Topic: Better half wants a CB72, CB77, or Honda Dream

[CBJoe]

Starting to do some research and thought to throw a question out there to those who may have some insight. 

My wife has thought about learning to ride for years and is now talking about it more seriously.   She has always put up with my motorcycle buying and tinkering over the years,  and in the background she has always gone googly-eyed over the CB72, CB77, and Honda Dreams.  She has a higher affinity for the CB72 and 77.

So if I had $2000, do you think it's possible to get a solid runner? Doesn't have to be showroom shine or perfect factory original.  She is also interested to tinker and learn to work on it as well. Going to look for something that runs well, but maybe needs tires, brakes, cables, maintenance, etc....

I realize this is a fluffy question, but I just have no idea of what these bikes are going for and which one of the models is more affordable than others.

Between the CB72 and CB77 are one or the other rarer or harder to find parts for?

Joe 

   

[carnivorous chicken]

My understanding is limited, so happy to be corrected by others or hear some additional info.

The CB72s are rarer, not made for as many years, and harder to find parts for. The CL77s have lower gearing, so lower top speed. I just bought my first CB77 for a grand, but it needs some work as it's been sitting (but the engine isn't stuck and the carbs are very clean, and the original exhaust is in great shape...). I'd bet you can find one in running shape for $2k or so.

I've ridden both, and I find that the CBs handle better than the CAs (Dreams). Dreams have their fans, and I've heard that they do ride OK and maybe the one I rode was a bad example.

[Magpie]

Of the 3 I would go for the CB77, the 305. However, if you can find one the CL77  street scambler is a neat bike too but she will need long legs. I like the CB77 because it was my first bike. Clff.

[Stev-o]

Hey Joe....buy her a bike!  [wish my wife want ed one]

Yes, you can find a decent one for $2K, here ya go....

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/mcy/5473183093.html?lang=tl

[CBJoe]

Hey Joe....buy her a bike!  [wish my wife want ed one]

Yes, you can find a decent one for $2K, here ya go....

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/mcy/5473183093.html?lang=tl

She just read your post Stev-o and completely agree's with you   We're getting ready to depart next week for a bike trip from Indy to New Orleans and Back.  We're gonna discuss over beers on the way and start looking seriously later this spring.

Between all the $$ I've spent on my bikes, least I can do is let her get one Just glad she wants a cool model

Joe

 

[CBJoe]

Of the 3 I would go for the CB77, the 305. However, if you can find one the CL77  street scambler is a neat bike too but she will need long legs. I like the CB77 because it was my first bike. Clff.

yeah...she's got short legs, so the CL is probably too tall

[CBJoe]

My understanding is limited, so happy to be corrected by others or hear some additional info.

The CB72s are rarer, not made for as many years, and harder to find parts for. The CL77s have lower gearing, so lower top speed. I just bought my first CB77 for a grand, but it needs some work as it's been sitting (but the engine isn't stuck and the carbs are very clean, and the original exhaust is in great shape...). I'd bet you can find one in running shape for $2k or so.

I've ridden both, and I find that the CBs handle better than the CAs (Dreams). Dreams have their fans, and I've heard that they do ride OK and maybe the one I rode was a bad example.

Thanks. In reading a bit tonight that does seems to be the case that in general the CB77's are easier to find and get parts for.  It's looking like that will be the target bike we keep an eye out for. 

[Magpie]

Just remember when you look at one the kick starter kicks forward. They have an electric starter but just in case....  Cliff.

[CBJoe]

Just remember when you look at one the kick starter kicks forward. They have an electric starter but just in case....  Cliff.

That my friend is good to know info.  I did not know that and it may save me from looking a fool

[Magpie]

Actually it may help. I had a friend look at one that the owner thought was broken because the kick start didn't work in the usual way. He got it for a good price. Cliff.

[strynboen]

look for cracked engine(cover) housing..that kicker is a veak point..they like to breake/crack ..just hvere the shaft goes aut of the engine..a thin casting in the auter cover is the problen....

[Old Scrambler]

CBJoe..............I have had a few CB77s.............I restore the CL models. I am helping a friend restore his CB77............he started with junk..........now has about $2500 invested with a completely rebuilt motor and aftermarket exhaust. He may get to $3000 tops.........but it took him 3-years and more than a few hours of my help.

Front fenders, chainguards, right-side case-covers and Kick-lever assemblies..............those are the hard to find parts. I just sold one or more of each in the past few months...........so try and find a somewhat complete bike. If non-running, its an easy motor to repair. The electric starter is the primary........the kicker is for weak batteries.  When you ride a CB77 you are part of the bike...........when on a CL model, you sit about 4-inches taller.

