Honda CT70 Identification Guide
Frame numbers, VINs, engine numbers, factory colors and the changes Honda made every year, from the 1969 K0 through the 1994 revival, including the 4 speed CT70H. Identify your bike, then shop parts that fit.
How To Identify
Your CT70
Start here
Honda changed paint, decals and hardware on the CT70 almost every year, and swapped parts are common on bikes this old. The stamped numbers settle it. Start with the frame, confirm with the engine, then use the year notes to rule out a repaint or a transplanted motor.
01
Find the frame number
On 1969 through 1980 bikes it is stamped on the left side of the steering head and starts with CT70 (or CT70H on the 4 speed). From 1981 on, Honda switched to a 17 character VIN that starts with JH2DD010, or JH2DB010 on the 1991 to 1994 bikes.
02
Check the engine number
Stamped on the left side of the crankcase below the cylinder. Early engines start with CT70E (CT70HE on the manual clutch H model). 1981 and 1982 use DD01E, and the 1991 to 1994 revival uses DB01E.
03
Match colors and details
Use the identifying features under each year below. Decal colors, stripes, exhaust finish, fork brackets and fenders changed almost every year, so these details confirm a year when the numbers are worn or the bike has been repainted.
Decoding A
CT70 VIN
1981 to 1994
From 1981 on, every CT70 carries a 17 character VIN. JH2 identifies Honda of Japan, DD01 is the model code on 1981 and 1982 bikes, and DB01 is the code on the 1991 to 1994 revival. The 10th character is the model year. Find that letter in the table below.
| B | C | M | N | P | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 1982 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 |
Example: JH2DB010*MS000001 is a 1991 49 state CT70 (M in the 10th position). California bikes use a slightly different code: JH2DB011 instead of JH2DB010, and Honda designated them CT70L. The CT70 was not sold in the US from 1983 to 1990, which is why the years D through L are missing.
CT70 Quick
Reference
Every year at a glance
Numbers shown are the starting frame and engine number for each model year. Your bike's number will fall at or above the number for its year and below the next year's start. Click a year for full details.
| Year | Model | Frame / VIN starts | Engine starts | Factory colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969-1971 | CT70 K0 | CT70-100001~ | CT70E-100001~ | Candy Ruby Red; Candy Gold; Candy Sapphire Blue |
| 1970-1971 | CT70H K0 | CT70H-100001~ | CT70HE-100001~ | Candy Blue Green; Candy Emerald Green; Candy Topaz Orange |
| 1972-1973 | CT70 K1 | CT70-2000001~ | CT70E-2000001~ | Candy Ruby Red; Candy Yellow |
| 1972-1973 | CT70H K1 | CT70H-2000001~ | CT70HE-2000001~ | Candy Ruby Red; Candy Yellow Special |
| 1973 | CT70 K2 | CT70-2100001~ | CT70E-2100001~ | Candy Topaz Orange; Candy Riviera Blue |
| 1974 | CT70 K3 | CT70-2300001~ | CT70E-2300001~ | Candy Topaz Orange; Candy Riviera Blue |
| 1975 | CT70 K4 | CT70-2400001~ | CT70E-2400001~ | Mighty Green |
| 1976 | CT70 '76 | CT70-2500004~ | CT70E-2500001~ | Tahitian Red |
| 1977 | CT70 '77 | CT70-2600008~ | CT70E-2600001~ | Shiny Orange |
| 1978 | CT70 '78 | CT70-2700005~ | CT70E-2700001~ | Black |
| 1979 | CT70 '79 | CT70-5000001~ | CT70E-5000001~ | Bright Yellow |
| 1980 | CT70 '80 | CT70-5100007~ | CT70E-5100001~ | Tahitian Red |
| 1981 | CT70 '81 | VIN JH2DD010*BS200002~ | DD01E-5200001~ | Tahitian Red |
| 1982 | CT70 '82 | VIN JH2DD010*CS300001~ | DD01E-5300001~ | Tahitian Red |
| 1991 | CT70 '91 | VIN 49 state JH2DB010*MS000001~ | 49 state DB01E-2000001~ | Italian Red |
| 1992 | CT70 '92 | VIN 49 state JH2DB010*NK100001~ | 49 state DB01E-2200001~ | Italian Red |
| 1993 | CT70 '93 | VIN 49 state JH2DB010*PK200001~ | 49 state DB01E-2202249~ | Italian Red |
| 1994 | CT70 '94 | VIN 49 state JH2DB010*RK300001~ | 49 state DB01E-2206721~ | Italian Red |
The Three
CT70 Generations
Three eras
1969 to 1978
CT70 and CT70H (K0 through '78)
The classic Trail 70: fold down handlebars, chrome then black exhaust, and the 72cc 3 speed automatic. The CT70H (1970 to 1973) added a 4 speed with a manual clutch. Frame numbers run CT70-1 through CT70-27.
