This bike was brought
into the states in the early 1960s by an American serviceman on
tour-of-duty in Japan. Riding in the 'rough' later on leave near his
home in Florida, this original owner smashed the unprotected crankcase
on a log or rock. The engine was removed and taken back upon the
subsequent return to duty in Japan, where it was delivered to the front
door of the Honda factory in Hamamatsu. The factory repaired it
for free with new lower case and crankshaft,
and included design updates to the less-than-perfect dry-sump
lubrication
system.
After return to the States and re-installation of the engine, the bike
was parked while the owner got on with life with family and career.
Forty some-odd years later is where I come in. A friend who lives
near
it had seen the bike and tried to purchase it from the original owner's
son, who had just previously purchased it for a pittance from his dad.
My friend was unable to convince the new owner to sell, but in
the meantime gave him my contact information.
Started restoration in late 2003, finished up about 120 hours of effort
later mid-year 2004. Bike has won first in class in the few shows
it has
done, missing out only to my own Dream ME in one of those!
I would very much like one of my own - and will have one someday.
Thismodel Honda was never exported to the United States market, but many
were sold in other markets, especially Japan. It appears a few
were sold in Canada, accounting for all the ones of which I'm aware
within our borders as I write this. There were larger "Dream"
versions of this upswept exhaust twin sold in the NorAmer markets
however, know as the CS(A)71, CS(A)76 250cc Dry Sumps, and the CS(A)72
& CS(A)77 305cc Wet-Sumps.
1965 Honda C240 Cub
This
specific bike's known history started with a buy from an internet
auction by a fellow from the Pacific Northwest several years ago.
Having come into more Honda Benly JC58s that one person ever
needs - that would be two - I managed to trade one of those for this
unit in unrestored condition. I have since sold the bike as
indicated in the title.
Restoration was begun early 2003, finished by mid-year. Has won first place trophies in class each of four shows entered.
This page is from the Troyce Archive