Take a look at honda305.com for a forum and lots of info.

[CBJoe]

Awesome....thanks for the info.  We're heading out a bike trip for the next few weeks, so once we're back it's time to start putting feelers out.  I've been keeping an eye out here in Indiana, but so far there haven't been any coming up on the local craigslists.  May have to travel a bit to find one. 

[rb550four]

CB,
  I always loved the looks of those machines, almost bought  some.............but then,...........I was offered the opportunity to work on one.

 It was beautiful to look at, no trouble to work on , parts are getting scarce, some  really hard to find, some people machine new parts.
  Anyways, got it into good running condition and was aching to take it for a test ride. OMG ! What a poor handling POS!!!  I was heartbroken.  It was frightening ride at 45 mph. The suspension just sucks!
 It's a ride in town bike at best. In a school zone or just around the block.You'll want a trailer to take it outta town.  Forget about anyplace over 45 mph, you'll be taking you life in your hands every ride.
   If you really really want one , please do you and your wife a favor... please try one that is in running condition, take it for a test ride. I think you will see what I mean.  If she's gonna ride it, she'll have to be a better rider than you.
 Your wife has a good eye for classic Honda style, for sure , but , handling wise it just doesn't measure up. I like the style big time,  but won't own a machine that handles so poorly.  My 2 cents.  Good luck.
                                                                   RB

[dhall57]

Ok RB now tell us how you really feel

[72 yellow]

I have my dad's 66 Superhawk.  In his late 50's and early 60's he took 150 mile trips on it.  He never complained about the handling.

[CBJoe]

CB,
  I always loved the looks of those machines, almost bought  some.............but then,...........I was offered the opportunity to work on one.

 It was beautiful to look at, no trouble to work on , parts are getting scarce, some  really hard to find, some people machine new parts.
  Anyways, got it into good running condition and was aching to take it for a test ride. OMG ! What a poor handling POS!!!  I was heartbroken.  It was frightening ride at 45 mph. The suspension just sucks!
 It's a ride in town bike at best. In a school zone or just around the block.You'll want a trailer to take it outta town.  Forget about anyplace over 45 mph, you'll be taking you life in your hands every ride.
   If you really really want one , please do you and your wife a favor... please try one that is in running condition, take it for a test ride. I think you will see what I mean.  If she's gonna ride it, she'll have to be a better rider than you.
 Your wife has a good eye for classic Honda style, for sure , but , handling wise it just doesn't measure up. I like the style big time,  but won't own a machine that handles so poorly.  My 2 cents.  Good luck.
                                                                   RB

Thanks for the honest input.  At this point we've ruled out the Honda Dream and will begin the search for a CB77....still putting back cash for it at moment.  From my understanding, there was a big difference in handling between the Superhawk and the Dream Models.  Maybe others can comment on this. 

The plan indeed is to find one in running condition that can be test rode.

Cheers, Joe

[MCRider]

Joe: I never understood the draw of the Dream. Even it was a favorite of Soichiro. But to your question, the CB77 was an accomplished roadracer (the Dream never rolled on a track) and a better touring bike than the Dream. Just the basics shows the stark difference. The Dream had that funky leading link (?) front end, heavy valanced fenders, stamped steel frame, rectangular rear shock absorbers (?), in the bar throttle that was death when malfunctioned, and performance wise, 1 carb, and a weird crank. Different than the CB, I forget which is which, but the Dream had single point ignition and the CB had dual points.

The CB had telescoping forks, twin leading shoe brakes, tube frame, conventional shocks, all around sweet ride no matter what it was called on for. Twin carbs, more HP without sacrificing mpg. I got near 80mpg with saddlebags and windshield running with traffic (60-85).

The CB came with adjustable foot pegs for rear sets (you need a piece of shift linkage. the rear brake is cabled, so no problem there) and a removable sidestand. The stand was an option and is hard to find. I have one.   

[strynboen]

all as he say.... up from here...cb 72/77 is sport and handling...stering damper small handel low seat...European stile..big duppel drum brakes,, strong front fork.
.in Scandinavia it vas so hot the snow meldet in sveden...2 month erlyer then normal.that year it came...

.one of the best handling bikes(if schoks and tires is new...old veared #$%* rides like #$%*)even it painted fine and shiny

[Old Scrambler]

CBJoe and others................I am shipping a CL77 to France for a customer and have sold a half-dozen or more of the 305 models to others. All handled just fine..........but the CA models have the least amount of dampening. If needed, the original shocks can be rebuilt on all models. Maybe this will be interesting to some of you..............