Soichiro Honda sought to give the Japanese people options for inexpensive, efficient transportation following WWII, and started offering Honda motorcycles in 1949. While their initial offerings were powered by two-stroke engines, four-strokes soon became the norm, and in 1953 Honda began production of the Benly, the first model that they also used for competition. The Benly, such as the 1958 model offered here, utilized a pressed-steel frame and single-cylinder engine produced in-unit with a three-speed gearbox shifted on the handlebar. Its architecture gives it a unique look, highlighted by a shroud around the drive chain.

This Benly JC-58 was purchased by the consignor from noted Honda collector Allen Siekman in 2017. It is a Japanese-market example, as the JC-58 was never brought to the US when new. The consignor states that the Benly is remarkably original, and was ridden as recently as the summer of 2023. Pleasing in its design, this hard-to-find early Honda is a significant model and perfect for any collection of Japanese motorcycles.

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