Some bikes are pretty recognizable, and even more are very easy to date to a decade. The Honda CA72 and CA77 are pretty easy. There can be no doubt they belong to the 1960s and the Dreams have a pretty easily recognized profile.
The CA (American) series was the first ‘large displacement’ twins that Honda mass exported starting in 1961. Designated a ‘touring’ model they featured a very good 360 degree (both pistons go up and down together) OHC twin. The bikes were ahead of their time in the market as they featured electric start and 12 volt electrics. They did not leak oil which meant you could park it in your girlfriend’s driveway and her Father wouldn’t yell at you.
The 1962 Honda CA77 was all steel. A rigid pressed and welded frame with steel fenders and covers made for a heavy, durable bike. The suspension used twin rear shocks with a leading edge front that led to stable if not racy handling.
Did you know that Elvis Presley owned several CA 77s? See photo proof here.
The 1962 CA77 Dream featured a 305 cc single Overhead Cam parallel twin motor which claimed 23 HP and a top speed of 86 MPH. The motor was to develop into a Honda tradition. It weighed in at a robust 350 LBS with a 2.5 gallon gas tank and reported 50 to 70 MPG. Brakes were single shoe drum units and considered fair at the time.
This particular 1962 Honda CA77 Dream is in Ojai, California and is listed as a 2,100 mile bike that was purchased from the original owner’s family. Said to be recently tuned it looks to be all there. The bike is currently priced at $1,705.00 with 37 bids and reserve not met
Sources:
Motorcycle Classics
Wikipedia
Scotty Moore
Cycle Chaos