Detail Info for: Honda: CE71 Dream Sport 250 Incredibly rare 1959 Honda CE71 Dream Sport 250
Transaction Info
Sold On:
08/01/2016
Price:
$ 9995.00
Condition:
Mileage:
7800
Location:
Spring Valley, California, 91977
Seller Type:
Private Seller
Vehicle Specification
Year Make Model:
1959 Honda CE71 Dream Sport 250
Submodel Body Type:
Engine:
Transmission:
VIN:
CE71-10109
Vehicle Title:
Rebuilt, Rebuildable & Reconstructed
Drive Train:
Fuel Type:
Standard Equipment:
Optional Equipment:
Vehicle Detail
This 1959 Honda CE71 Dream Sport is one of around 400 produced (Honda parts books show 390, but we found a bike #438/#452 engine in Australia). American Honda setup in Los Angeles in June of 1959 and this was one of their first US-spec models. This 250cc dry-sump engine model has visual cues of the 1959-64 CB92 125cc Benly Super Sports machines, but in a 2x engine size. Loosely based upon the previous (1957-58) dry-sump Dreams, this model has numerous departures from their rotary-gearbox brethren of that era.
Instead of the 16" wheels used on all other standard 250-305cc Dreams, this model sports 18" wheels featuring magnesium hubs and SLS brake panels. The fuel tank mimics that of the CB92, but is larger and has different knee pad configurations, plus features larger tank badges than the CB92. Apart from a dent a the rear edge of the tank, it is quite sound and has minimal rust inside. The tank comes complete with petcock and screw-on gas cap. One knee pad is missing.
Engine-wise, the CE71 was equipped with a return-shift 4 speed transmission vs. the rotary gearboxes used on domestic Dreams. The engine has CB71 engine components including a more aggressive camshaft, higher compression pistons and a larger 24mm carburetor. The stock carburetor is present and just needs cleaning and a new float. The air filter tube and air filter elements are missing, but wet-sump Dream parts are available in the aftermarket. These engines are dry-sump with a separate oil tank mounted on the right side of the chassis. Note: these bikes were built with 6v electrics and the electric starter is missing from this machine. Because of the carryover of the early Dreams to the 1960-67 wet-sump Dreams, many of the parts can be interchanged. I believe that it might be a wise move to install a 12v starter, which should bolt right up to the cases and then upgrade the rest of the electrics to 12v.The stock 6v batteries are mostly non-existent now. The engine turns over with compression, but does not run.The CE71 engine has dual coils and a dual-point ignition system. All those components are present, along with the rectifier and original wiring harness.
The mufflers were long-gone when the bike was acquired from the previous owner in OK who had the bike in storage for over 30 years. There is NO TITLE for this bike, as it stands. eBay doesn't give an option for "no title" but I will give a bill of sale and could probably secure "title only" paperwork from the state of California for about $100 in fees, plus my time to make several trips to DMV and CHP. Reproduction mufflers can be made to order from a supplier in Australia.
The bike came to me with a flattened original front tire (Ohtsu brand) and a flattened rear tire which was an undersized Bridgestone unit, probably from a CB77. Correct tire sizes are 3.00x18 front and 3.50x18 rear. The original and very rusty wheels have been re-laced with new 1.85x18 rims (not OEM) on both ends. An unused, but very old (2000) C/S 3.25x18 tire is currently mounted on the back but a new 3.50x18 tire is included in the sale.
The seat, chain guard and front fender were missing from the bike when received. A stock C71 seat and front fender were purchased and the fender installed (needs a little more work). The seat frame will require some modification to match up with the CB92-style front seat mount on the frame. The front fender is similar to the CE71. The stock CE71 fender has a radius that matches the 18" wheel diameters, but it isn't a dramatic change from the original 16" C71 fender.
A new complete engine gasket set is being included in the sale, supplied by CMSNL in Holland, who had them made for their engine rebuilds of dry-sump Dreams. Other NOS parts include the steering damper knob, front suspension bar and the right side mirror with bracket. The missing air cleaner plate is being replaced by a new one in black. Both side covers are present, however the mounting plate bracket for the forward oil tank cover is not OEM. The bike's original rectangular tail light is mostly there. The 255 code tail light lens is missing as is the double-ended tail light bulb. New reproduction lenses are available from Clauss Studios in Hesperia, CA.
The handlebar is an OEM stock unit requiring chrome plating. The left side clutch bracket and switch are present, but the correct lever is missing. A flipped-over brake lever will work in the interim. The right side brake bracket is present and a temporary brake cable fixed in place for ease of movement, but needs to be replaced by a correct 52" cable. The clutch cable was too damaged to be used and was apparently incorrect anyway. A NOS throttle cable has been received, but the right side throttle housing/starter button switch are missing at the moment. CB77 switch/throttle housings should work properly in lieu of the stock parts.
This not a good "first project" bike for beginners. CE71 parts are extremely difficult to source and some fabrication will be required. The chassis as a whole is in good condition, however there is a large dent across the rear fender section and a small split on the fender just below. This bike was caked with thick mud which seems to have protected the engine from corrosion up front. Apparently, it was driven without a front fender on muddy, dirt roads for quite awhile. Mileage showing just over 7800 could be correct, but the end of the speedometer needle is missing and its condition/function is unknown. The speedometer can be rebuilt by Foreign Speedometer in San Diego. I have a C71 headlight which is 6v and has a replaceable bulb.
FYI a fully restored CE71 went to auction in Las Vegas earlier this year and had bids up to $29k!
