Newbie

[LOUD MOUSE]

Thanks for your explanation pertaining to MC license in the UK.
You affirmed what I recall back in the 60's.
What better reason for more of the CB72 bikes to be sold there than the CB77.
I can't seem to get a response if the Netherlands had those restrictions for some reason.
When I rode my first CL72 there in California I thought I had the best-est bike made! 1963
I'm sure ya can understand what happened here when the CL77 came along with the power difference.
It was the same for the CB77.
Just a little more $$$ and a lot more power.
That bike in AUSTRALIA is sure nice to know it is still as built.
But as I questioned previously I do wonder about some of the production figures.
..................lm

I imagine that, back in the day, the CB72 would have been a popular choice to import into the UK; the rationale being:

• It
  could be legally ridden by budding motorcyclists with just a 'provisional' licence*
  looked and performed like a proper motorcycle**
  is a 'twin'***
  has looks that are indiscernible from its bigger-displacement sibling****

* Back then, in the UK, one was allowed to ride a m/c under 250cc with just a provisional licence; there was no time limit surrounding 'passing the test' and one wasn't compelled to undergo CBT (Compulsory Basic Training); L-plates were required to be clearly displayed, back & front and carrying a pillion passenger was reliant upon him or her having passed their m/c test. Upon 'passing' one could jump on any displacement of m/c (at 16) and ride, ride, ride! This law was first changed -- I can't be sure as to when but I believe it was the late '70s -- whereby a 16-year-old could ride only a 50cc moped and then, I believe, up to 125cc after the age of 17 until he/she passed the test. Maybe G-man, phactory Phil, Simon (Fisher) or Dennis could clarify here? It didn't apply to me and I had no kids 'till '81, so no interest in the law change.

**We had decrepit 4-stroke 250cc singles (BSA C15 & Barracuda -- I'm sure Matchless, AJS et al tried too -- along with the 200cc Triumph Tiger Cub)

***We also had a 4-stroke twin: the very woolly and wheezie Norton Jubilee! Our 2-stroke twins (Ariel Leader & Arrow, plus '50s Villiers 2T-engined leftovers) weren't particularly inspiring either. The importation of the CB72 was a no-contest invasion!

****Every '60s & '70s self-respecting motorcycling 16-year-old would have been desperate for his mates & their girlfriends to think that he had a 'big bike'! Britain had little that could compete with the 305 -- short of the 500cc BSA A7 & subsequent A50, or Triumph's later 5T Twenty One, 5TA Speed Twin or Daytona -- and the 350cc 3TA Tiger 90 stood little chance.

Sorry if I've opened up a festering wound, guys. It's all in a good cause, though!

[jerry]

And the saga continues. In one way I look forward to the ongoing crossing of sabres but it is still sad. The things I have said and called LM and the same in reverse could have some people hugely offended. I know in my case the friendships and bonds are so good that I can just be myself and I get pleasure from others being themselves.It is just not worthwhile to be offended. Just keep crossing your sabres and keep us entertained but be friends. Bill Horsman and I used to set up great confrontations at times, have people scatter and then just walk away smiling and say "We had them fooled" All the best to ALL of you. Jerry

[jensen]

Hi Steve,

In the Netherlands the insurance was a partly reason, and the fact that almost the complete production of the CB77 were sold to the US, was the other reason that there were no CB77 left to sell in the Netherlands.

At the end of the production of the CB77, the Bomber came to the Netherlands, and the people wanted a modern big bike, so the CB77 was ignored (it was readily available in the 1965).

The production figures of the CB72 are not correct, but not far from the truth either, like I said, the CB72 was produced earlier then the CB77, and the production ended later. That doesn't say anything about the production figures (in amount of bikes produced). The CB77 was a big seller in parts of the world (mostly the US), the CB72 wasn't a big seller in general, but sold mostly in Europe, and over a longer period.

In my never ending search for (early) parts, I came across a lot of early parts in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and England. Most parts are from CB72's (except one cylinder and head which has the 10 mm spark plug and the 8 hole cylinder from a CB77).

On Ebay.com, I do not come across early parts often, mostly in the era 1963 to 1966.

Jensen

[Wilf]

The rattle of sabres jars loose the flecks of rust from each weapon, leaving the keen edges we seek.

Wilf

[jensen]

Hi Jerry,

Well, you met LM, and had a good time with him, so maybe he's a good guy. I never met LM, the discussions are the only side from LM I know. I will meet him one day, and yes LM, that's an assumption,

Jensen

[davomoto]

Days of our lives alla honda305.com. Two men who know way too much about these bikes, but approach them from different perspectives. I've spoken with Jensen on the phone, and have had may correspondenses with Ed. I can say that both men are very dedicated to the truth, and without thier passion, our understanding of these vehicles would suffer greatly. Sorry, I don't usually get involved with the drama,but I couldn't resist!

[brewsky]

I imagine that, back in the day, the CB72 would have been a popular choice to import into the UK; the rationale being:

• It
  could be legally ridden by budding motorcyclists with just a 'provisional' licence*
  looked and performed like a proper motorcycle**
  is a 'twin'***
  has looks that are indiscernible from its bigger-displacement sibling****

* Back then, in the UK, one was allowed to ride a m/c under 250cc with just a provisional licence; there was no time limit surrounding 'passing the test' and one wasn't compelled to undergo CBT (Compulsory Basic Training); L-plates were required to be clearly displayed, back & front and carrying a pillion passenger was reliant upon him or her having passed their m/c test. Upon 'passing' one could jump on any displacement of m/c (at 16) and ride, ride, ride! This law was first changed -- I can't be sure as to when but I believe it was the late '70s -- whereby a 16-year-old could ride only a 50cc moped and then, I believe, up to 125cc after the age of 17 until he/she passed the test. Maybe G-man, phactory Phil, Simon (Fisher) or Dennis could clarify here? It didn't apply to me and I had no kids 'till '81, so no interest in the law change.

**We had decrepit 4-stroke 250cc singles (BSA C15 & Barracuda -- I'm sure Matchless, AJS et al tried too -- along with the 200cc Triumph Tiger Cub)

***We also had a 4-stroke twin: the very woolly and wheezie Norton Jubilee! Our 2-stroke twins (Ariel Leader & Arrow, plus '50s Villiers 2T-engined leftovers) weren't particularly inspiring either. The importation of the CB72 was a no-contest invasion!

****Every '60s & '70s self-respecting motorcycling 16-year-old would have been desperate for his mates & their girlfriends to think that he had a 'big bike'! Britain had little that could compete with the 305 -- short of the 500cc BSA A7 & subsequent A50, or Triumph's later 5T Twenty One, 5TA Speed Twin or Daytona -- and the 350cc 3TA Tiger 90 stood little chance.

Sorry if I've opened up a festering wound, guys. It's all in a good cause, though!

Decrepit?!?!....200 CC Triumph Cub?
I thought it was the most beautiful bike on the planet when I got mine...moving up from a 50 CC Honda C110!
On the 3rd replacement connecting rod I decided it was time to move on, and it wasn't so beautiful anymore.
It was fun when it was running though.
Mine was blue and silver, never saw one this color....