I just picked up a JDM C72 Dream 250 at the LV auction. It's titled as a '67, but who really knows? Serial number is 1017236, and the engine number is only a couple off. The bike has not run in a loooong time, but it's basically pretty solid and nice, and after some oiling and some primary ignition fiddling, I was able to get it running (briefly) on auxiliary fuel., with no untoward noises.
The problem is that the gearshift is in neutral and, while not locked solid, will not move far enough to engage any gears up or down. Running the engine or spinning the rear wheel makes no difference. Also, the kick starter moves freely, without any resistance at all.
I'm an experienced tech and restorer, but never have gotten into these old 60's Honda twins, and before I get into a teardown, I just thought I'd ask here what it is I'm likely looking for, from the experience of the group. thanks in advance for any guidance.
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New (to me) C72 Dream
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cyclemikey
- honda305.com Member
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- Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:57 pm
- Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
Perhaps your problem is WHY the bike hasn't run for so long?
Does the kickstarter turn over the engine?
Is the engine actually connected to the gearbox, IE is the primary chain in place?
Most of the gear selection mechanism is contained in the LH side cover so you may not have to strip down too much to discover the problem.
Once the clutch and engine sprocket are removed (together as the chain is endless) pretty much all of the gear change stuff is accessible,
If you can't see a problem there then I'm afraid it's an engine out and split the crankcases job.
Plenty of help available on this list if you need to go that route.
Does the kickstarter turn over the engine?
Is the engine actually connected to the gearbox, IE is the primary chain in place?
Most of the gear selection mechanism is contained in the LH side cover so you may not have to strip down too much to discover the problem.
Once the clutch and engine sprocket are removed (together as the chain is endless) pretty much all of the gear change stuff is accessible,
If you can't see a problem there then I'm afraid it's an engine out and split the crankcases job.
Plenty of help available on this list if you need to go that route.
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cyclemikey
- honda305.com Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:57 pm
- Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
Yes, I'm quite sure that the gearchange problem is the reason the bike was parked, and I suspect that the kickstarter not engaging the engine is probably related. I'll pull both engine covers first of the week and see what there is to see.
I guess what I was hoping for was something in the nature of "oh yeah, they all do that and you need to order part X". I do like the little bike, but if it needs a motor stripdown, it'll be a while as I've got 25 other bikes in various stages of restoration in the shop.
I guess what I was hoping for was something in the nature of "oh yeah, they all do that and you need to order part X". I do like the little bike, but if it needs a motor stripdown, it'll be a while as I've got 25 other bikes in various stages of restoration in the shop.
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cyclemikey
- honda305.com Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:57 pm
- Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
Okay, the cover is off and the news isn't good. nothing wrong with the gearchange mechanism, the shift drum is seized in the case. This engine stood at some point with a watery/oil mix in the crankcase and there is corrosion on the steel parts. Not terrible (I've seen worse), but the bottom line is that the motor will need a full rebuild. It's odd, because the bike itself is really nice, with no rust, pitting, or any evidence that it sat outside.
Nonetheless, it is what it is. I can't say I'm terribly surprised or even disappointed, since I didn't pay that much and it's a nice bike. The smart thing to do would probably be to source a good engine, but I don't want to do that because this is the original, and the engine # is very close to the frame #. Since it's such a simple motor and parts seem to be generally available, I'm going to fix this one.
Along the way somewhere, somebody robbed the oil filter out of this motor, and I'm worried that it might be hard to source that. I need the whole assembly, including the shaft and the little drive chain. Am I going to have trouble there? Also need a new primary chain - hard to find that?
TIA for any suggestions.
Nonetheless, it is what it is. I can't say I'm terribly surprised or even disappointed, since I didn't pay that much and it's a nice bike. The smart thing to do would probably be to source a good engine, but I don't want to do that because this is the original, and the engine # is very close to the frame #. Since it's such a simple motor and parts seem to be generally available, I'm going to fix this one.
Along the way somewhere, somebody robbed the oil filter out of this motor, and I'm worried that it might be hard to source that. I need the whole assembly, including the shaft and the little drive chain. Am I going to have trouble there? Also need a new primary chain - hard to find that?
TIA for any suggestions.
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LOUD MOUSE
- honda305.com Member
- Posts: 7817
- Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2005 8:23 am
- Location: KERRVILLE, TEXAS
I will offer you a complete ready to use oil filter and chain and sprocket.
Will PM cost. ........................lm
Will PM cost. ........................lm
cyclemikey wrote:Okay, the cover is off and the news isn't good. nothing wrong with the gearchange mechanism, the shift drum is seized in the case. This engine stood at some point with a watery/oil mix in the crankcase and there is corrosion on the steel parts. Not terrible (I've seen worse), but the bottom line is that the motor will need a full rebuild. It's odd, because the bike itself is really nice, with no rust, pitting, or any evidence that it sat outside.
Nonetheless, it is what it is. I can't say I'm terribly surprised or even disappointed, since I didn't pay that much and it's a nice bike. The smart thing to do would probably be to source a good engine, but I don't want to do that because this is the original, and the engine # is very close to the frame #. Since it's such a simple motor and parts seem to be generally available, I'm going to fix this one.
Along the way somewhere, somebody robbed the oil filter out of this motor, and I'm worried that it might be hard to source that. I need the whole assembly, including the shaft and the little drive chain. Am I going to have trouble there? Also need a new primary chain - hard to find that?
TIA for any suggestions.