In the early 1970's, for the most part American bikes were the general export specification E1. For the 1972 J model, it appears the Candy Yellow Ochre (253) model was not distributed in the USA, nor was the Candy Gold #4 colour used on the 1973 K model. In its place, the Pearl Red (code 708) colour was offered.
Beginning at frame number 22007, stand-off brackets were installed to extend the rear turn signals out and the stalks on the front turn signals lengthened. As well, the front and rear turn signal assemblies became specific to North America, having part numbers 35601-31660-999 for the front, and 35000-31815-999 for the rear.
Front signal lenses for all models were orange, rear signal lenses for the J, K and L models were red, changing to orange in 1975 with the M model.
E3 specification switch gear differed from the general export E1 version, principally in not having a 'pass' or 'flash' button on the left
switch gear, as well as relocating the on/off switch to the top of the switch housing. Below is the North American style 'J' series switch gear - left is part number 57700-31600 and right is 57100-31010.
In 1973 the right side handlebar switch gear was the same as was used in 1972, however the left side switch gear was quite different. Note the turn signal switch actuator has a half round head and is secured from the underside to the switch plate by a screw. Early 1973 models used the same turn signal switch head as the 1972 model having the small tab which can be seen in the upper middle of the head to indicate the centre of the switch. Later 1973 models, and those in 1974 did not have the small tab. The switchgear part number was 57700-31601.
For 1974, the right side handlebar switch gear was updated and rounder, and also was now the same part number in all markets globally (57100-31012).
The left side switch gear was similar to that used in 1973 as in 1973 the turn signal switch actuator has a half round head, and is secured from the underside to the switch plate by a screw. The markings on the switch gear are changed from 1973 in that the arrows showing left and right for the turn signals now had the word 'TURN' marked beside them. As well 'HORN' was spelled out and the 'H' and 'L' high low dipping switch for the headlamp now was marked as being 'Lights'. The part number was 57700-31602.
For 1975, the right side handlebar switch gear was basically the same as used in 1974, but the left side switch gear turn signal switch head was changed and now fused to a switch arm that extended into the switch housing. Rather than being a rounded shape, it was now rectangular. The markings on the switch gear were updated again - the arrows were gone, and an 'L' and an 'R' were added. The part number was 57700-31603.
A 'headlamps always on' feature was added in the USA at frame GT750-61050. It was fully implemented for the 1977 model year (new part number 57700-31622). The function was provided by adding the tab indicated by the arrow to the on/off slider to prevent it moving.
Three different headstock labels were used in the USA:
a metal plate riveted to the headstock and similar to the style used elsewhere globally in 1972 (Canadian shown on the left, but it was the same as used in the USA)
a rectangular foil label, narrow in width in 1973 (shown centre)
a rectangular foil label, narrow in height which was applied vertically on the headstock and used from 1974 onwards (shown on the right)
In all cases, in the USA only the frame number was recorded.
Most on line parts fiches show the E3 parts listings and so I have not included E3 specific ones here. They are available at multiple web sites, including my own at this link.
