1964 CA78 Type 1/Type 2 differences

[Josurr]

I am doing research for a class for college, and i was wondering if anyone here knows what the difference is between a 1964 Type 1 and Type 2 is. And if anyone knows what the difference is between a 1964 and 1965 is. besides the VIN.

[conbs]

Type I and Type II usually refers to 180 degree vs 360 degree cranks in the motors. There are exception, but generally a Dream is a 360 degree engine which is a Type II. According to Bill Silver, there were some '64 Dreams shipped to the US with the Type I motors.

For 1964 only, Honda made 305 Dreams with two types of frame numbers. They were both CA78 and both had 6-digit sequence numbers, but one started with a "1" and the other started with a "4" (reflecting the year of manufacture as in previous years). I have referred to these as Type 1 and Type 2 '64 Dreams, but it may have added unnecessary confusion. Per the below, you can see that all the years are "Type" and the 1 and 2 for '64 reflect the different frame number series. I have been unable to determine if there is any difference between the parts used on the two 1964 1 & 2 frame-numbered bikes.

The 1965 started a 7-digit frame number but apart from that they are a CA78 just like the 1964. Honda did make running changes in parts during all years of production. Those parts changes are reflected (for the most part) in the parts manuals. It may be that there is a part or two were changed with the beginning of 1965 production, but, if so, I am unaware of what they are.

Hope this is helpful. And if your professor doesn't give you an A+ for writing about such a vitally important, interesting and ultimately cool topic, you should probably take it up with the Dean.

[Josurr]

Now for another question related to Honda Dreams at my college.

I have looked at the VIN and found something that does not fit with any information that i have found about their VINs. The one that we have to see how the other one is supposed to go back together, is also a CA78. But the one we are restoring is a Type 2 from 1964, and the other Dream has a 6 digit VIN starting with a 3. It would fit if it was not a CA78.
I am just wondering if anyone can help me with this,

[conbs]

Please add your location. There may be someone local who can help you as you are putting your bike back together.

Honda literature is not accurate on the model change, including the sheet I attached in the last post. Honda's change to the CA78 occurred in April 1963. 305 Dreams are generically referred to as CA77's though the majority are CA78's. The bike with the frame number that starts "3" is a 1963 CA78. It should have the late tank/knee pads and the aluminum brackets on the rear fenders, the same as your 1964. There should be about a 5,000 spread between the engine and frame numbers if it is original.

Do a search on this site of "CA77 vs CA78" and you should find several posts on the topic.

The '64 should be the same as the '63 you are putting together. Post some pictures of what you are starting with. You may even want to start a restoration thread to show your progress.

Hope that helps.