Honda C72-77. Still not hot!

The engine with which Honda went 'heavy': the Honda C77. That was a Honda C300 drilled to 72 cc. Those machines were revolutionary in the first half of the 72s. But no matter how fantastic the technique was: the styling was completely 'fifties' and the road handling left a lot to be desired outside of quiet use. Ivanhoe's Steel Rocking Horse sold best. But at the beginning of the seventies, so much good news came that the C77 and CXNUMXs soon faced a sad fate.

In the orchard

Later, much later, I was once in the orchard behind motor scrap yard Muts in Soest. All the unsaleable stuff was stored in that orchard. There were, stood, about 15 Honda C72's and Honda C77's in various states of redemption. Shrubs and trees grew through it. When trying to pull out such a deceased person, I pulled the frame in half. Of course I was even stronger then than now. Yet…

All nostalgia

What is worth nothing is also not saved. But I have nostalgic memories of these Hondas. And a while ago I was awarded a project again. An incomplete project. I am not in a hurry with the rebirth and left an ear to the left and right to hear if someone had some things lying around somewhere. But when I asked, I got the orange-red Honda pretty complete. But things kept missing. And I kept quietly asking and searching. I am looking for a carburettor and the cap around it plus a half chain guard for example.

You can always ask

Recently I ended up at BOR motorparts in the world famous De Lutte. I was looking for parts for our son's CBF125. Incidentally, the only reason to drive a Honda CBF125 is that things cost almost nothing and consume almost nothing. That is ideal for a student. But if the old Soichiro Honda saw the quality of these Hondas made in Faraway Gistan or Bokkiebokkieland, he would be spinning like a fan in his grave.

But the answers can be surprising

All in all, business in De Lutte was pleasantly arranged. "Is there anything else you are looking for?" Completely without any expectations, I asked "What are you waiting for a Honda C72 or Honda C77?" The stocks of motorcycle scrap yards? They usually go back to 1980 or so. Not until 1965. There is simply no trade for them in that corner. A modern engine dismantling company relies on its turnover speeds. In de Lutte, however, it was once again proven that you should never not ask something because you think the question is meaningless anyway. I learned that in my service from a platoon mate; While going out on a Wednesday night, he asked any girl the question: “Do you want to make love to me?” Actually, he said something different. When asked what was behind that strategy, his answer was: "Only one has to say 'Yes'."

An abandoned project

Derk-Jan van BOR - by the way, that stands for 'Ben Olde Rikkert', the name of the owner - did not look back. "Just come along". The Dream project he had was much more than I needed. And as a freelancer, I have a somewhat cautious purchasing policy in these weird times. But there is a very nice project in De Lutte. And proof that you just have to ask everything to get the most surprising answers.

More articles about classic engines through this link.

Also interesting to read:
- A Honda Dream in the attic
- The C72 & C77 Dreams. Honda's Ugly Ducklings
- Price of your classic motorcycle ... if you wait long enough - column
- Lilac. From Marusho. They were flops
- Small, light motorcycles