Side Cover Knob Length: Questions...

[Bob750]

Hello all you wise and knowledgeable tinkerers and mechanics!

Okay, so according to the Illustrated Parts Manual, the two side covers use the same part number for the left and right side cover, but your frame number will determine which of two versions you should use. My 1964 CA77 (CA78) has frame number CA78-1056XX. So it should be using the -259- part. However this bike's two knobs have different length shanks. And the new set I purchased from Classic Honda Restoration also have different lengths. How can the same part number come in two different lengths?

83550-259-000 Latch, Tool Box CA77-10001 to CA77-1010862
83550-271-000 Latch, Tool Box CA77-1010863 ...

Strangely, the old short one is the same as the new short one, but the old long one is shorter than the new long one and longer than the short ones. It also has a lower profile "hub" into which the shank is pressed.

Which one goes on which side? And what's with my oddball one? Is it a Benly item or something? Another question: if the to knobs are supposed to have different lengths, why does the parts manual give the same part number for each side cover? Another "error?"

[conbs]

Bob,

On my '66 (produced in '65) with the early battery the "latch" knob on both sides are the same length so having the same part number 83550-259-000 for both on an early bike would seem to be correct. I measure 2 1/2 inches from where the knob presses up against the cover to the end of the latch.

The right side cover changed when Honda changed to the shorter clutch cable. But, they seem to have just eliminated the slot in the side cover where the cable went. I think the covers had the same depth where the "latch" bolt goes through so for the right side "latch" the part number should be the same throughout production.

The left side cover changed late in production (1010862 so probably later in 1965) when Honda went to the thicker battery. I believe the late side cover is deeper to accommodate the thicker battery. The longer "latch" 83550-271-000 appeared at the same time as the change in the cover according to my parts manual so I don't think there is an error. I don't know how long the longer "latch" should be, but one of the longer ones that you have pictured will surely not be correct for the late side cover. If you have the early thin battery, then neither of the longer ones you show would work.

I hope that helps.