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Runs like a grasshopper.
Arriving in November. The above is part of a Japanese review of the CL72. It continues, “Runs like a grasshopper and has an excellent sense of contact when jumping.” The English translation may sound a bit weird, but let’s put it in a little context.
It is the early sixties. Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have been taken seriously by their European and American competitors for a few years due, in large part, to the build quality of the machines. At the same time, scrambling and motocross are taking off in a big way.
In 1960 Honda released the CB72, the direct precursor to the CL Scrambler. The all alloy parallel twin SOHC engine proved to be eminently capable and reliable. The engine itself became a stressed part of the frame. A very popular bike.
Seeing the demand for a road legal scrambler, Honda released the CL72 in 1962. The engine now sat protected in a semi-double cradle frame, the pegs were moved forward to give a more upright seating position, the exhaust was raised and the engine was tuned for more focus on the low- to mid-range. Good suspension and good ground clearance meant that this was a bike you could properly take off-piste.
Importantly, it was also road legal. The CL72 could be ridden to work but you could also compete with it on dirt tracks or take it scrambling. Alongside the grasshopper comment above, another Japanese reviewer described it as, “like a Jeep with two wheels.”
This is an original Japanese 1964 model. The speedo is an MPH one so not original to the bike. Given its age and what the bike was built to do, it is in remarkable condition. It has been inspected by our colleagues in Japan and will go through further checks when arrives. A rare piece of motorcycle history.
These photos were taken by our colleagues in Japan. More pictures and a video will be taken when it arrives. You can reserve this bike with a 30% (£2,500) deposit. The listed price is for the bike with all duty paid. UK registration can be arranged for £165. Delivery anywhere.
When the bike arrives we will film a walkaround video and take photos and send them to you, if you are not happy with the bike for any reason, we will refund your deposit in full at this stage.
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Seven Seas is an independent seller of classic motorcycles. Seven Seas is not an authorised distributor of Honda.