I was recently asked (by someone I presume "new" to the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle World) about "how to" approach purchasing a 1960's Super Hawk (CB72/77). Having acquired & restored several vintage Honda's (ranging from "full-on" resto's to just getting it "back on the road"), I penned the following (what I considered logical) approach to embarking on the "search, acquire & live with it" task. It goes like this ......

Super Hawks range in price from $200-300 for complete baskets (I recently paid $250 for a very complete, unassembled basket with some NOS parts ..... a bike that "might" run if re-assembled) to $3000-plus for "completely" restored machines. There are decent, running, original (?) Super Hawks available (in the 10-15K mile range with OK chrome & decent paint) that can be had for between $700 & $1000.

The most "collectible" years for the CB72/77 are 1965 & earlier, but 1966 & later models have some "upgrades" that benefit from design improvements. The 1967 & earlier bikes had painted fenders & smaller taillamps, and are more desirable (better looking, I think) & ultimately worth more.

As to draw backs, all CB77's have basically "crash box" transmissions (they clunk & occasionally hang up between gears ...... late 50's technology you understand), but are very tough units. The shift forks need replacement at around 10-15K miles due to metal wear at the point they engage the gears (whirr & turn parts that obviously wear the shift forks).

CB72/77 motors are very reliable as long as the oil is changed frequently, the filter screen is cleaned periodically, valves are kept within tolerance, & the carbs are properly tuned / jetted (running too lean burns valves & toasts the pistons!!!).

There is a choice between CB72's & 77's, but I would advise getting the 305cc (CB77) model. The CB77/305cc provides more power and is better geared for high speed riding. I would also recommend a '66 or '67 model that has the later production / design upgrades. The (earlier) CB72/250cc is definitely a more collectible machine, but it's relatively limited numbers (less than 5% of the CB77/305cc bikes sold) may make this point "academic".

As to actually purchasing a bike, the first step should be to "consult" with someone who is knowledgeable on the CB77's. I always recommend "Mr. Honda" Bill Silver of local SoCAL-fame who is a GREAT source of Super Hawk info / tech advise, and comes at very reasonable cost. Bill lives in San Clemente, CA and has produced 2 very useful & reasonably priced guides to Super Hawks ...... 1) Guide to Restoration & 2) Rebuilding Your CB77 Motor. The former is very useful in shopping for and picking the bike you "won't be sorry you found"!

My AXIOMS on buying vintage motorcycles are: 1) There is NO substitute for LOW MILES!!; 2) Buying a bike that someone else has a fair amount invested in (partial resto??) usually translates into less $ out of your pocket (this will NOT be a "profit-making" venture ..... TRUST ME!); 3) Check out the maintenance / condition of the bike thru someone knowledgeable first ...... you won't believe the recent tale of a San Diegan who "supposedly" purchased a CL77/Scrambler with a rebuilt motor ...... ask Bill Silver!; 4) Don't fall in love with the bike beforehand and/or until you go thru steps 1-3 above. And finally, 5) There ARE Super Hawks (more than one!) out there ....... so don't get "wed" to any one bike.

I'd also recommend joining a vintage motorcycle organization (AKA, the VJMC) as many of these machines are either listed in the Club newsletter or on the website. AND ....... you often learn of bikes/deals thru Club contacts. "Mr. Honda" Bill is always "on the lookout" for deals ...... as is the author.

Good hunting and take your time finding a bike. And if you're interested ....... "If I had it to do the bike resto-thing all over again (AKA ..... epithet on my tombstone), I would have bought one that some one else had already/partially restored (instead of spending my $ on a MAJOR resto!)". And, finally, just make sure you know what "restored" means ..... ask for receipts, talk to the guy who built the motor, look at the parts / components "carefully", etc. CHECK IT OUT THOROUGHLY BEFORE YOU BUY!!!!

Ron Smith
San Diego, CA

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