﹒Original, unrestored example with a characterful patina
﹒19,264km believed to be genuine
﹒Rare Japanese Domestic market spec
﹒Sought after model with historical value

Soichiro Honda’s ‘Dream’ motorcycle programme had really taken off by the time the CB72 models arrived at the end of 1962.

It was a pivotal moment in his vision to not only mobilise post-war Japan, but also create a Japanese motorcycle which would go on to take on the world. It was a bold vision, but one that was a success, from the first Honda Type A motorised bicycle in 1947 to become the best-selling motorcycle brand in Japan by 1955.

The first export success came in the form 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 some pushback from the likes of BSA and Triumph in the UK and Harley-Davidson in the USA, where WW2 was still a relatively recent memory, the value, performance and reliability on offer was hard to ignore. The Hondas were inexpensive, reliable and well-made sports bikes, which rapidly developed a following.

This example is a 1963 CB72 Dream 250, which took the Honda’s styling away from the streamlined Fifties excess of the CA to a much simpler, more modern design for a new era. It was a formula that fired imaginations across the globe – by the time this style of CM model went out of production in 1977 (now with a 500cc engine) Honda had become the most prolific motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

Although the CB72 was Honda’s most exported model, this example is an original Japanese domestic market bike and remained there for most of its life before being imported into the UK in 2018.

It’s one of the very early CB72s and has just 19,264km on the clock. Aside from localised cosmetic repairs it has never been restored.

Supplied with the bike are a UK V5C having been first registered in 2018 on an age related number. Aside from a change of keeper, the new owner will need to do nothing more to use and enjoy it.

This is a very smart and presentable bike in great overall condition, with no damage to the frame, tank or body. The paintwork is original and is largely in good condition with the odd mark due to age but this adds to the characterful patina of the bike. 

The fuel tank is in its original smart chrome finish and is free of dents or discolouration although the chrome has very slight blistering expected given the age, while the saddle is trimmed in good quality black leather.

The forks, tyres, handlebars and brakes are in presentable order, as are the front and rear lamp units and indicators.

The original silencers have had some level of localised repair, including some paint added to the downpipes probably due to the chrome coming off at some point and the silencer boxes have some small dents as to be expected.

It retains its original factory frame and engine number.

The 250cc twin benefits from 12v electrics and electric start, and the vendor has advised it was in good working order when last started over a year ago, but given a long period of lay up in dry storage, an element of recommissioning will be necessary.

The vendor reports that the little Honda rode well and due to being designed with a 360 degree crankshaft, enjoys fantastic mid-range torque.

The tyres, brakes and suspension appear to be in good order, while the forks, dampers and external brake components all look to be in decent condition and should work nicely after recommissioning and checking over.

This is a really early CB72 and is in great condition – and with a level of light recommissioning, could be soon ready to use and enjoy. 

An early CB72 is a rare thing and makes this the perfect example to acquire ahead of the model’s 60th anniversary next year. It’s also rare in being a genuine Japanese Domestic Market-spec example in the UK.

It’s registered and with a little work will be good to go and ready to be enjoyed for the summer!



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