1962 Honda Dream ca72

Message

wingnut3434 · Sat Jan 28, 2006 8:03 am

i am thinking of buying this bike off of an old friend, it is in decent condition with 15000 orig. miles and the 247cc engine. He wants $1200 for it but i think that is overpriced. I have searched the internet trying to find a couple comps but there aren't that many around. If anybody has any information about this bike, or someplace to get a good idea on a price pleaz let me know.

#2 Unread post by **cb360** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 8:38 am

The lack of comps is precisely why this bike is difficult to value. 15,000 is a fair amount of miles for that small a motor on a bike that old. If it has been really well cared for you could maybe get a lot more out of it. Anyway, "Book" values don't mean much on a bike this rare - it's not a bike Jay Leno is looking for but at the same time it's age makes them difficult to find in good condition. It's kinda worth what he can get for it - I know that isn't much help but having looked at a lot of vintage bikes that's the reality. Maybe you can follow some links from this site to ultimately find some good comps?

http://www.vjmw.org/links/links.htm

For what it's worth I was recently offered $1500 for a 74 cb 360... a bike that I doubt is as rare as the one you are looking at, but my bike does have really low miles.

paul246 · #3 Unread post by **paul246** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:20 am

The original mileage, within reason, isn't really relevant. What really matters is the condition of the engine, ie, compression and bearing play. If you can't assess this yourself then ask if it is possible to have it inspected by a mechanic that knows what to look for. Any bike can have low mileage and through neglect and improper storage can be classified as junk. BTW, 15,000 miles is not considered excessive on one of these bikes. One thing to be very careful to avoid on these older engines is improper torquing of fasteners. The early Honda alloys were not as good as what is out there today.

The other thing to consider is how complete this particular bike is. You really do need to sweat the small stuff, as little things such as the correct badging and other smallish parts are the most difficult and expensive to replace. If its all there this is a big plus.

If the bike is in basically "shine and show and ride" condition there is nothing wrong with what your friend is asking. It doesn't have to be in concours condition, just something that is instantly recognizable for what it is and you wouldn't be ashamed to ride around town.

If the chrome parts are rusted, significant parts are missing or the engine doesn't pass the test then start lower, if at all.

Wizzard · #4 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 3:00 pm

I had one around 1962-63 and it was a great little bike . I had the 305 Dream. As been said , if it is in good running condition and easily restorable by having everything there , I would barter a little and go for it . It is definitely a classic .
I would love to restore one myself for nostalic reasons .
Regards, Wizzard