Introduced in 1962, the CL72 Scrambler was the dirt sibling of the CB72 Hawk.
It featured a 247cc air-cooled parallel twin engine which was rated for 24 horsepower.
While the CB72 used a spine frame with the engine as a stressed member, the CL72 had a full-cradle steel tube frame to handle off-road duty. The frame downtube took up where the electric starter was on the street bike, so the CL72 Scrambler was kickstart only.
It weighed 315 pounds dry and Honda priced it at just $690. It was a commercial success that got a lot of attention thanks to an impressive run by Dave Ekins and Bill Roberston Jr. in March 1962 from Tijuana to La Paz in just under 40 hours…which would end up inspiring the legendary Baja 1000 race.
This example is VIN: CL724002458.
The odometer shows 11,214 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean/lube/adjust the drive chain, install a new battery, and replace the spark plugs. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok, surface rust
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Drum
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Drum
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Cleaned, Lubed, Adjusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Non-Functioning
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: via key
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum Ok
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 33/15
Tire Date Code Rear: 48/16
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 26 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 26 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 12.8V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.2V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles
Notes:
-Tires are out of date spec
Recommendations:
-Front and Rear tires
Modifications:
Aftermarket shocks.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Duro tires with date codes of 3315 and 4816.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean Arizona title with registration current through January 2027.
Have any CL72 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
