Honda C71, C76, C72, C77 Dream

It had a square head-light and shock absorbers, leading link forks, pressed-steel handlebars and were somewhat unusual in appearance.

The design of both the frame and engine was heavily influenced by bikes built by NSU Motorenwerke AG, which Soichiro Honda had seen on his visit to Europe in 1955, including the Isle of Man TT races.

There was a version specifically built for the US market called the CA76, which came equipped with conventional tubular handlebars, although the standard pressed-steel bar C71 and C76 were also sold in the US.

The dry-sumped engine, in the same pressed frame, with tubular handlebars, low sports exhaust pipes and dual seat, with an angular fuel tank similar to the CB92.

It was very reminiscent of the CB92 – pressed frame, flat 'ace' handlebars, fly screen, low megaphone exhaustpipes, cut down rear mudguard, cycle-style front guard, angular fueltank with the 'wrap-over' rubber kneepad of the CB92.

These bikes saw a completely redesigned engine: a wet-sump design with many internal differences, essentially a new motor, with electric start and 12v system.

The C72/C77 was exported to Europe, Britain, Australia and other markets, and sold in some numbers, although as it was comparatively expensive, not as well as hoped.

Post-WW2 anti-Japanese sentiment was still rife, and in the UK, manufacturers like BSA and Triumph attempted to convince dealers not to sell Japanese bikes.

These days, these Honda models are considered collectibles, and have a strong following in the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club.