It’s hard to pin down the official name of these little “sport” bikes, although the name sport is somewhat deceiving, too. Honda referred to them as S65, CS65, Sport 65, 65 Sport, and maybe more. This 1966 Honda S65 is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Hortonville, Wisconsin and they’re asking $3,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Lothar… of the Hill People for the tip!
For anyone wondering about the term Tiddler, it isn’t a disparaging remark, at least to those of us who love small motorcycles. It just means a small bike, maybe 50 to 100-cc or so. This S65 is a nice around-town tiddler, but don’t forget to use hand signals as there aren’t any turn signals. And I don’t mean hand signs, as some of us want to use 468 times a day to let other drivers know what we think about their lack of courteous driving skills…
Honda made the 65 Sport/S65 from 1965 through 1969, and they’re fun to ride around, as in just riding around. Not cross-country or on the freeway, just on back streets or even gravel roads or trails as it has an upswept exhaust, probably more for a “scrambler” look than actual hard off-road riding. I sold my really nice, restored black 1965 S65 a couple of years ago, and that’s another one I should have kept. It started first kick, and why I ever sold it I’ll never know. I bought it for $1,800 and had to do some work, as the gent who had it kept it in his living room and never started it after having it restored.
The S65 came in red, black, or white and white seems to be the rarest color, but I don’t know if there are production numbers on that. Mine had 1,667 miles when I sold it and this one has 1,610 miles, weird. The seller says this example is in “absolutely great condition” and is all original. For being all original, it’s amazing to see one in this nice shape. I really like pressed-steel chassis motorcycles like this one, it brings me right back to the 1960s again. This one is small enough to have been a step-through bike, but Honda made it a tank-on-chassis model so it looked like a real motorcycle. There was a much hotter 90-cc version, and that may be the one to have. The bigger S90 really gives the “sport” in its name a true meaning.
The engine is Honda’s 63-cc four-stroke SOHC single with just over 6 horsepower and it sends power through a four-speed manual. It’s said to run great, and the seller will trade it for a skid-steer; that’s the first time I’ve heard that. Are any of you into small “tiddler” motorcycles?
Another amazing find. Almost forgot about the S65-a bike every kid in HS with a 50 wanted next except the girl with the 2 stroke Yamaha 50 that whipped all the boys on anything shy of an S90..
Keep them coming, Scotty,
Thanks, sir! As long as folks keep sending in these great tips, we’ll keep ’em rolling out. (Happy April Fool’s Day, everyone, by the way.)
I had one identical to this in 1966 when I was 14, and rode it every where..
Had one in 1968 that I rode at race track, my first pit bike.Got abused quite a bit, dropped without stand down, 2, 200 lbs. mechanics on it.Gave it away to kid who hung around garage.
Love this bike, the photo of the speedometer/headlight looks like an alien robot.
Honda’s genius was using full size wheels and a four stroke motor built like a clock. Nobody else came close.
The song on the Honda commercial said “get yourself a Honda, built like a watch like its made to last 100 years”
The Honda’s were tuff – alot are still running around with orginal miles like this one. I own a few with about the same mileage – mine were enjoyed and don’t think they would bring anywhere close to this one’s price. Maybe someone will pay it for the memories…..and yes my little Yamaha 60 would clean house on most but that S90….have one of those too !
Thanks Scotty!! Even though my dad moved up from a 75cc BSA to his 66 Honda CB160 in 1968 when I was 8, I never knew this model existed. The 160 also had a headlight/speedo, but it was oval. Once Honda perfected their OHC engine, the sky was the limit. No matter what they called this little bike, it is so cool.
MrB, you’re making me even more bummed that I sold my nice black S65, dang it. If I could live the last five years over again…
👍
These were big with the surf crowd to quote Beach Boys ” it’s not a big motorcycle just cute little motorbike, climb on let’s go and ride my Honda tonight- Honda Honda”
Nice call, RMac! I have that album, and Little Honda is a great little song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZOGlgVldAs
I have that song on my playlist I listen to when I’m riding my 93 Honda Helix. Great song, great band.
We never, ever, give/display hand (n)or finger signals … middle-school mentality …
I’m not saying that I do, Anthony, I’ve never done that in 46 years of driving. Some people do, though.
A guy in my hometown bought one new back in the day. He was so worried bout having engine troubles that he idled it around everywhere he went. It soon got so carboned up that it would hardly run. He took it back to the dealership and found the valves worn completely out. It was amazing he could get enough compression to start it. And that was less than 2,000 miles…