Honda’s entry into the US market was well calculated, and two models were introduced for the 1959 model year – the 50 cc step-through Cub and the 124 cc Benly CA92. With the name loosely translating to “handy” in Japanese, this Benly model was meant to show the company’s durable and utilitarian designs as well as their ability to provide reliable and fun transportation. The CA92 was discontinued after the 1959 model year, succeeded by the CA95, making this bike exceedingly hard to find in the US.

Unlike earlier single-cylinder Hondas, the CA92 utilized a twin-cylinder engine that loved to rev, and the 11.5 hp peak output was reached at 9,500 rpm, an astonishing figure at the time. Further advanced features of the CA were pressed-steel construction for the frame and fork, electric start, and a rotary-shifted four-speed gearbox. Its top speed was listed by Honda as 60 mph.

This rare C92 is a Japanese domestic model previously owned by Todd Cheney of Beverly Hills, California. According to documents on file, circa 1990, Mr. Cheney entrusted Time Machine Motorcycle Works of Costa Mesa, California to restore the C92. Following completion, it was entered in numerous shows in the early 1990s, before being sold to the consignor in 1995. The Honda has spent the last 29 years in climate-controlled storage, but ridden occasionally, including during the summer in 2023. Accompanying the Honda at auction is a file of records and correspondence, as well as an owner’s manual.

Significant as a superb example of the machine that introduced Americans to the Honda brand, this C92 is worthy of your close consideration and is sure to be a conversation piece wherever it is shown.

*Please note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and will require mechanical maintenance prior to road use.