed as the incorrect year on the title, would anyone bother getting this changed? And how, if so? Seems like one would have to prove the year and that comes down to showing literature - probably not the type of paperwork that the DVM/MVD would take... any suggestions/thoughts?

Thanks, Brian