New member from the UK

[EMS]

Yes, it does! it is definitely not a U.S. or Canadian market bike, as I expected. After further checking, I must rule out a General Export Sales DM bike also, however, as these VIN numbers ended at 23173 and engine serial numbers were not higher than 23306.
The only bikes that had numbers in the range yours falls in were ED = European Direct Sales, F = France and G = German spec bikes. These had all kph speedometers, however, and the small alternator. Unless someone changed the instruments and other things. This is all based on data that Honda published. It may be wrong, who knows.
The ID on the carburetor could provide further info. is it a VB60A... or VB61A...?
Very nice bike in any case.

[wyly]

It has a sport kit which is standard in Europe but an option in Canada and USA ... can you post a pic of the gauges...

looks to be in exceptional condition from what I can see, well done...

[chrispyduck]

Yes, it does! it is definitely not a U.S. or Canadian market bike, as I expected. After further checking, I must rule out a General Export Sales DM bike also, however, as these VIN numbers ended at 23173 and engine serial numbers were not higher than 23306.
The only bikes that had numbers in the range yours falls in were ED = European Direct Sales, F = France and G = German spec bikes. These had all kph speedometers, however, and the small alternator. Unless someone changed the instruments and other things. This is all based on data that Honda published. It may be wrong, who knows.
The ID on the carburetor could provide further info. is it a VB60A... or VB61A...?
Very nice bike in any case.

IMG_0129.JPG

[chrispyduck]

IMG_0128.JPG

IMG_0128.JPG

It has a sport kit which is standard in Europe but an option in Canada and USA ... can you post a pic of the gauges...

looks to be in exceptional condition from what I can see, well done...

[jnnngs]

It has euro carbs (Vb61A) and euro tacho (marked min-1 rather than rpm).

Speedo may well have been changed to mph when it was imported to the UK?


Paul.

[EMS]

Yes, I agree, the speedo was changed. The question about the provenance came up based on Chris' comment it could be a U.S. bike. We agree that this can definitely be ruled out.
VB61A carbs, rear shocks and VIN plate point elsewhere.
The only versions that include VIN and engine serial numbers that high were ED, F and G bikes. These all had kph speedos. As I said before, the alternator must have been changed also.
With a PO being a Honda official, I think it is very likely that he picked some improved components.

One more item to narrow it down more is the rear fender. The ED bike was the only one with a lower extension. I don't think this bike has it, but if it did, there should be evidence of a mounting connection.

[chrispyduck]

IMG_4921.JPG

Yes, I agree, the speedo was changed. The question about the provenance came up based on Chris' comment it could be a U.S. bike. We agree that this can definitely be ruled out.
VB61A carbs, rear shocks and VIN plate point elsewhere.
The only versions that include VIN and engine serial numbers that high were ED, F and G bikes. These all had kph speedos. As I said before, the alternator must have been changed also.
With a PO being a Honda official, I think it is very likely that he picked some improved components.

One more item to narrow it down more is the rear fender. The ED bike was the only one with a lower extension. I don't think this bike has it, but if it did, there should be evidence of a mounting connection.

IMG_4921.JPG

Photos upside down but shows under the rear fender. Hope this helps.

[chrispyduck]

IMG_4922.JPG

This shows the exhaust and why i first thought it was from USA or Canada.

Would like your views on this bike.

[chrispyduck]

It has a sport kit which is standard in Europe but an option in Canada and USA ... can you post a pic of the gauges...

looks to be in exceptional condition from what I can see, well done...

What is a sports kit ????

[wyly]

It has a sport kit which is standard in Europe but an option in Canada and USA ... can you post a pic of the gauges...

looks to be in exceptional condition from what I can see, well done...

What is a sports kit ????

lower bars and rear set pegs, optional in North American but standard in europe...

[wyly]

IMG_4922.JPG

This shows the exhaust and why i first thought it was from USA or Canada.

Would like your views on this bike.

and that's weird, it's got pre-1983 stamped on it, added later than 1978-79 I would think...

tach and speedo definitely not canadian (rpm and kph) but as already stated they could've been swapped out...

the mount under the fender is different(longer) than mine as well...

[EMS]

Exhausts with so-called EPA stamps are all replacement exhausts and were issued like this in North America. I have never seen a -422- exhaust that was stamped, however. Would be interesting to find out if the exhaust has a crossover and is a -MA2- exhaust.
The rear fender extension would show below the license plate directly seen from the rear.

[wyly]

how stringent are the road safety compliance laws in the UK, would a bike imported into the UK from the USA need to be brought to UK standards before being approved for use there? ...

I know here I had to have all original equipment working as they did in the day of manufacture or it wouldn't pass inspection, once approval I can do various modification, seemed silly to me but what can you do...

[chrispyduck]

The exhausts are stamped Sankei 2040. and HM 422 on the top.
No cross overs i can see.
and yes the rear fender can be seen below the number plate when viewed from the rear.

[chrispyduck]

http://motorcycletrader.net/ALWAYS-A-BI ... 631095.cms

This is the previous owner Gerald Davison from Honda UK.