Missing Vin Plate?

jdgmbi1

jdgmbi1

120cc
So, I have a "H" frame that is missing the steering colum Vin plate? The numbers on the frame are totally readable, but I don't know the build date. Also, I would like to get one made up.

Question: 1. Can you research and find out this information.

Question: 2. If so, is there a company that makes them.:7:
 
kmcrab

kmcrab

120cc
Yes. Check the owners section on this site...You can cross reference your VIN with others to determine the month of MFG of your bike. There are VIN tags available on ebay. You can then take the blank tag to a jewler or trophy shop and have it stamped with your numbers and date.

Several sellers have printed decals instead of the actual aluminum tags that you stamp like the originals...Just read their descriptions so you know which you are getting. I don't know if that is important to you, but thought I would mention it.
 
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jdgmbi1

jdgmbi1

120cc
Thanks KM and Hornet for making it so easy. GOD knows I need the training wheel treatment when it comes to these things.

Frame Number: CT70H-154163

...and thanks for the link. I assume it's a pipe dream to think you can get the other verbage on the tag?

jdgmbi1 said:
Thanks KM and Hornet for making it so easy. GOD knows I need the training wheel treatment when it comes to these things.

Frame Number: CT70H-154163

...and thanks for the link. I assume it's a pipe dream to think you can get the other verbage on the tag?
Click to expand...


Skip the last comment. It's amazing what you find out when you look and read first. Went to the link and answered my question.

Thanks again for the effort.:77:
 
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kmcrab

kmcrab

120cc
Comparing your VIN of 154163 to Dennisd's CT70H number of 154531 yours is a 12-70 mfg and is considered a 71 CT70H. They are only 368 apart. I also have an H that is 12-70 and that number is 148236.
 
jdgmbi1

jdgmbi1

120cc
Thanks for the quick work. I had it narrowed between 12/70 to 2/71. So, even thou it says 12/70 I need to refer to it as a '71? Also, should I assume that the different details, i.e. exhaust,...do also?

Again, thanks.
 
hornetgod

hornetgod

Well-Known Member
Model year is a bit of a gray area. Some claim, anything made in the last few months of a year are actually the next model year bikes much like automobiles. Early CT70 models were not designated with a model year but, just a model name (CT70 KO, HKO, K1, HK1, K2, K3, K4). Production over lapped years. Not until 1976 were there actual model years assigned.

If you take your bike to get registered at most DMV's/BMV's they create a title base on the year made on VIN tag. My 12/70 HKO is titled as a "1970" CT70HKO.
 
kmcrab

kmcrab

120cc
jdgmbi1 said:
Thanks for the quick work. I had it narrowed between 12/70 to 2/71. So, even thou it says 12/70 I need to refer to it as a '71? Also, should I assume that the different details, i.e. exhaust,...do also?

Again, thanks.
Click to expand...

The exhaust on 1970-71 HKO's were the same. The 69 KO had a different pipe than the 70-71, but the 70-71 HKO were the same. The 72 models did change though. Are you doing a purist restoration?

Flash said:
My claim is since HK0's came out so late in '70 they are all or are early '71's............:4:
Click to expand...

I was under the impression with these bikes that anything after August would be the following year... I have two H bikes that were 5-70 and I have been considering them as 1970 models along with the 8-70 H. My two 12-70 H's I have considered 71 models. Have I been wrong?
 
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dennis d

dennis d

120cc
kmcrab said:
The exhaust on 1970-71 HKO's were the same. The 69 KO had a different pipe than the 70-71, but the 70-71 HKO were the same. The 72 models did change though. Are you doing a purist restoration?



I was under the impression with these bikes that anything after August would be the following year... I have two H bikes that were 5-70 and I have been considering them as 1970 models along with the 8-70 H. My two 12-70 H's I have considered 71 models. Have I been wrong?
Click to expand...

I would say you are C-O-R-R-E-C-T IMO !:)
 
hornetgod

hornetgod

Well-Known Member
HKO's first month of production was May 1970. They were not release in the States until late July. Finding anything in writing supporting model years for early Trail 70's is impossible. The VIN tag is the best way to go. I welcome anyone else facts to prove otherwise.

P.C. said:
that sounds correct,my 10/70 is a 71.i have it i.t.s. titled as a 70 though.
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Titles are made base on the year made on VIN tag. 10/70 is titled as a 1970. Just like my 12/70. There were no model years until 1976.
 