Compare mine with this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/honda-CE71-For-restoration-CB92-Benly-C76-CA95-/181857655313 that sold for $16k recently.
The bike is wearing a coat of Honda's lightly-metallic Maroon paint, which had a specific paint code (P). It is obvious that the bike was built from blue bike parts which were re-run at the paint shop in the new color, as blue paint shows up beneath the paint in many locations on the bike. CE71s were available in either Blue or Maroon colors.
Bike is sold as-is, where-is in San Diego, CA. I can assist with loading the bike onto a truck or your preferred carrier.
Instead of the 16" wheels used on all other standard 250-305cc Dreams, this model sports 18" wheels featuring magnesium hubs and SLS brake panels. The fuel tank mimics that of the CB92, but is larger and has different knee pad configurations, plus features larger tank badges than the CB92. Apart from a dent a the rear edge of the tank, it is quite sound and has minimal rust inside. The tank comes complete with petcock and screw-on gas cap. One knee pad is missing.
Engine-wise, the CE71 was equipped with a return-shift 4 speed transmission vs. the rotary gearboxes used on domestic Dreams. The engine has CB71 engine components including a more aggressive camshaft, higher compression pistons and a larger 24mm carburetor. The stock carburetor is present and just needs cleaning and a new float. The air filter tube and air filter elements are missing, but wet-sump Dream parts are available in the aftermarket. These engines are dry-sump with a separate oil tank mounted on the right side of the chassis. Note: these bikes were built with 6v electrics and the electric starter is missing from this machine. Because of the carryover of the early Dreams to the 1960-67 wet-sump Dreams, many of the parts can be interchanged. I believe that it might be a wise move to install a 12v starter, which should bolt right up to the cases and then upgrade the rest of the electrics to 12v.The stock 6v batteries are mostly non-existent now. The engine turns over with compression, but does not run.The CE71 engine has dual coils and a dual-point ignition system. All those components are present, along with the rectifier and original wiring harness.
The mufflers were long-gone when the bike was acquired from the previous owner in OK who had the bike in storage for over 30 years. There is NO TITLE for this bike, as it stands. eBay doesn't give an option for "no title" but I will give a bill of sale and could probably secure "title only" paperwork from the state of California for about $100 in fees, plus my time to make several trips to DMV and CHP. Reproduction mufflers can be made to order from a supplier in Australia.
The bike came to me with a flattened original front tire (Ohtsu brand) and a flattened rear tire which was an undersized Bridgestone unit, probably from a CB77. Correct tire sizes are 3.00x18 front and 3.50x18 rear. The original and very rusty wheels have been re-laced with new 1.85x18 rims (not OEM) on both ends. An unused, but very old (2000) C/S 3.25x18 tire is currently mounted on the back but a new 3.50x18 tire is included in the sale.
The seat, chain guard and front fender were missing from the bike when received. A stock C71 seat and front fender were purchased and the fender installed (needs a little more work). The seat frame will require some modification to match up with the CB92-style front seat mount on the frame. The front fender is similar to the CE71. The stock CE71 fender has a radius that matches the 18" wheel diameters, but it isn't a dramatic change from the original 16" C71 fender.
A new complete engine gasket set is being included in the sale, supplied by CMSNL in Holland, who had them made for their engine rebuilds of dry-sump Dreams. Other NOS parts include the steering damper knob, front suspension bar and the right side mirror with bracket. The missing air cleaner plate is being replaced by a new one in black. Both side covers are present, however the mounting plate bracket for the forward oil tank cover is not OEM. The bike's original rectangular tail light is mostly there. The 255 code tail light lens is missing as is the double-ended tail light bulb. New reproduction lenses are available from Clauss Studios in Hesperia, CA.
The handlebar is an OEM stock unit requiring chrome plating. The left side clutch bracket and switch are present, but the correct lever is missing. A flipped-over brake lever will work in the interim. The right side brake bracket is present and a temporary brake cable fixed in place for ease of movement, but needs to be replaced by a correct 52" cable. The clutch cable was too damaged to be used and was apparently incorrect anyway. A NOS throttle cable has been received, but the right side throttle housing/starter button switch are missing at the moment. CB77 switch/throttle housings should work properly in lieu of the stock parts.
This not a good "first project" bike for beginners. CE71 parts are extremely difficult to source and some fabrication will be required. The chassis as a whole is in good condition, however there is a large dent across the rear fender section and a small split on the fender just below. This bike was caked with thick mud which seems to have protected the engine from corrosion up front. Apparently, it was driven without a front fender on muddy, dirt roads for quite awhile. Mileage showing just over 7800 could be correct, but the end of the speedometer needle is missing and its condition/function is unknown. The speedometer can be rebuilt by Foreign Speedometer in San Diego. I have a C71 headlight which is 6v and has a replaceable bulb.
FYI a fully restored CE71 went to auction in Las Vegas earlier this year and had bids up to $29k!
Compare mine with this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/honda-CE71-For-restoration-CB92-Benly-C76-CA95-/181857655313 that sold for $16k recently.
The bike is wearing a coat of Honda's lightly-metallic Maroon paint, which had a specific paint code (P). It is obvious that the bike was built from blue bike parts which were re-run at the paint shop in the new color, as blue paint shows up beneath the paint in many locations on the bike. CE71s were available in either Blue or Maroon colors.
Bike is sold as-is, where-is in San Diego, CA. I can assist with loading the bike onto a truck or your preferred carrier.
