This bike just underwent an extensive, 10 month total restoration. All components were stripped down to bare metal and refinished. All nuts, bolts, and brightwork were replated. The 250cc four-stroke engine was completely rebuilt with new seals, bearings, and gaskets. The bike runs, drives, and is ready for a new owner. With approximately 15 examples known to be in existence, and less than half of those running or restored, this could be your only opportunity to buy one!

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Honda was still a relatively young company, with founder Soichiro Honda's vision focused on transforming the brand into a global leader in motorcycle production. After gaining significant traction in the domestic market with small-capacity commuter bikes, Honda sought to make its mark on the international stage, particularly in the world of motorsports. Enter the Honda CE71.

Introduced between late 1959 and early 1960, the CE71 was a derivative of the street-oriented Honda C71. However, the CE71 featured numerous upgrades that transformed it from a simple commuter bike into a machine capable of competing in endurance and club races around the world. At a time when European manufacturers such as Ducati, Norton, and MV Agusta were dominant forces, the CE71 represented Honda’s intent to challenge the status quo, with a machine that blended durability with cutting-edge engineering.

A Technical Marvel Ahead of Its Time

The CE71's most noteworthy feature was its engine—a 247cc, four-stroke, twin-cylinder powerplant capable of producing around 20 horsepower. While 20 horsepower may not sound like much by modern standards, it was a significant figure for the early 1960s in the quarter-liter class. What set the CE71 apart from many of its contemporaries was Honda’s pioneering approach to using overhead camshafts (OHC) rather than the traditional pushrod design, which was still common in motorcycles of that era.
This engine architecture enabled the CE71 to rev higher and operate more smoothly compared to its competitors. The power delivery was linear and predictable, making it well-suited for endurance racing where reliability and ease of use were as important as outright performance.

The frame and suspension were also noteworthy. The CE71 employed a lightweight pressed steel frame that gave it excellent handling characteristics. Combined with rear twin shocks, the bike was stable and predictable in corners, qualities essential for racing.

The Mysterious Recall and Rarity

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Honda CE71 is its rarity, which stems in part from a mysterious recall that continues to puzzle enthusiasts and collectors to this day. Shortly after the bike's release, Honda quietly issued a recall, requesting that many CE71 models be returned to the factory. However, the official reason for this recall has never been fully explained, fueling speculation among collectors.

Some theories suggest that Honda recalled the bikes due to concerns about their performance or mechanical reliability under racing conditions, particularly in the international market where the brand was still building its reputation. Others speculate that the recall was driven by legal or regulatory issues, as the CE71 was a highly advanced machine for its time and may have encountered unforeseen hurdles in terms of homologation.

Whatever the true cause, the recall significantly reduced the number of CE71s available, and many of the bikes were either scrapped or dismantled, making surviving examples extremely scarce today. It is believed that only a handful of original CE71s remain intact, with some estimates suggesting fewer than 15 examples worldwide. This rarity, combined with the bike's historical significance, has made it a sought-after collectible, commanding high prices at auctions when they do surface.
The Bike That Shaped Honda’s Racing DNA

While the CE71 never achieved widespread success in professional motorsports—it was mainly targeted at amateur racers and privateers—it set the stage for Honda’s later dominance. The lessons learned from the development and racing efforts with the CE71 would directly influence Honda’s future racing motorcycles, including the renowned RC series of race bikes that began to dominate Grand Prix racing by the mid-1960s.

A Rare Collectible Today
Despite its influence, the CE71 is a rare machine today. Because of its niche role, limited production numbers, and the mysterious recall, few examples of the CE71 have survived the test of time. Collectors who are fortunate enough to own one treasure it as a critical piece of Honda’s early racing history. When restored or maintained in its original condition, the CE71 is not only a reminder of the brand’s humble beginnings but also a symbol of the innovation that has driven Honda’s success for decades.