1962 Honda Dream

[houseowax]

Hey DKB- I just bought ( what I think is a '63) CA77. Needs keys and a battery, probably carb clean, maybe petcock rebuild. Who knows what else?
I've never owned a bike before and am learning as I go. And believe me, I have a LOT to learn.
If you have any NYC-specific sources -especially for keys- I'd really appreciate it. I'm in Clinton Hill, BK- not that that matters one bit. I don't even know really why I mentioned it.

Hope your bike's story didn't end there and you're back on the road.

[chesterblue]

First off- a big thanks to everyone for sharing information and all the helpful advise I've found while searching through the forum posts...

I've been looking around for a solid bike for the last month or so and just picked up a 1962 CA77 here in NYC. The bike seems to be mostly original and in really nice overall shape. There are a few items that need attention but nothing major. I had a couple of questions as I am sorting through getting the bike road ready and figured I'd see if anyone here would be willing to help out as I've hit a few road blocks.

The key was broke off in the ignition in the on position. I was able to remove the broken portion of the key from the cylinder and brought both halves to a good locksmith in the neighborhood. 15 minutes and ten dollars later and I was back in business. The replacement key works perfectly but it's cut out of an odd blank quite different from the original. Does anyone know where I might be able to find one or two original key blanks for a fair price? I will post a photo of the broken key or key code as I think there are a few variations of blanks that were used.

The original handlebars are bent and I've had little luck finding a replacement. I picked up a set of flat bars off of a late 60's CB350 that look like they may work and wanted to know if it's possible to drill wiring holes and the throttle cut out on these- or- if anyone has a source of aftermarket bars that are fitted for a CA77. I found CB77 bars online but wasn't sure if these were interchangeable. If I can get the flat bars I currently have bars machined, will I need to find different clutch and throttle cables to accommodate the lower rise bars? Not that worried about deviating from the stock bars as it's easy enough to switch back at some future point. Just want something safer and more usable than the bent bars that are currently on the bike. Also- has anyone swapped out the throttle assembly with a different model or aftermarket one that avoids having to cut out the large opening for the stock CA77 throttle?

The battery cover seems to fit a bit on the tight side and does not seat properly. Looks like the old owner cut a portion of the metal to get it to fit but I'm not sure what his reasoning was. Could someone post a photo of the proper side cover for a 1962 CA77 and perhaps a close up of the battery and wiring beneath. The battery is currently held in place with elastic cords and I wanted to try and clean it up a bit. Was there a rubber battery hold down originally?

I posted a low res pic of the bike from when I picked it up last Friday. I'll add some better photos as soon as I get the bike back from the shop (basic tune up and inspection) on Tuesday.

Thanks again for all the help to date! This forum is a goldmine of information. I've already saved myself countless hours and headaches by looking through the info everyone was kind enough to share:)

David

The locksmith is good and i think they can replace any key.


queens locksmith
brooklyn locksmith
nyc locksmith

[brewsky]

I do not believe that your bike is a 62'.Too many features of a 64' and later.Gas tank, right side engine cover appears to be off a 65' or later engine.

The bike's transferable registration says 1962 Honda CA77E. VIN/Frame # is CA77E1007296. I could be mistaken, but I believe it is a 62 with a few parts off a later year dream. The tank looks to be from a late model as there is a center seam and a slight gap between the tank and seat. Not sure about the side covers. The battery cover does not seat properly, suggesting it's also from a different bike. Still trying to find the proper side covers but reluctant to purchase anything online as I'm not positive which ones are correct.

The vin definitely indicates a '65 or later model...but probably a '65. There should be a tag on the wiring harness above the carb showing the production year of the harness.

The tank, side covers, clutch cable, rear fender supports, internal throttle cable all indicate the later year.

The battery side cover is probably off an earlier year, as they had a wider tang on the bottom.

Sorry to hear about your engine probs, hopefully it's not too bad.