The Honda Dream (CA) Page:

Honda used the term "Dream" for many of his motorcycles from the beginning.  The first bikes imported to the US were the larger 250/305 Dreams designated as either C, CA, CE, or CS models.  By 1962, the CA 72/77 was the only bike referred to specifically as the Dream.  the 70/72 were 250cc models and the 75/77 were 305cc versions.  Most pre 1961 models listed as sport, had high pipes.  By 1961, all had the low pipes. 

The first tanks were like the model shown on the right hand of the page.  A rounded but square pattern.  The earliest models had no rubber side guards.  In 1963, there was a switch to the more squared tank shown on the bike at the bottom of the page.  From mid 1963 till the end of production in 1968, this was the only tank used.  The vast majority of CA72/77's have the squared off tank.  The earlier style tank is not only rare, but very collectable.

The earliest Dream's came in several formats.  All were basically the same except for the handlebars and exhaust pipes.  The "72's" were 250's and the 77's were 305cc bikes.  Some sport models had flat handlebars, some high "western" style bars.  The second difference is the exhaust pipe patterns.  Most were low and a few (usually designated as Sport models) had the high pipes.  An example is shown on the right hand of the page.

From 1959 till 1963 colors were black, blue, and scarlet red.  After mid 1963, white was available.  The majority of CA's, however, have been black.  The final bikes were predominatly black with a few red and white bikes sold.  In my lifetime, I have only seen a very few blue Dreams!

It's hard to imagine, but the Dreams were at one time considered sporty machines.  When the CB models were offered in 1962, the Dream was marketewd as a touring motorcycle.

The 305 Dream was rated at 23 hp and the 250 was either 20 or 21hp.  Both would go 80 mph with the wind at your back or going down a hill.  Both bikes were identical except for the engine size.  Knowing that, the 305 was a bit faster than the 250 but not by much.  The power difference was more prominant in the CB/CL versions.  The bikes would be considered slow to today's standards but could cruise at 50/55 mph without much trouble.  Passing cars on the highway, that's a different story.  Few were actually used for distance touring because of the lack of power but worked well as commuters. 

These Dreams are very collectable today.  I think their retro-look is appealing.  Good original bikes are hard to come by, and will bring upwards to $4,000/$5,000 if in pristine condition.  The less original the less value!