Projects Or Parts? Three 1960s Hondas
Anyone who is into vintage motorcycles and restoring them usually has or needs a parts bike or two. Or, three, or more… Sometimes the county gets involved when a person has dozens of parts bikes strewn around their yard. The seller has these three 1960s Hondas listed here on eBay in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, there is no reserve, and the current price list is $406. In case you’re wondering, the seller says that they all turn over but none of them run.
Thankfully, I don’t have any of these models so the urge isn’t quite as strong as it could have been, but I bet a few of you own similar Hondas. I just sold my 1965 Honda Sport 65 a few days ago and that was the only actual motorcycle-looking motorcycle that I have, the rest are oddballs or Japanese market things that are too small to ride on a city street. The seatless, 23-hp, 305-cc 1964 Honda CA77 305 Dream above, and here, is probably the most desirable and valuable of this trio but it looks the roughest of the bunch. Hagerty is at $7,900 for a #2 excellent example so theoretically, the next owner could restore this one him and/or herself and at least break even.
The 1965 Honda CA95 Benly 150 is a 154-cc twin with 16.5-hp and this one looks much better than the seatless 305 Dream but it’s still quite a project. It was known by many as the “Baby Dream” as it was similar in appearance to the 305 Dream but had a smaller engine. Hagerty is at $5,200 for a #2 excellent CA95 which should still be doable. Listen to me talking about restorations and values, I just lost $1,400 on my ’65 Honda Sport 65, ouch.
The most interesting one of the three for me is the 1967 Honda CA160, a 161-cc, 16.5-hp OHC twin. The enclosed chain on this bike and on the CA95 is a cool feature, I think. There should be thin whitewall tires on this bike which would make it even cooler. Hagerty is at $4,800 for a #2 excellent condition CA160. Have any of you owned one of these bikes or restored one in this rough condition?
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Comments
Love these.
These were the bikes that put Honda on the map, in America, anyway. Mr. Honda, who I consider the genius of the century, knew, motorcycle choices were limited in the late 50s. Most were finicky Harleys or British stuff, and Asian bikes were relegated to smoky 2 cycle renditions. Mr. Honda never liked 2 cycles, I read, and these 4 cycle twins were the hot ticket. They started 1st kick, didn’t leak or use oil, decent brakes and most importantly, were cheap. Kids could literally spend their Bar-Mitzvah money on something worthwhile for once. I thought of a vintage Honda like this, but sadly, I’m done with motorcycles, and it’s pretty clear, nobody else really wants these, as is. Probably a bidder wants them just for parts. These literally changed the world of motorcycling forever.
It’s hard to find original mufflers for these. Worth the current bid just for those.
You meet the nicest people on a Honda.
I abused the heck out of a Benly back in the early 70s. The amount of punishment that little beast could withstand still amazes me. I learned about charging systems from that bike- it cost me 3 of their unique square headlights to discover that rectifiers can indeed go bad. I’m still a slow learner but fortunately I have a lifetime of mistakes to help me diagnose problems now.
I had a 305 dream back in the early seventies. Black with white wall tires. I had some of my best riding adventures on that bike. I had other, bigger, faster bikes. But that one has a special place in my heart.
I never had a Dream but I had a CB160 in the early ’70s. True story – I was riding one day when the drain plug fell out of the engine case, had no idea until it seized and locked the rear wheel. A fellow in a pick-up truck hauled me to a service shop. Put in new drain plug and oil, pulled plugs and oiled cylinders. Drug it around the parking lot until it broke free and then put the plugs back in. Took a while to get some compression but eventually it fired up, very ragged and lots of smoke. By the time I got home (about 10 miles) there was little smoke and it was running pretty good. I put another 2000 miles on it before I traded it off, still running great – no knocks/smoke. The most indestructible engine I’ve ever known. If I wasn’t on the wrong side of 70, I’d be bidding.
I had a 305 Scrambler that ran good, but didn’t climb hills that well.
I have a ’65 CB160 that I just recommissioned. It has the same engine as the CA160 above.
I’m not a great mechanic, and this is my first motorcycle. I found it easy to work on, very straightforward, with good parts availability. Mine was about the same level of roughness. I’ve fallen in love with these old Hondas! I think these bikes are a great way to dip your toes in to classic vehicle ownership for a lot less money than a car.
When old man Honda copied, he copied the best on the market – the NSU Super Max. His talent was a good eye and flawless marketing.
Started with a 50 Cub, then 125 Benly, 305 Super Hawk, 360 Enduro (Yamaha) now have a 750 Honda Magna just for the occasional short jaunt. Want to ride a motorcycle, buy Japanese, want to work on a motorcycle, buy almost anything else.
No, actually, there are quite a few people who want these bikes.
I say that because I had requests for information or whereabouts on early Honda’s when I was doing things with mopeds and scooters.
Also, the Steyr-Daimler-Puch was a maker for Sears in the marketplace. Then there was the Garelli(Italy), and also the Motobecane Mobylette(France); so the field was a bit broader than you say.
And, the Cezeta, from the Czech republic, but I am sure I missed something…
Don’t forget Aermacchi who made the Sprint for Harley.
yup, 305 dream, my 1st self driven vehicle, not 1st to wrench on tho that was Lambretta 125 (Li or TV? but 125 fo shoah).
Right, chrisful,
I forgot the Lammy.
Yes, Honda deserves to be in the pages of motorcycle history. It helped put the world on cheap but reliable wheels, at least the 2-wheel variety. There were some 250/305 Dreams in my region; one guy showed up with a 125 Benly. I never did see a CA160; CB only. Personally, the CB72/77 Hawk and Super Hawk, and the scrambler versions were my ultimate favorites from the Rising Sun.
Interesting that so many talk about the Japanese motorcycles and cars being ultimately reliable but rest assured—I saw many of them fail, some catastrophically. No different than the products from North America or Europe…
The 305s ( actually 300s) were what really jump started Honda in the States. I equate these to the Honda Civic, humble beginnings to world class. I remember, I think the Super Hawk was the 1st bike that could go 100 mph out of the box. The Scrambler was a poor rendition of a dirt bike, but many got their 1st taste of “hare scrambles” on a 305 Scrambler, and probably still have the injuries to prove it. Someone mentioned a rectifier. I heard, rectifiers and lighting coils are the hardest things to replace on these.Reason? I heard, Asian manufacturers instructed dealers to throw out replacement parts, and the only way to get any today, is if someone fished them out of the dumpster. I’ve heard that on more than one occasion.
I have a 67 Honda C201 and a
64(?) Trail 55
Yes – the early 90cc were called the C200’s….have a few including one a couple bought new as there first married purchase in 1964. Also have a “trail 55” a 90cc with high fender most have never heard or seen.
My uncle’s brother (uncle by marriage) had nine or ten Dreams in every color plus duplicates that he restored years ago. He had them in his livingroom.
Different strokes for different folks.
And they are sold. The 305 Dream grabbed my eye, as I had one right out of High School. Also had a Honda 90 Trail back when I was in grade School. Great bikes.