1965 Dream with questionable numbers

[conbs]

Boscoe,

Both CA77 and CA78 models ALL had CA77E engine numbers.

If your frame number matches your title, you should be alright for titling. That said, it is ALWAYS a good idea to call your DMV and give them the frame number of any bike you are considering purchasing. Have them do a 50 state search BEFORE you purchase to make sure the bike has not been reported stolen anywhere. It is probably less of a problem when there is a title with the bike, but if you buy it and it comes up on a "stolen" list anywhere in the process, the state police WILL come take your bike. That would be pretty painful.

Your frame and engine numbers should be within 300 units unless it is a '63 CA78 in which case there will be about 5,000 unit difference.

I don't have an explanation for the hammering on the engine case. Maybe a PO got frustrated trying to get the oil slinger back in after cleaning it....

[LOUD MOUSE]

Any proof of this?. ....lm

<Your frame and engine numbers should be within 300 units>

Boscoe,

Both CA77 and CA78 models ALL had CA77E engine numbers.

If your frame number matches your title, you should be alright for titling. That said, it is ALWAYS a good idea to call your DMV and give them the frame number of any bike you are considering purchasing. Have them do a 50 state search BEFORE you purchase to make sure the bike has not been reported stolen anywhere. It is probably less of a problem when there is a title with the bike, but if you buy it and it comes up on a "stolen" list anywhere in the process, the state police WILL come take your bike. That would be pretty painful.

Your frame and engine numbers should be within 300 units unless it is a '63 CA78 in which case there will be about 5,000 unit difference.

I don't have an explanation for the hammering on the engine case. Maybe a PO got frustrated trying to get the oil slinger back in after cleaning it....

[Boscoe123]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess the bottom line is he has a bike and a title but no matching numbers possibly because the number on the engine case has been removed/destroyed.

Thanks again.

[conbs]

LM,

RE: below. I have always understood that Dream engine and frame number ran within about 200. I apparently am mistaken in thinking I got that info from your posts. Also, I thought I had read a post of yours not that long ago saying you had seen several bikes that were over 200, but within 300 and still original. Perhaps other members have put up those posts or maybe I am just getting too old to remember these things well.

Normally the first question people have about these bikes is that their frame and engine numbers are different and they think it is not original. I would guess that saying that the frame numbers should be within 200 probably answers that question for 99% of owners. Saying the numbers should be within 300 probably only applies to less than 1%, but apparently not all based on your "Any proof.." question.

I am guessing you have more information to share with us, so: What is the biggest difference you have seen between the frame and engine numbers on an original Dream and how many have you seen that exceeded 300?

Thanks for your help on this and a myriad of other issues. This site would just not be the same without your experience, knowledge and....gentle demeanor. You ARE the MAN.

Any proof of this?. ....lm

<Your frame and engine numbers should be within 300 units>

Boscoe,

Both CA77 and CA78 models ALL had CA77E engine numbers.

If your frame number matches your title, you should be alright for titling. That said, it is ALWAYS a good idea to call your DMV and give them the frame number of any bike you are considering purchasing. Have them do a 50 state search BEFORE you purchase to make sure the bike has not been reported stolen anywhere. It is probably less of a problem when there is a title with the bike, but if you buy it and it comes up on a "stolen" list anywhere in the process, the state police WILL come take your bike. That would be pretty painful.

Your frame and engine numbers should be within 300 units unless it is a '63 CA78 in which case there will be about 5,000 unit difference.

I don't have an explanation for the hammering on the engine case. Maybe a PO got frustrated trying to get the oil slinger back in after cleaning it....

[G-Man]

This list compiled by Honda in '68 would support Conbs's comment about CA78s having CA77E engine numbers.....


G

[LOUD MOUSE]

I don't have a definite answer to the numbers question and I don't recall I've ever put a number to it. (that is I don't recall I ever did)
The numbers question has been going on since the first load of HONDA'S hit the dealers.
I've seen others (some considered to be experts) make statements about what the max number would be but when I questioned the souse I was told sort of (like I've seen a lot of these bikes) or (I read it somewhere).
I place this along with some other myths which came along through the years.
"Leave the clutch wires out cause they could break and cause problems. (truth was we couldn't install them when HONDA changed the thickness of the first plate until the center hub was modified). (this myth is/was in BW for many years until apx. 1995 when it was dropped)
A couple about the numbers are, "HONDA pulled engines off the line and tested them then put them back in line", "HONDA assembled the engines at plant "B" and shipped to plant "A" to be installed in the frame" or "HONDA didn't really care what number engine was in what number frame". ANY OF THESE OR ALL MAY BE THE TRUTH.
I was hoping you may have had something which would help get to the answer.
Time may bring the answer sort of like when years back I suspected the top chrome clamp on the CL72/77 gaiter was installed 90 degrees to the frame at the factory and sure enough a friend sent a pic of a tech installing the tank and there was that clamp 90 degrees to the frame.
I agree that the CA engines were all CA77 (I've only seen the US issues) but what the numbers spread is/was I don't have any true facts as yet.
Maybe not a good answer but the best I can offer. .....lm

LM,

RE: below. I have always understood that Dream engine and frame number ran within about 200. I apparently am mistaken in thinking I got that info from your posts. Also, I thought I had read a post of yours not that long ago saying you had seen several bikes that were over 200, but within 300 and still original. Perhaps other members have put up those posts or maybe I am just getting too old to remember these things well.

Normally the first question people have about these bikes is that their frame and engine numbers are different and they think it is not original. I would guess that saying that the frame numbers should be within 200 probably answers that question for 99% of owners. Saying the numbers should be within 300 probably only applies to less than 1%, but apparently not all based on your "Any proof.." question.

I am guessing you have more information to share with us, so: What is the biggest difference you have seen between the frame and engine numbers on an original Dream and how many have you seen that exceeded 300?

Thanks for your help on this and a myriad of other issues. This site would just not be the same without your experience, knowledge and....gentle demeanor. You ARE the MAN.

Any proof of this?. ....lm

<Your frame and engine numbers should be within 300 units>

Boscoe,

Both CA77 and CA78 models ALL had CA77E engine numbers.

If your frame number matches your title, you should be alright for titling. That said, it is ALWAYS a good idea to call your DMV and give them the frame number of any bike you are considering purchasing. Have them do a 50 state search BEFORE you purchase to make sure the bike has not been reported stolen anywhere. It is probably less of a problem when there is a title with the bike, but if you buy it and it comes up on a "stolen" list anywhere in the process, the state police WILL come take your bike. That would be pretty painful.

Your frame and engine numbers should be within 300 units unless it is a '63 CA78 in which case there will be about 5,000 unit difference.

I don't have an explanation for the hammering on the engine case. Maybe a PO got frustrated trying to get the oil slinger back in after cleaning it....

[mike1969]

Boscoe,What state are you from? Apparently it makes a difference. I live in Pa. and the title only has the frame number. I recemtly purchased a Dream from Ohio and it didn't have a motor no. on the title either.
A changed motor shouldn't keep you from being able to get a title.