1965 Honda CA

ca955005832

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Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE That’s right 518 miles on the odometer! Barn find is SO overused, but that's what this is. It's an honest motorcycle that is in great running order. From all of the information gathered when I purchased the motorcycle, I am the third owner of the little Benly. The original owner was a Pennsylvania farmer who bought the motorcycle new in Tamaqua, PA (the original seller’s sticker is still on the rear swing arm!). Based on the information provided by the second owner and some mechanical forensic work, it would appear that the farmer purchased the Honda, rode it very little and then crashed it. This is based on the low miles, small dent in the front fender and fork (see pictures), as well as a broken clutch perch that was present when I purchased it. As is often the case, the crash likely scared the farmer to the point of parking the bike in the barn, never to be ridden again. Based on the inspection sticker on the rear fender, this likely happened sometime in 1975 and that was the last time the bike ran until I bought it. The Benly is a time capsule and very original, including the original tool roll and manual (see pics). It also has the original key When I first purchased the Benly, I was dubious of the mileage, but the more I worked on it, the more I was certain that the mileage on the odometer was accurate. I first confirmed that the speedo cable and mechanism was intact and working properly, with no signs of it being tampered with. Then, while working on it, every nut and bolt came off with an ease that is only present when something has not seen much use. Despite the low mileage, the bike was stored in a barn, so it shows the typical surface rust, etc that you would expect. Here’s what I know is wrong with the bike: Overall, the original paint is in good shape, but there are some surface rust spots here and there – some on the swing arm, some under the tank, some on the lower part of the stamped frame and some in the inner cavety of the stamped frame. The rustiest part of the bike is the flared part of the front fender. Nothing is beyond surface rust. There are no pinholes, or anything that is deeply rusted. The gas tank is also very solid inside with no cream or other fixes.The right exhaust silencer has a spot that is rusted through.There is a rip in the seatThe right knob that screws the plastic cover on is chippedThe rear brake light does not work (I think it just needs a bulb – the headlight works just fine)The rims looked great on the inside when changing tires, but show some pitting and minor rust in spots on the exteriorThe left tank badge is shriveled and cracked; the right tank badge is missing (but original screws are still there) I tried to accurately capture all of the good and bad in the pictures, but if you have any questions, or want a different angle just let me know. I live about 45 minutes Northwest of Philadelphia and would welcome anyone to come and take a look/ride in person. Since owning the bike, I have done the following to get it in proper running order: Cleaned the gas tank with EvapoRustChanged the oilAdjusted the valvesReplaced the spark plugs (originals will be included if you want them)Rebuilt the carburetor (all old parts have been kept)Rebuilt the petcockReplaced the fuel lines and added a filterReplaced the front and rear tires with NOS Goodyears that have the correct tread pattern, but not the correct whitewallsInstalled a new batteryInstalled a reproduction air cleaner (original is included, but the element is ratty)Lubed the grease fittings and cleaned and re-greased the wheel bearingsInstalled a new gas cap gasket (NOS Honda)Replaced the broken clutch perch with a used Honda perch from the same timeframe (a few threads for the 8mm mirror stalk are missing, but the mirror still tightens up just fine)Added 8mm repro mirrors – lower and smaller than stock, but look the part What’s missing? The shroud that goes between the carb and frameThe two covers on the rear fender struts (where euro signals were) This then leads to the “why to you want to sell it” question. The truth is, I bought the bike to perform a sympathetic mechanical rebuild and then to ride it in all of it’s patina’d glory. But with such low miles, every time I take it around the block, I stare at the odometer and feel bad putting miles on it. So, I’d like to pass it on to the next own to enjoy as is or use as a starting point for a full restoration. The bike is registered, tagged, insured, and titled (in my name) in PA. Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs and processes