1965 Honda 250 Scrambler Cl72 Cl-72 Cl 72 Cl77 305 on 2040-motos

  Selling my very carefully restored 1965 Honda 250 Scrambler CL72.  This is a matching numbers motorcycle (or as close as it got back then). I found this bike around 2002 through a local VJMC notice advertising a free Honda Dream.  Turns out it was this Honda CL72 that had a connection to the same family since the mid-60's.  A young man in Indianapolis owned it and was drafted and went off to Vietnam where he was killed in combat.  Dad gave and sold the bike several times with the understanding that it be offered first to him when that owner was ready to sell.  So, all owners over the years did just that and the last one returned it to the father where it sat in his garage for several years.

  He finally was ready to move on and offered it for free to a good home.  I was lucky enough to be the first one to get there.  For the next several years, I worked on faithfully restoring the bike to it's original state using the Bill Silver guides, photos and other reference material I could find.  I have seen many ads for Honda CL72's for sale on eBay over the years and almost none of them are truly correct.  Other than the paint and spokes and maybe one cable, this bike is as close to bone stock as you're likely to get.  If you are looking for a truly original CL-72, this is a good choice.  I have had it for several years and it it time to hand it off to a new proud owner.  Moving to California and a smaller garage

   Here are the details on the resoration that was completed in 2007.

• All red parts (including seat pan) were carefully stripped and powder coated red.  Not quite the original color (a little too red), but only the most knowledgeable would notice.  Still in perfect condition.
• Silver parts were painted Imron Silver with a clear coat.  Rivets were left intact for originality.  There are two small issues currently with silver paint.  The tank has a small flat raised bump on the top surface, and the front fender has a small rash on the front lip. Photos of both are included.
• Engine was disassembled and rebuilt with all new gaskets and seals.  Ring and valve job included.  Original bore maintained with cylinders honed.  Compression reads about 125 lbs with engine warm.  Gasket between engine case and cylinder seeps just a bit and it does leak a bit of oil.  Oil just changed by the way.
• Two NOS carbs are installed.  These are exceedingly rare.
• Parts from the original bike were used wherever possible to maintain originality.  Has original front and rear aluminum fenders.  Even the small tag in Japanese characters on the rear swingarm and the rare original chainguard are in place. Also, reproduction cable adjuster springs were installed on clutch and original front brake levers. 
• I assume that the speedometer I got with the bike was the original and it currently reads just over 5700 miles.  I have ridden the bike maybe 200 miles since restoration in 2007.  It mostly sits in the garage under cover. 
• Starts on first kick and runs fine although it can be cold-blooded.  I just installed a Probe Engineering Electronic Ignition last weekend and it runs better than ever.
• I have taken it to Mid-Ohio VMD once and it has been to a couple of VJMC swap meets.
• Original wheels were re-chromed, re-laced and trued by me using a spoke set from Buchanan Wheels in California made using original samples.  Has new Cheng-Shin tires.
• Wheel hubs were polished and handlebars and rear chrome grab handle were rechromed.
• Front forks were rebuilt with new seals and rechromed seal retainers.
• Front fender brace is NOS.
• I have owner's manual that I will include. No tool kit.
• Original exhaust, exhaust gaurds and rear shocks were not re-chromed to maintain originality. Plus they were in generally good condition.  Some minor pitting is visible.
• New seat cover purchased from CoolRetroBikes in Florida and installed by local upholstery shop specializing in vintage cars and bikes.  They also installed new foam.
• All zinc hardware, pegs and sidestand are original and were replated by me using a Eastwood plating kit.  Some very minor surface staining (rust) visible. 
• New battery this Spring. Battery tender installed and included.  
• Frame number is CL72 1001828, Engine Number CL72 1001805.
• Clear Illinois title.

  This bike appears in the August 2009 edition of the VJMC Magazine in an article I wrote comparing this restored 1965 with an original 1964 CL72 I owned at the time.  I'll include a copy of the issue with the sale.  You could also read the article in the VJMC archives if you are a member.  The article also describes in more detail some history about the previous owner.  There is also a short video posted that you can view at http://youtu.be/FG_xZHmVnIA .

  As with any vintage vehicle, there is no warranty.  Bike is sold as is, where is.  With that said, I will assist any buyer as necessary to get the bike to it's next home - always do!  I am now located in Menifee, California.  If you live near by and want to come see the bike, just let me know.  Also, if you live in Southern California, or maybe even Northern California, I may be tempted to deliver or meet the buyer somewhere.  We can work out the details, but I do ask that you check with me prior to bidding. 

  Please note that I value my feedback rating and do my best to describe all items accurately.  However, I may miss something that you consider important so please feel free to ask questions - prior to bidding please.  Good luck!