Post Listing Update: This Flying Dragon did not meet reserve with 29 bids up to $8,300 on eBay in Erie, Colorado. It was then relisted and sold for $8,500, but that buyer flaked.
Bike-urious reader Bob Kelly has established himself as quite an expert on the Honda’s Flying Dragon bodywork – and it appears he’s also got a few NOS sets of them. He recently listed a CB with a NOS yellow set, and now he’s got a CL with a color that was only offered in Japan.
What’s the “Flying Dragon”, you ask? In ’72 and ’73, you could order an incredible set of alternate bodywork for CL350 or CL450 models – an idea that came from Honda’s paint department because they figured us crazy Americans were obsessed with tie dye, and some would want a similar scheme on their motorcycles. The Flying Dragon was born, but it didn’t sell well. That just means that nowadays, these rare paint jobs command a steep premium. I would have thought this was an idea from American Honda, but thanks to part numbers fans have been able to confirm that this was indeed thought up at Honda Japan. For more on the Flying Dragon and its odd “tie-dye” scheme, check out this article from Motorcycle Classics. Pay special attention to the author – it’s Bob!
This example (VIN: CL350-5029978) has just 1,783 miles and it was originally purchased at Fay Meyers Honda in Denver, Colorado. It’s equipped with both original keys, the tool kit, and even the original Bridgestone tires. The bodywork is NOS and “has never seen a drop of gas.” The bike just got a new battery, tune-up, and a carb clean so it’s a runner – just make sure you change the tires (and keep them!) before you hit the road.
Find this Flying Dragon CL for sale in Erie, Colorado with bidding up to $1,973 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay.