Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1972 Honda CL175.
Honda’s successor to their popular 160cc twin was the 175, which was offered in CB, SL, and CL variants.
According to Rider magazine “The predecessor to the 175 was Honda’s 160 twin, with a bore of 50mm, stroke, 41mm, for a displacement of 161cc. Merely boring each cylinder out by 2mm allowed the ad people to advertise this 174cc engine as a 175. The bean counters liked this inexpensive way of doing things. The rather oversquare 175 engine kept the 160’s two valves per cylinder, which were operated by a chain-driven single overhead camshaft, a one-piece design running in well-lubricated bores machined into the aluminum head. The 175 also used the 160’s two 20mm Keihin carbs. Compression ratio was upped half a point from 8.5:1 to 9:1, and that was about it.”
With the increase in bore Honda was able to boost the horsepower by an astounding (claimed) 20%. The bike went from 16.5 to 19.7 ponies at 10,000 RPM. Sporting a 360 degree crankshaft the CL175 uses a 9:1 compression ratio. The bike also borrows the ignition system from the 160 predecessor, kick start only.
Also new for the 175 was the 5 speed gearbox. This extra gear allowed for a more grunty low end for off road purposed while maintaining the ability to cruise at freeway speeds. The chassis was integral with the engine and transmission both working as structural members. “Then the Skunk Works unveiled the new SL175 Motosport, which appeared for the 1970 model year. This had a whole new frame, a full double-cradle, extending the wheelbase another inch and a half, longer suspension travel and more torque at lower rpm.”
Manufactured in November 1971 this example is VIN: CL1757002669. This model has been on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum for the last three and a half years and they’ve decided it’s time to find the bike a new home. The Petersen Automotive Museum was established June 11th 1994 by magazine mogul Robert E. Petersen. The museum was originally located at the LA County Museum of Natural History and later moved to their current iconic building designed by Walton Becket. In 2014 the building’s façade was redesigned by architectural firm Kohn Pederson Fox. It features it’s current look which sports a stainless steel ribbon design that used over 100 tons of 14 gauge type 304 steel. We are honored to represent this bike as well as our partnership with the Petersen Museum.
The odometer shows 3,940 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OLD FUEL NEED TO FLUSH
Engine Oil Level: OVER FILLED
Engine Oil Quality: POOR
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: OK
Headlight Low Beam: OK
Passing Light: OK
Parking Light: OK
Turn Signals: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light (Front Switch): OK
Brake Light (Rear Switch): OK
Plate Light: TAIL LIGHT
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: N/A
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: OK DRUM
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: OK DRUM
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 1610
Tire Date Code Rear: 311
Tire % Remaining Front: 95
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80
Tire Press. Front: 26
Tire Press. Rear: 12
Battery Standing Voltage: 0
Running Condition: NO CRANK, NO START
Test Ride Completed: NO
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
•2.75 X18 F
•3.25X18 R
•BATTERY FLAT
•OIL OVERFILLED
•TIRES AGED
•CARBS STUCK
•POINTS FAILED
Recommended repairs:
•Replace battery
•Oil change
•Service carbs
•Flush old gas from tank
•Replace tires
•Replace spark plug
•Replace points
Modifications:
The bike appears to be all stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Gazelle and Michelin tires which have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top 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 California title with registration currently PNO, there are no related DMV charges.
Have any CL175 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
