Noob from Oregon - Hi!

GriffGirl · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject: Noob from Oregon - Hi!

Just dropping in to say hi! Last night I bought my first bike, a 1973 Honda something. I stumbled across this site in my (so far fruitless) search to find some way of decoding the mystery of the bike's VIN number in hopes of figuring out exactly what I've got.

All I know that I've got so far is a project! I know absolutely nothing about motorcycles but am really excited to take on this project and learn about them. My goal is to have the bike restored and running by around June when the rain stops. If anyone can direct me to a resource that will help me decode the VIN so I can know exactly what model I've got, I'd really appreciate it! I want to restore the bike correctly and as true to original as possible. Right now I'm pretty sure the tank and seat are not original.

Here's the first official photo of the bike (I don't even have it in my possession yet; I have to borrow a truck to pick it up from the seller this weekend). I'm taking the approach that right now, it's a diamond in the rough.

MR.CHocko · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:17 pm Post subject:

With hondas the Vin usually will identify the bike. Up until the late 60's some honda models usually had the CA prefix followed by numbers which refered to the model of the bike. The A just meant that it was meant for the North American market. In the mid to late 60's honda changed the "A" to a B which was standarized world wide. Since your bike is from the 70's it most likely would be a"C" followed by a "B" Now the numbers usually following the letters CB usually refer to its engine size i.e. CB350 means that the bike has a 350cc motor. After the CB350 there is usually another letter which always refers to the model. Such as CB350K or CB350F which means that the bike is either a two cylinder or Four cylinder model. I hope this brief bit of information will help you out. You can always PM me for more information. What also helps if you can find one is the Honda book which details every single Honda motorcycle made, you can find one at a swap meet or through one of the dealers online.

GriffGirl · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:24 pm Post subject:

Thank you for that info! I have learned quite a bit about the whole encoding system in VIN numbers today. I knew about it concerning cars, but not motorcycles, much less vintage ones.

So here's the kicker and why I'm stumped:

CB3565006606

That's it. That's the VIN number. So my initial thinking was that it was a CB350, but the "356" in the VIN threw me off. It seems like I missing some letters here. But I've got the original title right in front of me and am sure I'm reading it correctly (I don't need glasses) and accurately. Confused

jeepurz · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject:

I think youve got a cm200 t 1980>>? there, what does it say on the neck?? tank for sure isnt stock, I know the tank just cant put my finger on what tank it is.

jeepurz · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject:

see pic.

GriffGirl · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:51 pm Post subject:

Well crap. That definitely looks like the same motor at least. Obviously the seat and tank aren't original, so I wonder if the title I have is the wrong title for the bike? The last time the bike was registered was 10/28/83, so who knows.

So it appears to be a moderately sucky bike then if that's what it is. Eh - it's okay. I got it for dirt cheap, and it'll be a good first bike I'm hoping. The most disappointing is that it looks like it's not a '73 - that's the year I was born.

jeepurz · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:58 pm Post subject:

should be easy to find parts and info on & not a bad bike at all . check the neck when you pick it up & see for sure what it says. good luck .

MR.CHocko · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject:

The tank almost looks like a Harley Sportster tank. The motor does look like the old CM200 twinstar tank. I think somewhere I may have a seat and side covers, tucked away somewhere. But it is best to check on the neck and look at the plate and see what it says.

GriffGirl · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:56 pm Post subject:

Oh, I will definitely check it as soon as I get the bike home! As for that seat and side covers, I'm definitely interested. Whether it's a '73 or an '80, I still want to restore the bike to be as true to original as possible. Mechanically, I'm told all it needs is some work on the ignition wiring. I don't remember specifically what was wrong with it, but when I go to pick the bike up I'll ask again and this time, I'll write it down. Very Happy

I'm also gonna need gauges - the ones on the bike are beat to hell and I doubt they're original. (I think I just might have my work cut out for me... but I'm really excited for the challenge!)

rt1maillady · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:38 pm Post subject: Welcome GriffGirl

Looking forward to following your project there. Does look like the CM200T to me.
Good Luck and keep us posted!
rt1maillady Sue

archangel · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:45 pm Post subject:

It will be a good size to learn on that is for sure.

MR.CHocko · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 2:43 am Post subject:

It is not a bad bike to learn on. The motors were also very reliable. They are what I call good dependable transportation.

Gundito · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:26 am Post subject:

I'd get a tetanus shot before you start tinkering with that. I'd also consider dressing it up with a new bungee cord to hold the seat on - that would really pull it together. Mr. Green

Looks like a tank off a 3-wheeler.

GriffGirl · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:29 pm Post subject:

archangel · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:23 pm Post subject:

Only problem with the dayglo orange on that bungee.
It won't spruce things up much , most likely your little butt will be covering it up.
Well when you are riding that is.
Other wise sounds good to me.
Nothing makes a woman look sexier than a dayglo bungee under her butt.
Just kidding Laughing