This Is the 1962 Honda CA72 Dream 250: A Retro Gem
Meet the 1962 Honda CA72 Dream 250, a slice of motorcycle history that comes with a real flair for the dramatic: white leg shields, a classic blue finish, and an engine that purrs with nostalgia. Beneath its vintage exterior lies a 247cc SOHC parallel-twin engine matched with a four-speed gearbox. The bike flaunts a two-up seat in matching blue and boasts amenities including 16″ wire-spoke wheels, dual exhausts, and the ability to start with either the electric or kick option. This CA72 was snagged by the seller in 2024 and now awaits a new home. A neat package of spare parts, microfiche parts diagrams, and a clean Arizona title seal the deal.
Stunning Blue Finish with Classic Chrome Touches
Originally finished in a captivating blue with chrome fuel tank panels, this beauty’s premium look is carried by a blue vinyl-upholstered, two-up seat. White leg shields frame the bike subtly, while both center and side stands offer stable parking options. A 2.5-gallon fuel tank sits atop a pressed-steel frame, complete with an integrated rear fender and rubber knee grips. Even with its grace, hinting at this bike’s rebellious edge, are the mirrors, headlight, taillight, and the quirky hand pump adorning the left side bodywork. Note: Corrosion on chrome parts and a non-functional steering lock are part of its character, adding imperfections on the front fender tip.
Vintage Wheels and Braking System
The CA72 rolls on flashy chrome-finished 16″ wire-spoke wheels with Firestone whitewall tires proudly bearing 2022 date codes. Shocks with preload adjustability love decoupling from tradition while staying true with a stamped-steel leading-link fork. Drum brakes at both ends complete this retro ride.
Dashboard and Instrumentation Woes
Sitting proudly behind a classic chrome handlebar is the old-school 100-mph Nippon Seiki speedometer. This five-digit odometer reads 5,400 miles—200 of which have been put there by the seller. Yet, don’t be fooled by its straightforward demeanor; the speedometer needle quirkily rests at 10 mph when idle, adding to the enigmatic mystery of its total mileage.
Engine: The Heart That Roars
The air-cooled 247cc SOHC parallel-twin engine roars with a chrome dual exhaust system and equally accommodating kick and electric starters. In September 2024, this beast got a refresh with a new air cleaner, spark plugs, an oil change, and tuning to the valves and timing. An aftermarket petcock stands at attention, and, in a twist of fate, the original lies in wait within the sale package.
Transmission: Crafting the Ride
With a four-speed transmission directing power through an enclosed drive chain, this machine shifts power efficiently, although a clutch slip in fourth gear under load provides just enough intrigue to keep you sharp and alert.
Included Accessories
As part of this vintage deal, microfiche parts diagrams and spare parts come along for the ride, promising to keep this dream alive and rolling for years to come.