LOT 390 N
1956 Honda Dream MF350 Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. MF57 10029 Engine no. SB 711847
Sold for £23,000 inc. premium
Lot 390N
1956 Honda Dream MF350Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. MF57 10029 Engine no. SB 711847
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1956 Honda Dream MF350
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. MF57 10029
Engine no. SB 711847
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. MF57 10029
Engine no. SB 711847
• One of only five known worldwide
• Top-of-the-range model intended for racing
• Fully restored
• Exceptional condition
• Matching frame and engine numbers
One of the rarest of all Honda motorcycles, the MF series was produced for a short period during 1956/1957; the superb example offered here being one of only five survivors known worldwide. Intended for racing, the MF350 was a much-modified SB350, producing 20bhp to the SB's 14 horsepower, and was the most powerful Honda of its day. The MF350 was powered by a 344cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft and integral four-speed gearbox. Unusually, it featured a two-stroke-like, expansion-chamber exhaust header despite being a four-stroke.
Clearly showing the influence of European design, NSU in particular, the MF350 incorporated a pressed-steel frame and hydraulically damped leading-link front fork, with a conventional swinging arm at the rear and 18" wheels. Interestingly, the hollow frame was used to duct air to the carburettor in an early form of the now commonplace 'Ram Air' system. At this time, the Mount Asama circuit was an important proving ground for the Japanese motorcycle industry, and on the first running of the races in November 1955, Honda machines such as this dominated the '350' class.
As befits a top-of-the-range model, the MF350 incorporated numerous advanced features including a gear position indicator in the speedometer, which may be judged a wise move given that it was possible to change up from top gear and find yourself back in 1st! Other noteworthy features include an integral rear brake/sprocket, the latter rubber damped; electrical turn signals for the first time on a Honda (semaphores were used in other models); and separate oil reservoirs for the engine and transmission. The turn signals are unique, the MF350 being the only Honda with this lens shape, and there are numerous other differences between the MF and the 250cc ME version: tank, pillion seat, horn, etc.
This MF350 was impressively rusty and in poor condition when acquired by the vendor, though intact and with almost all parts present, and its restoration would take some 10 years to complete. Amazingly, almost all the parts used in the rebuild are genuine. A correct exhaust was found in Japan and expertly repaired, while the vendor also located a genuine headlamp and shroud. We are advised that even the wheel rims and chain are genuine. Modern parts used include the rubber components;
all wiring and control cables; wheel spokes; rear light lens; leather seat cover; and the winker lenses. The latter are accurate copies of the OEM items, which have been retained. The engine runs and the electrics work (the original rectifier is available although its job is now done by a modern electronic unit). Accompanying paperwork includes genuine Japanese documents and Honda Certificate of Authenticity confirming matching frame and engine numbers.
• Top-of-the-range model intended for racing
• Fully restored
• Exceptional condition
• Matching frame and engine numbers
One of the rarest of all Honda motorcycles, the MF series was produced for a short period during 1956/1957; the superb example offered here being one of only five survivors known worldwide. Intended for racing, the MF350 was a much-modified SB350, producing 20bhp to the SB's 14 horsepower, and was the most powerful Honda of its day. The MF350 was powered by a 344cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft and integral four-speed gearbox. Unusually, it featured a two-stroke-like, expansion-chamber exhaust header despite being a four-stroke.
Clearly showing the influence of European design, NSU in particular, the MF350 incorporated a pressed-steel frame and hydraulically damped leading-link front fork, with a conventional swinging arm at the rear and 18" wheels. Interestingly, the hollow frame was used to duct air to the carburettor in an early form of the now commonplace 'Ram Air' system. At this time, the Mount Asama circuit was an important proving ground for the Japanese motorcycle industry, and on the first running of the races in November 1955, Honda machines such as this dominated the '350' class.
As befits a top-of-the-range model, the MF350 incorporated numerous advanced features including a gear position indicator in the speedometer, which may be judged a wise move given that it was possible to change up from top gear and find yourself back in 1st! Other noteworthy features include an integral rear brake/sprocket, the latter rubber damped; electrical turn signals for the first time on a Honda (semaphores were used in other models); and separate oil reservoirs for the engine and transmission. The turn signals are unique, the MF350 being the only Honda with this lens shape, and there are numerous other differences between the MF and the 250cc ME version: tank, pillion seat, horn, etc.
This MF350 was impressively rusty and in poor condition when acquired by the vendor, though intact and with almost all parts present, and its restoration would take some 10 years to complete. Amazingly, almost all the parts used in the rebuild are genuine. A correct exhaust was found in Japan and expertly repaired, while the vendor also located a genuine headlamp and shroud. We are advised that even the wheel rims and chain are genuine. Modern parts used include the rubber components;
all wiring and control cables; wheel spokes; rear light lens; leather seat cover; and the winker lenses. The latter are accurate copies of the OEM items, which have been retained. The engine runs and the electrics work (the original rectifier is available although its job is now done by a modern electronic unit). Accompanying paperwork includes genuine Japanese documents and Honda Certificate of Authenticity confirming matching frame and engine numbers.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The frame number is MF-57-10020.
Additional information
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Auction Viewings
- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
Lot symbols
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
