Back in 1946, Soichiro Honda had an idea. That idea was to help mobilise post-war Japan, and to do so he developed a series of motors which could be fitted to pedal cycles. 

Behind it was what he referred to as his dream. The dream being to create a new Japanese motorcycle which would go on to take on the world. 

It was a bold vision, but one that developed apace. In 1946, the first Honda generator motor was fitted to a bicycle. The following year, Honda launched its first complete design – the Type A Motor Bicycle.

In 1949, just two years after its first motorised bicycle, Honda launched its first ground-up motorcycle which Soichiro named the Honda Dream, after his initial vision. By 1955, it was the best-selling motorcycle in Japan. Just 20 years later, Honda was the best-selling motorcycle brand in the world and Soichiro Honda’s dream had been realised.

The catalyst behind this was the success of the C71 and C72 bikes (which evolved to be the CA and CB series). Introduced in 1957, the new models were the first Honda models to be successfully exported, initially to the UK and then to Europe.

They were cheap and inexpensive sports bikes, and despite an anti-Japanese sentiment from the likes of BSA and Triumph, where WW2 was still a relatively recent memory, the value and performance they offered was impossible to ignore. The Hondas were inexpensive, reliable and well-made sports bikes, which rapidly developed a following.

This example is a 1965 Honda CA95, with a 154cc engine, dual seat and electric start – and it has covered less than 750 miles in its 57-year life!

The Honda was registered in 1965 but for some reason was never used, sitting in the original owner’s garage for over 30 years.

The current owner bought it with under 600 miles on the clock around a decade ago, but with such a tiny mileage he never wanted to ride it too far, so has only added  150 miles in that period. It’s an original and completely unrestored bike.

The bike is supplied with a UK V5C. It is currently SORN and was last MOT’d in 2014, but is now tax and MOT exempt thanks to its historic vehicle status. 

Overall, the Honda is an exceptionally pretty bike and is in amazing condition – almost as new.

The bodywork is in good order, with the frame, forks, handlebars and mudguards all in near perfect condition, with even the badges on the fuel tank looking as new.

The seat, tank, forks, wheels and handlebars are as new, but a new set of tyres would be recommended if you plan to use it on the road as the ones on it appear to be original. 

The frame and engine numbers match and confirm its originality.

  

The 154cc alloy overhead cam is one of the most lively of its era, and gives the Honda surprisingly sprightly performance, more than capable of holding its own in modern traffic.

The sports exhausts – a lovely period feature – are at odds with its subtle, streamlined appearance but also give it a wonderful soundtrack. 

The bike is in running order and has been serviced regularly in the current keeper’s ownership despite barely be used.

This is a lovely, original and exceptionally pretty bike that benefits from wonderful styling as well as historical significance. But more than that, it’s as close as you’ll ever find to a new one.

For someone looking for an early Dream to add to a collection it would make a wonderful purchase. 

It’s an exceptional rare bike, and with what’s essentially delivery mileage, you’ll not find another…