How to tell the year of a CA77

curtf · Post by **curtf** » Fri May 05, 2006 12:04 pm

I am looking for some assistance within the forum and am confident that someone out there can tell me what year my CA77/CA78 is. The engine has VIN# CA77E-1022852 and the frame has CA78-1022744. It may be possible that the engine was replaced but I have no clue and the previous owner is unaware as well.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Curt

joeweir1 · Post by **joeweir1** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:24 pm

This seems to be a 65' I believe maybe 66'. Some people go by a small white tag on the wiring harness. It is usually hard to see and runs up thru the frame above the engine.Also, on the plug wires there are dates typed on those also (need to pull back outer rubber shield)if they are original.My numbers are close to yours. From what others on here have stated is that Honda went with 7 digits on the VIN# in 65' sometime.I just tore down aCA72(250 Dream) and the title said 65' but the wiring harness said 63' and the plug wires said 65'.Plus a bike may have sat in a dealer for a year or more and then titled for the year it was sold.I know a retired gentleman who bought one new in 64' and still has it and it has 6 digits on VIN#.Hope that helps.Others on here like loudmouse know more than me.You out there mouse?

joeweir1 · Post by **joeweir1** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:26 pm

p.s.-Eng and Frame numbers on these bikes do not match and probably you have original engine in bike.

olbikenut · Post by **olbikenut** » Sat May 13, 2006 2:33 pm

Curt,

Check out Bill Silvers piece on the VJMC site. Read it several times and you will see what you need to date your bike I too would lean towards a late 65 or early 66.

curtf · Post by **curtf** » Tue May 16, 2006 12:32 pm

Thanks guys. This is turning into quite the project. Every time I make progress in one area, another issue pops up. Don’t get me wrong, this will be a fun challenge for a while. Lots of opportunity to get my hands dirty.

Curt

amish_greaser · Post by **amish_greaser** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:09 pm

I was just recently given a dream and the engine has a ca77e-1032965 on it..so I assume this is a 65 my question is is it a late or early year model and I need a battery cover and I was told that a late 65 can use a 66 battery cover . Is this true. I'm a newb to these great little bikes so I would appreciate any response

thanks Steve

joeweir1 · Post by **joeweir1** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:31 pm

Yes, if you have the smaller battery box which was changed in 65' from a wide battery at some point the 66' and later are the same.