The property of Colin Seeley
c.2000 Honda CB50R Racing Motorcycle by HRC
Frame no. AR02 1000693
Engine no. AR02E 1000702

• One of an estimated six made
• Built by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC)
• Unique HRC single-port cylinder head
• Never used

A miniature masterpiece, the CB50 Dream was conceived to commemorate Honda's early racing history in the 'tiddler' class. The Japanese company introduced its first works offering in the 50cc category in 1962. That was the RC110 which, although outclassed at Grand Prix level by Suzuki's rival two-stroke, provided the basis for a hugely successful over-the-counter racer for privateers – the CR110. Introduced in 1997, its modern equivalent - the CB50 Dream - produces 7.0bhp at 13,500rpm with maximum revs a further 1,000 up the scale. The gearbox is a six-speeder and the Dream weighs in at an anorexic 157lbs dry. Immensely popular in Japan, the Dream 50 has been produced in various versions over the years, spawning an entire cottage industry of accessory and component suppliers.

In addition to the standard road version (red frame and chromed twin exhaust pipes) Honda made the CB50TT (black frame and black twin exhaust pipes) confusingly sometimes also referred to as the CB50R. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) also made to special order a very small number - estimated at six only - of very special CB50Rs for racing, one of which Bonhams is privileged to offer here. These had the standard frame (black finished) but incorporated fully adjustable suspension front and rear; a close-ratio six-speed gearbox; full HRC electronics; larger carburettor; HRC rev counter; and an aluminium fuel tank (all the others were steel). The CB50R's most exotic component was its very special HRC sand-cast single-port cylinder head (all the other cylinder heads were twin port). It is hand finished and fitted with special valves, while the piston likewise is a special HRC component. Only one other genuine CB50R is known of in the UK.

British Sidecar Champion, Grand Prix winner and Bonhams' consultant Colin Seeley bought this ultra rare CB50R a few years ago intending to parade it. However, Colin's countless other commitments have prevented him from using the machine, which has sat in the centrally-heated comfort of his house ever since. It had not been used prior to acquisition and has never been started, and is presented for sale in effectively 'as new' condition. A kit of unused parts comes with the machine to include four rear sprockets and two gearbox sprockets; pack of carburettor jets; sparkplug box spanner; pair of fuel tank decals; and a comprehensive HRC owner's manual and parts list. Colin will be attending the sale and is happy to answer prospective purchasers' questions.