The concept of Scramblers originated in Europe when riders of the British marques, Triumph, BSA, AJS, etc. began taking their early ‘60s big bore singles (considered behemoths today) off-road - naturally, competition ensued and the sport of “scrambling” was born (which eventually became Motocross).

As typical with Honda, they started with small bore machines, adding a high pipe and “universal” tires. The CL scrambler models differed from the sport bikes (designated CB) to allow for some off-road riding.

The 1965 305cc CL77 stepped-up Honda’s game with larger displacement. It differed from the street going CB77 Super Hawk in a number of ways. To increase ground clearance, it had upswept exhaust pipes running along the bike's left side. A bigger tube frame with a front downtube gave extra strength and ran through the space where the electric starter was mounted on the other models. Eliminating the starter gave clearance in the frame, and lightened the total weight of the bike. It had a small-capacity painted fuel tank, fork boots, 19-inch front and rear wheels, coarser-tread tires, a taller handlebar with cross-brace, and shortened fenders. Early models had painted aluminum fenders.

The CL77 (in red) has been a longtime favorite of mine, right up there with my SL350 and 175. I acquired this beautiful, concours-restored beauty at auction. The 305cc parallel twin-cylinder OHC engine has been overalled, the carburetors rebuilt with factory-correct fuel lines, clamps and hardware. A full repaint, polishing and extra chrome plating was also completed. The bike has not had fuel in it, or been started during my ownership.

$8900 or best offer

248-310-0897