This was my 1966 305 Superhawk, owned when I was but a lad in my early 20's. I toured for an entire summer on it and when all the touring gear was removed it could run away from most of the Brit bikes of the day. It remains my favorite of all the bikes I've owned. And, let's not forget a rather famous Superhawk owner.
I read that book many years ago-I always assumed he was writing about a BMW. I was more than a little surprised to learn he was actually writing about this bike.
I was recently given a couple of dismantled 305 Supersports. I haven't yet figured out what is there and what isn't, but one question I do have is- what model year or market of the 305 Supersports came with indicators as stock fitment?
The first few chapters of the book covered Mr. Pirsig's friend John and John's wife who were on the trip travelling two-up on a BMW. John was featured as a technophobe, always choking the bike to start even when already warm because that's what he thinks he was told to do.
I think original OEM flat bar handlebars look much better than the Scrambler bars that are on your bike presently. Under normal conditions, it is very difficult to get the bike in neutral while running. Makes for interesting theater at intersections cuz you can't take your hand off the clutch.
Real motorcycles don't have turn signals, kill switches, a brake light switch for the hand brake, a convenient ignition switch or a headlight / tail light brighter than two candles held close together in the wind. My CB77 Superhawk is 50 years old this year, and you really learn to appreciate something as simple as a turn signal. Intersections take on a new challenge taking a hand off the bars to make a hand signal that you hope the big SUV on her cell phone will notice. (Dealing with one handed intersection loose gravel adds to the retro feel!) That said, the bike is a lot of fun to ride, I get a from someone just about every time I take it out. P.S. Disc brakes are for Pussies!
I have a number of bikes and cars with no turn signals-these days, I don't think most drivers even understand the hand signals at all-they think you are waving or something.
That's gonna be a great fun little run around bike. Super simple reliable tech Had to laugh at "(the PO is still looking for the title)" No title seems to be an all too common syndrome among small bore Honda owners/sellers.
Well, he claims he has it around somewhere-we'll see. Anyway, it's not too difficult to get a new one here in Michigan.
A small update: I brought this bike home on Monday, before yet another snow storm hit us. The PO told me the engine was stuck, and after a few pokes at the (forward-working) kickstarter, I thought so, too. But once I got the engine side covers and the electric starter off, the engine turned over freely-so that's a positive development. This thing spent most of its life in a shed-the (original?) Bridgestone tires look like new-no cracks at all, good tread-but of course I won't use them. Right now, I'm debating with myself: Do I give this thing a good cleaning, replace the seals and gaskets, and run it as is, or do I go the Full Restoration route? I've already discovered that Japanese chrome rims aren't the same as British chrome rims. They are mildly rusted from being in an unheated shed for years, but the chrome on these Honda rims is flaking off. I've had British rims that looked much worse, but cleaned up to like-new condition.
Nice find! Tell us more. What year? does it run? Is it locked up? I had my 1964 Superhawk out for a ride today, I always get a few thumbs up & smiles.
That's awesome! I took possession of a 1966 CB77 tonight. Turns over, audible compression, looks all there except bad cables and cracked carb boots.
I was over at the Mid Ohio Vintage Bike Swap meet at Lexington OH a couple of weeks ago, and saw a Honda Dream with saddle bags made from a Superhawk gas tank cut in half. :eek1