1979 to 1982
Second generation
A refreshed bike with one piece braced bars, a new fork, plastic front fender and a key switch on the dash. The frame downtubes and skidplate were deleted. Frame numbers jump to CT70-5, then VINs begin in 1981.
1991 to 1994
The revival
After a nine year absence Honda brought the CT70 back with a combination headlight and speedometer, white wheels and an Italian Red paint scheme. Separate 49 state and California versions, the latter badged CT70L.
Year By Year
CT70 Identification
The full reference
Every US model with its starting numbers, factory colors and the features that set that year apart. Jump to a year:
1969-1971
CT70 Trail 70 (CT70K0)
Frame / VIN: CT70-100001~ Engine: CT70E-100001~
Colors: Candy Ruby Red · Candy Gold · Candy Sapphire Blue
- Chrome exhaust system with chrome heat shield
- Speedometer in headlight case; stripe is black
- Fold down handlebars K0 through '78
- 72cc OHC single, 3-speed, automatic clutch K0 through '82
- Also known as "Mini Trail 70"
Release: 08/26/69Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1970-1971
CT70H Trail 70H (CT70HK0)
Frame / VIN: CT70H-100001~ Engine: CT70HE-100001~
Colors: Candy Blue Green · Candy Emerald Green · Candy Topaz Orange
- Chrome exhaust system with chrome heat shield
- "Trail 70" decal is red; stripe is black
- "Honda" decal is white; side decals are black
- 72cc OHC single, 4-speed, manual clutch (K0 and K1 only)
- Also known as "Mini Trail 70H"
Release: 07/27/70Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1972-1973
CT70K1 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-2000001~ Engine: CT70E-2000001~
Colors: Candy Ruby Red · Candy Yellow
- Black exhaust system with black chrome cover K1 through '78
- Stripe and "CT70" decals are blue; "Trail 70" is yellow
- Upper fork collars match the unit color
- Separate speedometer and headlight K1 through '82 (change)
Release: 04/17/72Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1972-1973
CT70HK1 Trail 70H
Frame / VIN: CT70H-2000001~ Engine: CT70HE-2000001~
Colors: Candy Ruby Red · Candy Yellow Special
- Black exhaust system with black and chrome cover
- "Trail 70" decal is red; stripe is black
- Side decal is red and black
- Separate speedometer and headlight (change)
Release: 04/17/72Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1973
CT70K2 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-2100001~ Engine: CT70E-2100001~
Colors: Candy Topaz Orange · Candy Riviera Blue
- Upper fork and headlight bracket are chrome K2 through '76
- "Honda" and "CT70" side decals are yellow
- "Trail 70" logo is white, outlined in orange
Release: 05/01/73Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1974
CT70K3 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-2300001~ Engine: CT70E-2300001~
Colors: Candy Topaz Orange · Candy Riviera Blue
- "Honda" decal is yellow and black K3 and K4
- "Trail 70" decal is green
- "CT70" side decals are silver and yellow K3 through '77
- Turn signals added '74 through '94 (change)
Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1975
CT70K4 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-2400001~ Engine: CT70E-2400001~
Colors: Mighty Green
- "Trail 70" decal is blue
Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1976
CT70 '76 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-2500004~ Engine: CT70E-2500001~
Colors: Tahitian Red
- "Trail 70" decal is yellow
- "Honda" decal is blue '76 and '77
Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1977
CT70 '77 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-2600008~ Engine: CT70E-2600001~
Colors: Shiny Orange
- "Trail 70" decal is white
- Stripes are yellow and black
- Upper fork and headlight bracket are body color '77 through '79
Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1978
CT70 '78 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-2700005~ Engine: CT70E-2700001~
Colors: Black
- "Mini Trail 70" decal is yellow '78 and '79
- Stripes are red and white
- "CT70" side decals are silver and red '78 and '79
- Also known as "Mini Trail 70" '78 through '82
Product code: 098Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1979
CT70 '79 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-5000001~ Engine: CT70E-5000001~
Colors: Bright Yellow
- Black one piece braced handlebars '79 through '94
- Muffler heat shield is solid black '79 through '82
- Steel fenders are yellow
- Stripe is yellow/orange/red
- Frame downtubes and skidplate are deleted '79 through '82 (change)
Product code: 126Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1980
CT70 '80 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: CT70-5100007~ Engine: CT70E-5100001~
