1961 C72 Dream - Maybe not

[G-Man]

I know (I asked) that the numbers begin with "1". What I didn't discover was how many digits were in each. It upsets me that people can use ignorance as a tool for declaring rarity......

The licence plate suggest that it is pre '63 as a different style of numbering began in late '63 with an "A" suffix. The changeover did not happen instantly, though. If '63 was right I would expect the numbers to begin with a 2 or 3. The frame or engine number may have been faked somewhere along the line.

Conbs - when did the right engine cover with the inspection plug begin?

G

[conbs]

G, If the frame number starts with "1" and is 6 digits, it sounds like it is a '64. Sound right to you?

There are 3 right side covers - all have a 259 model code. 010 has no inspection hole. 020 has inspection hole, but still uses the long clutch cable (as the bike is question does). 040 uses short clutch cable.

My '68 parts manual says 020 was used between C72E 380832 through C72E 1004479 which should be mid-'63 to mid-'65 if I have things correct. Also consistent with it being a '64.

Anyone disagree?

[G-Man]

Conbs

I think you have it spot-on. The old "it has a 1 at the beginning of the number so it must be 61" problem.

G

[G-Man]

We are lucky in the UK. All vehicles carry a unique licence plate, given to them on first registration. All are coded for year of introduction and location. That particular plate RYJ 921 was issued in Dundee, Scotland in April 1964....


http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/registrations/yj.htm


G

[G-Man]

Went up to see the bike today. The owner had been given incorrect information from the Honda owner's club dating expert. A common mistake to date a '64 bike as a '61.

I cannot fault the numbers and they are matching. Never seen that before. Both are unadulterated. Correct position, correct font etc....

We now have the original registration details for July 1964 in Dundee and I have corresponded with the original selling dealer.

G