88 or 98?? Last I knew, Honda stopped importing the bikes after 96

 

Wow nut on the alternator ...... that's a new one , and yeah 96 was the last year
imported to the US Mal', Europeans went to 99.

 

What did he do with the old engine???

 

I don't know where he got it but, the serial number is a 98. He said it came out of a 98 CBR1000f that his Dad bought for him and it was hit in the rear end by a truck while he was sitting at a light. The head/carb connection is considerably different then the 88 and the new carbs barely fit under the tank. I picked it up around Chicago.With, swing arm,wheel,sprockets,wiring harness, electronic engine controller, throttle and cables, all kinds of misc parts for $400. IT had been on Craig's list for about a month.
I have the old engine in my garage Indy. Seems it is fine after all. Needs an alternator. Top end is rebuilt.

 

Sounds almost like a Canadian model

 

Yep! It had me confused that there was no metal in the oil. I would have put money on spun bearings. I guess the Alt was knocking and making a similar sound (crank knock).

Nope! There was no mention of a moose head in the serial number sequence. LOL