Sold throughout the 1960s in the United States, the C-series Dream “represented all of Honda’s latest technological advancements,” according to Honda historian Aaron Frank. With elaborate touring bodywork, it wasn’t necessarily the American public’s idea of a motorcycle, so clever marketing was required to reach new riders. The Dream name derived from the 1949 Model D, a 98cc two-stroke. “It’s like a dream!” one enthusiastic observer proclaimed at its unveiling. The first C-Series Dream appeared in Japan in 1957, and the rare CS76 Sport 300—which had upswept twin pipes, was Honda’s initial offering in the States.

Imported from 1960 to 1969, the CA77 Dream became the mainstay. With an air-cooled SOHC 305cc parallel twin with a single 22mm Keihin carburetor, it produced about 23hp at 7,500 rpm, propelled the bike to 85 mph, and delivered better than 50 mpg. A bargain at $595, the Honda Dream was easy to operate thanks to electric start, distributor ignition, and a smooth four-speed transmission with rotary design that allowed direct fourth-to-neutral shifts. The so-called “monobeam” chassis of stamped steel and the covered front forks of a leading link design made the Dream reminiscent of contemporary Triumphs with “bathtub” styling. The “toaster” tank had chrome side covers, large black kneepads, and vivid Honda emblems. The bikes were available in red, blue, black or white and sometimes had matching saddles. Under flared, deeply valanced fenders, the 16-inch wheels often wore whitewall tires. By 1965, Honda had become lodged in America’s mind, and the Dream had much to do with that.