Motorcycle Repair: Honda CB450 1972, honda cb450, dee dee

Question
I just bought a lovely 1972 CB450, when I looked close the frame numbers and the engine numbers were different, the last 2 numbers only?  does this mean it is not the original engine?  Frame number ended 50054 and engine number was 50062

Thank you

Dee

Answer
Dee, actually that is really close for Honda serial number sequences. Unlike Brit or American Iron, vintage Hondas were made with such speed that they usually had serial numbers up to about 150 apart. Your bike is a very early edition, thus the small spacing between the numbers. That bike was probably the first day of production for that year's models. It is highly unusual for engine and frame numbers to match exactly.

All is well,

Enjoy your new/old Honda 450!

Bill Silver