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dennis d

dennis d

120cc
My earliest bikes are 9/69 and 10/69 ,they have the early features other than silver vin tag and could be called 1970 models. But since they have the early features i refer to them as '69 models.
 
jdgmbi1

jdgmbi1

120cc
Km, I'm just trying to get as close to Ol' school as I can and keep it fun. Right know I just feel like a parts collection depot.

I aggree with Hornet. Logically (or my logic at least) is: If the first production was 5/70 (which I have one of those also) and arrival in the US was 7/70, and the DMV's title them in the build year, and Honda didn't even worry about model years until '76 how you would make a case to say that anything past "Such or Such" date is the previous year. I think some people are just automatically apply vehicle codeing to these and I don't think it holds water. Then again-Tomato v. Tamato?:)

hornetgod said:
Model year is a bit of a gray area. Some claim, anything made in the last few months of a year are actually the next model year bikes much like automobiles. Early CT70 models were not designated with a model year but, just a model name (CT70 KO, HKO, K1, HK1, K2, K3, K4). Production over lapped years. Not until 1976 were there actual model years assigned.

If you take your bike to get registered at most DMV's/BMV's they create a title base on the year made on VIN tag. My 12/70 HKO is titled as a "1970" CT70HKO.
Click to expand...

dennis d said:
My earliest bikes are 9/69 and 10/69 ,they have the early features other than silver vin tag and could be called 1970 models. But since they have the early features i refer to them as '69 models.
Click to expand...

Dennis, I assume your '69 models don't have the build date on the Vin plate? If that is correct then did you find the build date by deducing off the frame number:13:
 
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hornetgod

hornetgod

Well-Known Member
Early 1969 built CT70KO's had a silver vin tag with no month/year label on it. These are with out a doubt some of the most sought after. Other characteristics were stubby ended exhaust, black plastic levers, silver and black horn, different tail light wiring routing hole, and a bolt tool compartment on seat assembly.

jdgmbi1 said:
If the first production was 5/70 (which I have one of those also) and arrival in the US was 7/70, and the DMV's title them in the build year, and Honda didn't even worry about model years until '76 how you would make a case to say that anything past "Such or Such" date is the previous year. I think some people are just automatically apply vehicle codeing to these and I don't think it holds water.
Click to expand...

It's like your reading my mind. Kind of scarey :42:

I too think, the automobile metality is being crossed over. These early CT70's and other Honda Trail bikes didn't work that way.
 
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dennis d

dennis d

120cc
Mine have the black vin tag with the mfg. date as later years.They do however
have all the same features as the silver tagged ones.

One thing i would like to point out however is the vin tags that jrure sells is more of a decal.He will put your vin number and build date on it.

CHP has more of the real deal on an alum. plate like original but you would have to have someone stamp the serial number and build date in.Someone was able to do that at a locksmith shop.
 
jdgmbi1

jdgmbi1

120cc
dennis d said:
Mine have the black vin tag with the mfg. date as later years.They do however
have all the same features as the silver tagged ones.

One thing i would like to point out however is the vin tags that jrure sells is more of a decal.He will put your vin number and build date on it.

CHP has more of the real deal on an alum. plate like original but you would have to have someone stamp the serial number and build date in.Someone was able to do that at a locksmith shop.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up on the differance in the quaility of tags.

So, on the early '69 models with the silver, no VIN #s. Are there any I.D. sheets on this year telling you what was on it, i.e. exhaust, horn, engine, and basically what Hornet was describing? Is this stuff even available the market place? I don't even think I have seen one, thou I wouldn't have known it if I saw it!

The reason I ask is up until last weekend I had never even heard of one of thesed when I stumbled upon the 12/70 H (that prompted the thread) and the Blue, Silver Tag '69 frames for sale out in the boondocks in my area.
 
kmcrab

kmcrab

120cc
dennis d said:
I would say you are C-O-R-R-E-C-T IMO !:)
Click to expand...

Thanks Dennis...I thought I was off for a minute...

My 69 does have the silver tag and the number is 100650, which from production estimates would probably be 2nd day of mfg.

Dennis,with all of the early features that your most awesome bikes have, to me they are no doubt 69's. I love the detailed description on MCM.
 
jdgmbi1

jdgmbi1

120cc
kmcrab said:
Thanks Dennis...I thought I was off for a minute...

My 69 does have the silver tag and the number is 100650, which from production estimates would probably be 2nd day of mfg.

Dennis,with all of the early features that your most awesome bikes have, to me they are no doubt 69's. I love the detailed description on MCM.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but can we have a pause for a point of ignorance? MCM is a new one on me. It is an acronim (I wish this site on spell check):104:
 
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