1956 Honda JC56 BENLY

4J56-11162

Clear

Update: Please check the link below to see a video of the bike running and riding. We spent some time getting it running since the last listing. We are happy to report that it starts easily and runs fairly well. Here is a very rare opportunity to own a piece of motorcycle history. This 1956 Honda JC56 Benly is seldom seen and even more rarely seen for sale. This particular bike, shown in its brilliant red livery, was just imported from Japan along with some other bikes I brought in. It was delivered to me exactly as you see it presented here. The name Benly, loosely translated as "handy" or "convenient" is more recognized by its more contemporary 160- 250cc twin-cylinder models of the 1960s. This was the predecessor to that model, being displaced with a mere 125cc capacity. That being said, these were a very robust bike, and very capable of doing much heavier work than one would think. The first factory warranties for motorcycles were conceived around this bike. Mr. Honda thought so highly of his bikes, this one in particular, that he designed a very well respected customer service based system around them that included a warranty for full 1 year after purchase. Factory reps actually went out into the rural areas of Japan and performed warranty repairs and other needed services. One can't help to think that very sentiment is what made Honda into what it is today. Please take a look at the pictures, they show an accurate account of what you are bidding on. In an effort to give full disclosure, I will describe parts of this bike that really make it a great bike, and some parts of the bike that can use some improvements. Let's start with the good, shall we? It was obviously restored at some point. My guess is that it is an older restoration. It looks like all of the heavy lifting has been done. By that, I mean it has had extensive chrome work, painting and electrical work completed. Spokes are new and correctly zinc plated. It is very complete (minus steering lock). The shocks, which are always a challenge for these bikes, are absolutely gorgeous. Tires are older, but in nice condition. It has great compression and strong spark, and it starts and runs well. It shifts through all gears. The body work is absolutely dead straight and solid. That is one of its biggest strengths. I was not given much of any history on the bike, but the engine appears to have been disassembled at some point. It is nicely detailed, and the ultra rare glass bowl petcock joins tank and engine together via the tiny little Amal carburetor. It presents overall, very beautifully from 10 feet with its funky reverse levers and all. Upon closer inspection, and this is the part where it could have been better, the chrome on the tank has deep pits where rusty areas were cleaned and chromed over. (Please see pics) The tank is not thin by any means, just poorly finished. The same goes with the rims. They are original rims, but are re-chromed in the same fashion. Again, the pictures will show this. The paint work is decent, but has nicks and scratches where the tank and body parts come together. They were, in my opinion, hastily assembled. Some of the hardware could use re-plating. The rubber bits are overall decent, but dry. Grips look new. (I should put this in the paragraph above) Since getting the bike running, we discovered that the throttle cable is about an inch or so too long. There is not enough lift in the cable to actuate the throttle slide all the way. What you see in the video is full throttle, but the slide is only open a quarter of the way. The cable will need to be shortened to get the very best ride out of the bike. Now for the video...https://youtu.be/O9wpbTnUVMQ This bike will be sold with a bill of sale to U.S. buyers. I have not titled it as of yet, though the title section of the auction says it's clear. If it is sold internationally, those buyers should be prepared to share the burden of getting a title. This will require some time (about 3 to 6 weeks) to get the bike inspected by the CHP, and then titled with the DMV. That said, I can store the bike until this is done and while shipping is arranged. It must be paid in full prior to that time and per the auction terms. I will require a non-refundable deposit of $300 via Pay Pal within 48 hours of the auctions end. The balance will be paid in cash, wire transfer, or cashiers check. This will be done no later than 7 days after the auction has ended. The latter two payment options will require bank time to process funds before the bike can leave my possession. Shipping is 100% up to the buyer. I will assist where I can, just ask. I've done it before. Please ask any questions regarding condition, shipping, storage, etc. before bidding. These auctions take a lot of time to construct and maintain. My time to do this is very limited and therefore, very precious to me. Please be mindful of that and only bid if you plan to own this bike. Best of luck.