1961 C72 Dream - Maybe not

[G-Man]

Take a look at this '1961' Dream. The seller claims 1961 with matching numbers but the frame looks later (license plate bracket) and the tank is grafted on from a later bike.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-1961- ... 48551725cb

What do you think?

G

[Paul Strassmaier]

lots of issues. I'm putting together a 61 and I've done later ones too. There are a lot of late parts on the bike beyond the tank and the taillight (that's a 62 lens). The seat would need a closer look. It may have been modified to work with that tank in the front. HL Shell is later, speed is early. It looks like someone had about three dreams and mushed them together....

Here is a photo of my CS72 that I'm putting together. Notice how the front of the seat fits to the back of the tank.

Best, Paul

[G-Man]

Rear indicators look later and the front forks clearly came from another bike. Didn't notice the little emblem on the headlamp shell. Like you say - it just looks like a mash up. I hope someone's not going to disappointed.

This is my 1962 Dream before I took it apart...


Honda C72 Left side by graham.curtis, on Flickr

The CS72 looks tasty. Have you got pipes for it?

G

[Paul Strassmaier]

I like that photo!

One thing I noticed just this weekend is that there are two types of early tappet covers. If you hold them up, some are gently rounded all the way to the edge, and some have a flat edge around them (maybe the last 1/4"). Have you seen that, and which is correct for 61 dream? My 61 CB72 has the flat edge....

Paul

[Paul Strassmaier]

And yes I've got the pipes, can hardly wait to get them on!

[conbs]

G, That bike looks to me to be post mid-1963. The emblem under the headlight and luggage supports on the back fender are later than 1961 for sure.

I am no expert on the 250 tanks. I think there are 4 or 5 different ones. Both yours an Paul's have the chrome strip on top of the tank seam. My '68 parts manual shows those were on tanks up to C72 310401 which I think is about mid year 1963 and I suspect coincides with the change from CA77 to CA78 in 305's. The early tanks have a little eye on the front of the seam that the chrome strip bolts to. I don't see one on the tank in the pictures.

I don't see anything on the bike to indicate it could be a '61 at all. I also don't see the frame/engine number in the listing, but as you know "CA72E" is the beginning of an engine number and not a Honda model. Anyone buying it and expecting it to be a '61 is going to be disappointed.

[Paul Strassmaier]

Agreed, looks like one to stay away from. The braces may have been changed out. I think the front holes will line up and with the covers off in the back they maybe just didn't use the back holes... In any case, too much effort even if it is an early one...