56 KH frame and engine identification before restoration

[dave1968]

I have only been reading posts up until now I have a project of my own to work on.
What I'm trying to do is see what year and do frame and engine match. What I think I have is a 1956 KH, after a little research I could use a second opinion,
Numbers on side of engine between cylinders are 56 KH 1334, Numbers on belly of engine are 556-1196 and frame looks original with the numbers 47594-56 on frame neck
Appreciate any ides

[EKHKHK56]

Hi Dave. We need a #system for all the Daves! Engine numbers look good. It's an early 56KH. Frame date code is Stamped In to the seat casting on the front on right side where a pad is machined. Say it is 6E, that would mean made 1956 E 5th month so May 56. This is the best handling chassis, new dropped neck, from 56 to 69, it's pretty much the same style. Nice project, love the long stroke KHs and KHKs etc. Erik K

[EKHKHK56]

So it is the #334 out of about 520 1956 KHs made. Run the 18" rear wheel and gear it tall as possible, they like that!

[EKHKHK56]

It looks like it's fairly stock and pretty complete. I would get the parts you need to get it running and than slowly clean up some things like the extended forks, KR side cover, etc to get it back closer to original if you want. They are a blast to ride, and look so nice stock style and or custom.

[JerrryR]

Hi Dave,
It looks like you have a good start on a nice 56K. The belly numbers seem appropriate for your VIN and you do in fact have an early 56K frame appropriate for your VIN. You have the early smooth, no ridge near the stem, neck casting and the underside of the frame backbone is not smashed in preparation for the XL motor change. Your frame date code is located on the right hand side of the rear tank boss on the underside of the seat casting. My guess is that it will be a letter between F, June, and J, October, with a "5" for 1955. Good luck with your project.
JerryR