Motorcycle Repair: 1964 Honda Dream 300, engine displacement, honda dream

Question
I have an old 64 dream that I'm restoring. The serial number is ca78 so I'm assuming it's a 1964. Right? It runs good and I drive it everyday. 2nd gear won't work. I can shift around it but not into it. Any ideas? Also the kick start doesn't do anything. It moves but doesn't turn the engine over. What could this be. The starter works good though. Do you have any ideas of where to get parts? And did this model have a chain guard standard on it? Is this model rare? And is it referred to as a 305 even though the tank badge says 300?

Thanks a lot!
Jason

Answer
Jason, congratulations on taking on the Dream project.

To answer your questions:

CA78s actually began in the middle of the 1963 production, so I would need to know your serial number to see when it was built. CA77E-1XXXXX is 1964, as are CA77E-4XXXXX models. CA77E-31XXXX numbers indicate a 1963 edition. Any bikes with a 7 digit serial number were built from 1965 onwards.

Second gear issues are common and there are offset gear cotters to help increase gear dog engagement. You probably need a gear or two, offset cotters and perhaps a shift fork.

If the kickstarter isn't engaging the engine, then the kickstarter pawl is missing or the spring broke for the plunger that pushes the pawl forward. A VERY bad low gear bushing can also be a cause of this symptom. Hopefully, your kickstarter shaft isn't damaged by the rollers which support the transmission gear on the shaft.

Parts are on Ebay, quite often. Other sources are Retrobikes in WA, Western Hills Honda in OH, Ohiocycle.com

I offer a comprehensive CD full of PDF files for restoring all the various series of 250-305cc models. Contact me through my website for details and to order, if you are interested. An engine repair guide is included, as well as the factory shop manual for reference.

Yes, it did come with a chain guard. And there were two different ones depending on the year of manufacture.

The actual engine displacement is 305cc (60mm x 54mm bore/stroke). The model is called a Honda CA77 Dream 300, however.

Bill Silver
www.vintagehonda.com