Colors: Tahitian Red
- "Honda" decal is white
- Stripe is yellow/orange/red
- Red plastic front fender '80 through '82
- New front fork design '72 through '94 (change)
- Ignition key switch on instrument panel '80 through '82 (change)
Product code: 126Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1981
CT70 '81 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: VIN JH2DD010*BS200002~ Engine: DD01E-5200001~
Colors: Tahitian Red
- Stripe is white/blue/black
- "Honda" decal is black
- Black mirror housings '81 and '82 (change)
Product code: 126Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1982
CT70 '82 Trail 70
Frame / VIN: VIN JH2DD010*CS300001~ Engine: DD01E-5300001~
Colors: Tahitian Red
- Stripe is black
- "Honda" decal is red
Product code: 126Use: Dual sport (on/off road)
1991
CT70 '91
Frame / VIN: VIN 49 state JH2DB010*MS000001~ Engine: 49 state DB01E-2000001~
California (CT70L): VIN JH2DB011*MS000001~ / engine DB01E-2000001~
Colors: Italian Red
- California model designation is CT70L '91
- Combination headlight and speedometer assembly
- Stripes are yellow and silver; wheels are white
- 72cc OHC single, 3-speed, automatic clutch
- Previously sold in the USA from 1969 to 1982
Product code: GANUse: Dual sport (on/off road)
1992
CT70 '92
Frame / VIN: VIN 49 state JH2DB010*NK100001~ Engine: 49 state DB01E-2200001~
California (CT70L): VIN JH2DB011*NK100001~ / engine DB01E-2200001~
Colors: Italian Red
- California model designation is CT70L '92
- Stripes are purple and blue-green (change)
Product code: GANUse: Dual sport (on/off road)
1993
CT70 '93
Frame / VIN: VIN 49 state JH2DB010*PK200001~ Engine: 49 state DB01E-2202249~
California (CT70L): VIN JH2DB011*PK200001~ / engine DB01E-2202249~
Colors: Italian Red
- California model designation is CT70L '93
- Except where colors differ, no other visual changes for '93
Product code: GANUse: Dual sport (on/off road)
1994
CT70 '94
Frame / VIN: VIN 49 state JH2DB010*RK300001~ Engine: 49 state DB01E-2206721~
California (CT70L): VIN JH2DB011*RK300001~ / engine DB01E-2206721~
Colors: Italian Red
- California model designation is CT70L '94
- Except where colors differ, no other visual changes for '94
Product code: GBPUse: Dual sport (on/off road)
Identification
Questions
Get some answers
Where is the frame number on a Honda CT70?
On 1969 through 1980 models the frame number is stamped on the left side of the steering head and starts with CT70, or CT70H on the 4 speed model. From 1981 on, look for the 17 character VIN in the same location, starting with JH2DD010 on 1981 and 1982 bikes or JH2DB010 on the 1991 to 1994 bikes.
Where is the engine number on a CT70?
The engine number is stamped on the left side of the crankcase, just below the cylinder base. Early engines start with CT70E, the 4 speed CT70H engine starts with CT70HE, the 1981 and 1982 engines start with DD01E, and the 1991 to 1994 engines start with DB01E.
What is the difference between a CT70 and a CT70H?
The CT70H, sold from 1970 to 1973, has a 4 speed transmission with a manual clutch and a clutch lever on the left bar. The standard CT70 has a 3 speed with an automatic clutch. The H model also has its own frame and engine number series starting with CT70H and CT70HE.
Why are there no CT70s from 1983 to 1990?
Honda did not sell the CT70 in the US from 1983 through 1990. It returned for the 1991 model year with a redesigned headlight and speedometer assembly and ran through 1994. That gap is why the VIN year letters D through L do not appear on any US CT70.
What is a CT70L?
CT70L is the California version of the 1991 to 1994 CT70, built to meet California emissions rules. It uses the VIN code JH2DB011 instead of JH2DB010 and is otherwise the same bike. Parts interchange between the two.
How do I read a CT70 VIN to find the year?
The 10th character of the VIN is the model year. B is 1981, C is 1982, M is 1991, N is 1992, P is 1993 and R is 1994. See the VIN decoder table on this page.
Which years had the fold down handlebars?
Fold down handlebars were fitted from the 1969 K0 through the 1978 model. The 1979 redesign switched to black one piece braced handlebars, which stayed through 1994.
Which CT70 parts fit my bike?
Most engine and carburetor parts interchange across all years of the 72cc CT70, but frame, fork, fender, exhaust and body parts differ between the 1969 to 1978, 1979 to 1982 and 1991 to 1994 eras. Identify your year on this page first, then check fitment notes on each product.
Know your year? Shop the right parts.
Also see the Z50 identification guide, other Honda mini model ID, and the Honda tech info page.
