1956 Honda Benly JC56

JC56-1668x

Other

1956 Honda Benly JC56 Pre export Honda. VIN JC56-1668x (difficult to see the fifth digit) Engine # 4J56-16803 This Benly is in the USA now. I brought it here in 2008. It was already rusty and in need of complete restoration. It is mostly complete. I know it is missing the wiring harness, handlebar switches and levers, tail light lens and some other small parts. The engine is stuck. I will not turn over. This engine will need complete rebuild. I have rebuilt 7 of these engines. They are easy to work on and will run very reliably when rebuilt. I can supply some engine parts. The carb is missing. I can supply a carb body and some carb parts. The seat is a mess as you can see from the photos but it is recoverable as the seat pan is still there. At the moment there are maybe three or four of these in the USA. I have two in my shop now. One is restored and this is the other. I can help a restorer with photos of a correct JC56 and I can also supply parts diagrams and exploded assembly views. This bike is an outstanding example of what Honda was doing before it began selling outside of Japans shores. I have restored several Honda Benlys from 1954 through 1958. A restoration of a bike like this requires a commitment of time and money. If you have ever taken a 1960s or 70s Honda to a vintage bike show I sure you have heard comments like "I had one of those when I was a kid". It is a great comment intended to show appreciation. If you take this bike in restored shape or unrestored you will NEVER hear anyone say "I had one of those when..." I will not happen because Honda never sole even one of these new in the USA or anywhere other than Japan. The good news for this auction is that, first, the bike is here in the USA. You can come look at it if you like and you have no import fees or headaches. Second, there is no reserve and the the start price is extremely low for a bike as rare and historically significant as this one. The reason for this is fairly clear. This bike does need total restoration unless you like really rusty and sad looking old bikes. I will help with shipping but all costs are to be paid by the buyer. At the moment it typically costs around 650 to ship a bike from California to the East Coast. I have used a few shipping companies who do a very good job. Look at all the photos and ask any questions you have. Thanks thebenlyshop