Honda used this very capable 124cc/154cc single overhead cam parallel twin engine design in several models shipped to America including the CA95 “Dream” and, with enhancements, the 125cc CB92 Benly Super Sport 125, also known as the “Benly 125.”
The Honda Dream series was touring oriented and encompassed machines from 125cc’s to 305cc’s. Its styling with squared headlight, fender edges and distinctive “flips” at the fender tips, is sometimes referred to as “pagoda styling” as the shapes mimic some forms of early Eastern architecture. The frame design makes use of the electric start engine/transmission unit as a “stressed member.” This frame engineering is derived largely from the work of a couple of European makers, BMW and NSU to name two. Honda perfected the pressed steel/backbone frame and used it on numerous motorcycles from 50cc to 305cc’s. In addition, a pressed steel leading link fork, housing springs and shock absorbers and an integrated speedometer, also squared off, worked well on dozens of machines. Wide whitewalls, then narrow, showed up on many of the bikes in this series as did enclosed final drive chains.
The Honda 150, sold in America from late 1959 to 1967 remains a popular machine with collectors. It was available in black, Honda Scarlet, blue and white. The CA95 engine design places the cam chain to one side, while the later CA160, CL160 and CB160 engine ran the cam chain between the two cylinders and cooled better. After a few years, the Honda 150 CA95 was joined by the CA160, or CA160 Touring 160 which used the newer design Honda CB160 style engine.
The National Motorcycle Museum has a good collection of Japanese motorcycles including early “pre-importation” 1950’s Honda models along with 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s machines, mini-bikes, street and off-road. Robert J Schillig loaned this largely original condition CA95 to the Museum a few years ago, and we are grateful to have it on display.
Specifications:
- Engine: 360 Degree Parallel Twin
- Design: Single Overhead Cam/Air-Cooled
- Bore & Stroke: 44mm x 44mm Bore & Stroke
- Displacement: 154cc’s
- Carburetor: Keihin 22mm
- Electrics: 6V Battery, Points / Coil
- Horsepower: 16.5HP
- Primary: Chain Driven
- Transmission: Four-Speed
- Clutch: Wet, Multi-plate
- Final Drive: Enclosed Chain
- Starting: Kick and Electric
- Electrics: 12V/Alternator/Coil & Points
- Suspension: Leading Link / Swingarm, Dual Shocks
- Wheels/Tires: 3.00 x 16″ and 3.00 X 16″
- Brakes: Drum, Front and Rear
- Wheelbase: 52 Inches
- Weight: 245 Pounds
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Very Nice! Honda also briefly produced the Benly Touring model in pink, to try to attract women customers. With its distinctive “rose’ paint and maroon seat, very few were made. I have an original from 1960, as well as an original black 1963 model. I also have a CB92R Benly Sport Racer which I have owned since the late Sixties, and raced back in the day. I love my CB160s and my CL160, but I have always had a real soft spot for the earlier Benly models. One of Honda’s finest of the era.
My first bike was a pre-owned CA160. I bought it to commute to and from my first job as a stock boy at an IGA in 1968.
I have one for sale my dad died he had it it was going to be painted so some of the pieces are off of it but have them so if interested call me or text me 5157244824
I have a question you may be able to answer about a bike I recently acquired. Any help would be appreciated !
I have just bought three machines in South Wales UK from the same guy who has a stable of Hondas.
3 x CBX1000,s a 250/4, a 1300, A 305 Hawk, a Benly 160, a Benly racer.
Two of the machines I just bought are ex US, a 150 blue,and a black. And the third machine is a black British registered model 1963.
I alsohave a CB750A which Ihave owned for many years which ironically came from Iowa US.
I also have a Montesa Cota 247 1974, restored, a Triumph 350 T90 twin, in resto ATM.
5 BMW C125/175 scooters, two useable, one runs but needs work,and two basket cases and boxes of spares.
I got a 63 Ca 95 in good condition it was a barn find someone make reasonable offer 937-993-6374 Jesse