QuestionHello Bill: I have just acquired a very nice 1974? 125s Honda. The reason I have questions about the year are found in the VIN: and the paint color on the tank and side covers. First, the color of the fuel tank and side covers is a deep maroon. Second there are no stickers on the sides of the fuel tank
Third the badge on the side covers appear to be from a '75. Having ridden and worked Motorcycles since the the early 1970's I can assure you that the paint is factory the mounting holes for the badges are unaltered and there is no residue or sign of there ever having been a sticker on the bike. The trouble with the VIN is two fold. First the VIN # is CB125s-1204169 which is one digit to many and the first three digits are out of sequence according to my research. I hope I haven't redlined your tach with my long winded question but I would greatly appreciate as much input as you can afford the the time for.
Thank You very much Michael
AnswerMichael,
If you are using the info at the Honda Gallery, I have to suspect that there are errors in the serial numbering given there, currently.
http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0125/sport125.htm
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb125s-s1-usa_model411/partslist/VIN.html#results may help you decode the VIN.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb125s-s1-usa_model411/partslist/SERIAL.html#results seems to show your serial numbers as being an S2 model, which should be a blue bike.
Replacement bodywork is often available from Asian Ebay sellers and colors offered in other countries differ from US-specs. Original side covers become very brittle and are usually broken or missing when bikes go up for sale, so they are almost always in need of replacement. The physical size fits CB100, CL100 and CL125 models, as well, so there is a good demand for them.
I hope that clears up your questions.
Bill Silver
