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Post by ROTRE on Nov 7, 2021 5:46:51 GMT -5
Hi there, I recently purchased my first RE5. Frame number 16296. Info from the previous owner is that its the last Australian delivered RE5 and the second last bike off the production line. I purchased it at auction from a collector who has had it for the last 10yrs (the last 7 of which in storage). It is in immaculate unrestored condition and has ~15000 kms on it. I am a Rotary enthusiast and have had Mazda Rotarys for the past ~30yrs. I currently own a 1973 Mazda RX4 Coupe also. I have been looking for an RE5 for a long time and couldn't pass up the opportunity to have this rare gem. I am currently fixing a couple of small issues before putting registration on it. I plan on using it and taking it to shows etc. I have already learnt alot about this wonderful machine and can't wait to learn more. Cheers guys, Mark.   |
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Post by don07tncav on Nov 7, 2021 6:22:48 GMT -5
Welcome to the site. Lots of great people and knowledge here.
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Post by timpa136 on Nov 7, 2021 10:18:49 GMT -5
And a most generous welcome as well.
Mark, Curious as to the date of manufacture.
Tim
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Post by wayne on Nov 7, 2021 18:33:13 GMT -5
Very tidy bike. Interesting information from previous owner. I've often wondered if, and how many, others there may be. This is the 2nd highest number I've ever seen which fits with your information. I have record of 16297 as being in Germany.
Looks like some small touches of light restoration here and there but nevertheless, a very original bike.
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Post by ROTRE on Nov 7, 2021 23:20:59 GMT -5
And a most generous welcome as well. Mark, Curious as to the date of manufacture. Tim Im not sure on the date of manufacture, how do I find that out? Is it stamped on the bike somewhere? It’s been in storage for 7 yrs so no rego papers. |
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Post by wayne on Nov 8, 2021 1:15:32 GMT -5
Short answer, Frame 16036 allegedly manufactured in May 1975 so you can bet yours would be May or June that year. Note, 1975, not '76 despite yours being a "76".
If it's an Australian import, you could be in a grey area. Pretty sure 1976 was the first year AU motorcycles had compliance plates and they have a date. Does it have a compliance plate? However, I'm not sure whether that date is manufacture date or "application of VIN plate" date on arrival in AU. I suspect the latter.
Manufacture date is not stamped on the bike. I'm assuming if it's originally an Australian bike it'll have a KPH speedo? AU went metric in 1974 and '75 bikes and beyond had kph speedos. I notice the red reflectors on the rear. They weren't AU spec but do appear on US bikes (and perhaps others). Someone lost the originals?
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Post by ROTRE on Nov 8, 2021 4:32:47 GMT -5
Short answer, Frame 16036 allegedly manufactured in May 1975 so you can bet yours would be May or June that year. Note, 1975, not '76 despite yours being a "76". If it's an Australian import, you could be in a grey area. Pretty sure 1976 was the first year AU motorcycles had compliance plates and they have a date. Does it have a compliance plate? However, I'm not sure whether that date is manufacture date or "application of VIN plate" date on arrival in AU. I suspect the latter. Manufacture date is not stamped on the bike. I'm assuming if it's originally an Australian bike it'll have a KPH speedo? AU went metric in 1974 and '75 bikes and beyond had kph speedos. I notice the red reflectors on the rear. They weren't AU spec but do appear on US bikes (and perhaps others). Someone lost the originals? The only compliance plate is the one in the photo I posted. Unless it’s hiding from me. It has kph speedo, with the rear reflectors maybe they were changed along the way 🤔 the owner told me he changed the exhausts at some point also. The owner before him was the first owner who had it for 35 yrs. |
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Post by rotoryguy on Nov 8, 2021 5:23:08 GMT -5
Welcome!
Lots of friendly folks and great advice!!!
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Post by wayne on Nov 8, 2021 17:58:27 GMT -5
Pretty special number! VIN plates started in 1976 but who knows when. They were there by October 1976 (pic below is my 1976 AU bike with the aluminium VIN plate riveted to the frame. Both my 1975 AU bikes don't have it but do have a label just like yours). Just because yours doesn't have one doesn't mean anything. That's what I mean by grey area, who knows exactly in '76 when they started fitting them.  |
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