1965 Honda CB72

1965 Honda CB72

Few motorcycles changed the face of motorcycling as much as the Honda CB72 and CB77 Hawk and Super Hawk. Introduced in 1961, these models changed not only the public’s perception of Honda, but more importantly, it changed the public’s perception of motorcycling in general. Honda’s marketing catch-cry of the 1960s was, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”, and so set forth an image that began the demise of the stereotype bad-arse biker. The reliable, clean and smooth CB72 and CB77 were the right bikes for these nice people.

Based on Honda’s first twin, the 1957 250cc C70, the C72 arrived in 1960’s and sported much 70’s features & parts, like pressed-steel frame, forks, swinging arm and rear chain case. The engine's basic layout likewise was retained, but benefitted greatly from a wet sump lubrication and the clutch moved from the crankshaft to the gearbox main-shaft. Maximum power increased to 20bhp at 8,000rpm, helped by a 180-degree crankshaft and twin carburettors, and the sportier CB derivative received a tubular spine frame instead of the pressed-steel chassis, ad made 24bhp at a then-stratospheric 9,000rpm.

The CB72 possessed an excellent power-to-weight ratio endowing it with performance challenging that of many British 500s. Boasting an overhead-camshaft engine, electric starter, rev counter and twin-leading-shoe brakes, the CB72 was unmatched by any of its rivals. Indeed, such specifications (electric starter apart) would have been the exclusive preserve of exotic racing machinery only a few years previously. Tailor-made for production racing, the Honda CB72 was one of the first Oriental models to make its mark in this increasingly popular and important branch of motorcycle sport.

Today the CB72 is one of the most desirable of early Japanese classics, and is constantly growing in demand amongst enthusiasts. This bike is one of the first models produced by Honda. This beautifully restored Honda CB72 is presently in Queensland (Australia) and as the photos show, has been painfully restored to concourse condition. The advertised price is a fraction of the restoration costs and must surely be the best value vintage Honda for any enthusiast.

Following is a list of new NOS parts that were fitted during restoration.

Hagon replica rear shocks   Swing arm bushes both metal and Bakelite   Ignition coils   Ignition switch 

A & B Wiring harnesses  Condenser & Rectifier   Ar filters & filter tubes  All seals and gaskets

Front/rear wheel bearings  F/R Tyres & front brake linings   Taillight unit complete  Fork seals

Tappet covers  Complete starter clutch   All control cables  Foot peg rubbers

Front and rear sprockets  Rear drive chain

Click the link below to see hi-res pics of this bike.

1965 Honda CB72

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Stock No: MK-CB72

Ref: 248 SOLD