NEW GUY NEEDS ADVICE! 1965 Honda Dream.

[carl1965]

First off thanks for your time reading and I would appreciate any help! I have recently found a 1965 Honda Dream for sale and wanted to ask someone who owns and/or has restored one a few questions. I have some mechanical and restoration experience with cars, but this will be my first motorcycle.

Bike description: Not running, motor is seized, missing both side covers, but overall looks like it is in decent shape. He is asking $900 obo.

My plans: to get the bike running by either rebuilding the current motor or buying a functional motor. Also would like to restore it and make it look nice.

My questions:

How much is the bike worth? (Ballpark estimate)

Whats the availability of parts to rebuild a motor?

Whats the availability of good condition, running motors?

Can anyone point me to a website or link that would provide useful info for someone new to vintage honda motorcycles? Preferably the Honda Dream 305.

I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks for your time.

[russ]

have seen motor / tran on ebay for 400 to 500 $

[Repsol]

As far as a website that is dedicated to the Dream you're on it. Just for your reference I bought my 1966 Dream last fall for 2500. I'm not sure if I got a good deal or not. The bike was complete, ran (runs) well, had a title and looked good over all. They are pretty simple to work on but, as I'm learning, there are some "tricks of the trade". Good luck with your project if you decide to move forward with it. I would be more inclined to find a running machine but that's just me.

[lrutt]

that bike can't have many miles as those are the ORIGINAL tires.

I'd be willing to bet that a simple acetone / ATF soak of the cylinders will free them up and no overhaul required. That would be my first try, keeps cost down. Other than that. if you want a real nice looker restored then you will likely get more into the bike than it's worth. But that could be the case even if you got it for free. New mufflers (although those look like they might be pretty good), tires, paint, seat cover, and misc stuff will get you $1k and over in a hurry. Side covers could be a challenge and will cost $$$. Looks to be missing the carby covers as well, bummer. And if you have to / want to re-chrome...BAM. But usually a lot can be done to keep those costs down. Cheaper exhausts, polishing chrome to as good as it gets vs re-chrome.

Really depends on what you want for an end result.

IMO, the price is a tad high if it's stuck and missing parts. Does it have a title?

And where are you located, put that in your profile. Can be helpful as there may be members in your area. BTW there are manuals on the net for free download. Just have to google. I know I have shop and user manual if you buy you could PM me.

[DHjack]

first, you are at the best web site for Dream info.
Where do you live? it matters, in some states the prices are very low.
shipping can be expensive, I live in Florida and have a hard time selling.
I think E bay is your best friend and worst enemy, but a great reference.
the side carb covers will cost you about 200 but your pipes look good.
the cost of the restoration is really based on how shinny you want it to be.
in my opinion Chrome is the major cost of restoration.

[conbs]

If you buy at that price you will surely have more in it than you will ever get back out. That may not be important to you if you are like me. Getting one of these bikes running and back on the road is better therapy than anything I have found. But, that is because I love these bikes. If you just think they are pretty cool or are looking for an investment, the 305 Dream probably isn't for you - unless you just have too much money laying around. If so, call me.....

lrutt laid things out pretty well. It is hard to tell for sure what your chrome is like but, from the pictures it looks pretty good. Part of what makes these bikes beautiful is all that gleaming chrome. When it is good and shiny, other flaws aren't so noticeable.

If you are looking to make a show bike then your investment will be a substantial loss but, you do have a lot to work with. It won't end up being 100% original if you have to repaint, etc. Original tires are very rare if in good shape.

If you just want a good looking bike to ride, you will get upside down financially but, anything you can to do to get by will make the money part palatable. Detailing your chrome is a good start. I have put up a number of posts about things I have done with what I think have been good results. Do a search for Flitz.

I am not sure I have helped you much. If it were me I and I really wanted the bike, I would offer the guy $500. If you start on an engine rebuild you don't know what you will have in it by the time you are done, There is a reason the PO stopped riding the bike. If it is a mechanical problem, that is a bad thing to pay money for. He may not take your offer and he may get someone to pay his asking price. But, too often impulse buyers just end up stuck with a "project" that will languish.

If you are unfortunate enough to start waking up at night in a cold sweat and hearing that bike calling your name, then I wouldn't fault you for paying the asking price. But, take a few minutes to look at completed auctions on eBay to see what prices are like for running bikes.

If you do end up with the bike, add a shortcut to this site on your computer. You will find an enormous amount of help here. Just be willing to do some searching before you ask basic questions. eBay will be your friend - if you are patient. There are other vendors as well. And sometimes another member here will have what you need. Parts are available for these bikes and you can get deals if you can be patient and spend time looking.

Best wishes for whichever path you pick.

[carl1965]

Thanks for all of your feedback. I have spent the last few days trying to read up as much as possible. The real learning will come when/if I get the bike and start working on it.

I am from Louisiana. The bike has no title unfortunately, but I have a family friend that is in the title business and is a former senior officer in the state police. If the VIN checks out and there is no current registration on the bike, I will be willing to purchase it. So if I were able to get it running and street legal, I believe I will be able to get it titled if it checks out.

I do not want a show bike, I will even consider keeping the original paint and polish the chrome if it is salvageable. I intend on keeping the build under $2k. With that said I offered the guy $500, he responded and said the lowest he will go is $800. I would love to purchase it, but i feel like I am taking a risk buying it at that price. I have some DIY experience and I know a guy with lots of experience on motorcycles.

Hopefully I can make it work out for the best. I have been obsessing a little over this bike the last few days. I had never seen a Honda Dream until this past week. It was love at first sight. If anyone has any more advice or opinions, please share because I want to stay on the right track. Thanks again for the input and assistance!