1953 Honda Dream
Country: Japan
Engine: Air-cooled, single cylinder four stroke
Ignition: Battery and coil
Power Rating: 5.5hp @ 5,000rpm
Bore x Stroke: 57 x 57mm
Displacement: 145cc
Valves: Overhead, pushrod activated
Fuel System: Single Amal carburetor
Transmission: Three speed
Suspension: Telescopic front forks, rear plungers
Brakes: Drum, front and rear
Weight: 320lb.
Top Speed: 45mph
The first motorcycles that Honda produced were heavily influenced by German engineering, in particular N.S.U., who at this time were supreme in road racing events. The similarity between this machine and comparable German product is obvious. Honda did not appear in the U.S. market until 1959, so anything built prior to this date is extremely rare. A few were shipped here by returning servicement, but with no parts available, the majority ended up in salvage yards.
