The HR17 was introduced to the USA market in 1980, and was discontinued around 1985. Sorry, but no specific data is available for that serial number. It was made (in Japan) no earlier than 1979, and perhaps as late as 1983.
It was the first Honda mower to feature a blade-clutch ("Roto-Stop") system.
There was also an earlier HR17-E that was electric, and guess who made the motor? Briggs & Stratton. :tongue: