Looking for a nice, presentable CL72 or CL77. Have a line on two. One is for short money, but somewhat tatty and missing one or two body parts. It's said to be mostly 'original' and runs -- but definitely needs a cosmetic resto/paint. The other is a very nice/presentable runner with nice paint/sheet metal --but 2x the bucks. The kicker is the paint is not a factor correct color (ex., not silver) PLUS it has a CA77 motor in it with one carb set-up. Obviously, not stock. I'm new to old vintage Hondas and need some of your advice. My inclination is to pass on CA77 engined bike and go with the original one, even though it's missing some sheet metal and is tired looking. Am I right? I can get into the tatty one pretty cheap as a parts or project bike. Reality is that I'll probably have as much if not more into it than the CA77 engined one, but at least it will be "original" like. I did some homework and leared that CA77s had lower compression than the CL77 motors (in addition to being one carbed).
Also, if anybody has a good original CL72 or CL77 (runner, parts, survivor or restored) for sale , please let me know that too. Appreciate ya!
CL77 with a CA77 Motor?GreetingsThis is a GREAT forum!! Sorry to barge in as the FNG, but I love vintage Hondas. Not just 60s Hondas, but early/vintage Kawasakis, Yamahas and Suzukis too. Currently 'based' out of Clovis NM. Grew up in Tokyo during those special Golden Years of early Japan Inc bikes when they all were new and/or just coming out. Man....the crowded/narrow streets, alleys and "roads" in/around Tokyo just teamed and buzzed with Honda Super Cubs, Benleys, Dreams, Hawks and period Zuk, Kawi and Yami two strokers! Bad boy bikes of choice before the Mach IIIs and Honda 750s -- most rode Cubs, Rabbit scooters and 125/175cc 'worker' bikes of all makes -- were the CL72/77s "stooreeito sukuranbura", W1/W2s "kaminari" (thunder) , Honda DOHC CB 450s "Buraku Bonba" and CB72/77s 'Supa Hokku'. :-) But man those CL72/77s Dreams... Always sounding (and resonating) SO great on the pipe -- especially the Type 2(?) 180-degree crankers. So great (and loud) that Japan Inc pressured Honda-sama to put those extraneous silencer 'bulbs' on the end later from the factory. But everybody took them off and went straight open pipes. NO snuff or nots there. "Yakamashii zo!". (Too loud!) :-) From those young impressionable years, I now have a modest stable of Japanese and European bikes. Now I'm chasing CL72s/77s. We're both MUCH older now. But some things DO just get better with age.... :-) Amazingly I was there...when they were 'born' and coming into the scene...along with me. And yes, I do know that original is always better, but .... it's hard to find good CLs for decent prices these days it seems. Anyway, thank you for your welcome post!
CL with CA motorWelcome. Please add in your location.
Choice of what to buy probably depends most on what you want to do with it. If you are looking for a rider, the one with the CA motor seems like it deserves some serious consideration. Do you know whether CA or CL guts are in the cases? Gearing in the transmissions are different. Cranks, too. Take the points cover off and see how many sets of points are used. If you are looking to make a show bike, you should consider getting the one with the best and most original parts. Exhaust, chain guards and fenders changed during production. Best wishes on your endeavor.
Too many HondasMike, will you come have a chat with my wife? she doesn't understand this basic principle of male happiness. She actually thinks 4 is too many....
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