Vin question

[Ryan66]

Getting ready to go pick up a cb550f this weekend. Got the vin number from the guy and its only 7 digits no letters. How many numbers slash letters should it have? Unsure of the year at the moment can post a pic if needed

 

[Maritime]

hmm. my 79 GL1000 only has 7 digit VIN. Pre a certain year, bikes did nto have the alpha numeric 11 digit vins, not sure of the cut off year though.

 

[Redbird]

He only gave you the serial number not the whole VIN. Which is still cool because the whole VIN only includes CB550-xxxxxxx.
Here's a rundown of the CB550's VIN series...

Honda CB550 544cc 4-cycle four
1974 Honda CB550
- Frame: CB550-1000001
- Engine: CB550E-1000001
1975 Honda CB550
- Frame: CB550-1200005
- Engine: CB550E-1029182
1975 Honda CB550F
- Frame: CB550F-1000002
- Engine: CB550E-1100004
1976 Honda CB550
- Frame: CB550-1230001
- Engine: CB550E-1067334
1976 Honda CB550F
- Frame: CB550F-2000003
- Engine: CB550E-1109887
1977 Honda CB550
- Frame: CB550-2000007
- Engine: CB550E-2000001
1977 Honda CB550F
- Frame: CB550F-2100001
- Engine: CB550E-1135380
1978 Honda CB550
- Frame: CB550-2100001
- Engine: CB550E-2100001

http://www.z1enterprises.com/bike-list-honda.aspx

 

[Ryan66]

Thanks redbird i just found that info when you posted. Its a 76 F model according to the vin i got. its cb550f#######

 

[Rocan]

Thanks redbird i just found that info when you posted. Its a 76 F model according to the vin i got. its cb550f#######

mmm, F bikes are sexy.

 

[crazypj]

17 digit VIN didn't appear until 1983, DOT mandate.
1982 had some interesting VIN numbers while it was being introduced
550 only needs a little bit of frame modification to handle really well (at least, for the era)
591 kit and cam will wake it up but it won't 'fly' until you fit electronic ignition.
I still have my 77F1, done 106,000 miles, over 70,000 with big bore kit

 

[Ryan66]

Whats the difference between the K and F model. Ya this is a 550F supersport. Hasnt run in a few years everyting is there just needs a new key and ignition or whatever its called where the key plugs in. Good carb cleaning and elbow grease and it should be ok. I HOPE

 

[Ryan66]

but it won't 'fly' until you fit electronic ignition.

Whats involved with fitting an electronic ignition?

 

[crazypj]

Buy it and bolt it in ;D
The points ignition is designed to 'bounce' around 10,500 rpm, electronic will let it rev until you run out of carb or exhaust restricts gas flow.
My 591 would rev to 13,500