1966 Honda-Motorcycle Background Info
The 1966 Honda-Motorcycle Vibe
1966 was the year Honda officially parked itself in the global psyche. While the rest of the world was getting dizzy on psychedelic swirls, Honda was busy building "All Models" with a focus on reliability and clean lines. Whether it was the legendary Super Cub moving the masses or the CB77 Super Hawk giving the British twins a run for their money, the aesthetic was "utilitarian cool." We've focused our database on the survivors of this era-specifically the iconic Black and Gray tones that formed the backbone of the Honda empire. These weren't just colors; they were a statement that Japanese engineering was here to stay.
Paint Health Check
You're working in the Single Stage Era, kid. Back in '66, they didn't bother with fancy clear coats; they just laid down a thick, honest layer of acrylic enamel and called it a day. This stuff has more "soul" than the thin mists they use today, but it's got a terminal enemy: Oxidation. If your '66 has been sitting anywhere near a window or a shed door, that deep Black or industrial Gray has likely turned into a chalky, flat ghost of its former self. The pigment is literally gasping for air. It's not "peeling" like a modern car-it's just drying out and turning to dust.
Restoration Tip
Here's the reality: this paint needs wax or it dies. If you're doing a touch-up or a full respray on a tank or frame, remember that 1960s steel loves a heavy coat. When you're repairing a chip, don't be afraid to build the layer slightly higher than the surrounding area and let those solvents flash off completely before you even think about leveling it. And listen-modern ethanol-heavy fuel is a solvent's worst nightmare. One sloppy spill at the gas station will melt 1966-spec enamel faster than you can say "Super Hawk." Once you've got that finish back to a mirror shine, seal it with a heavy-duty carnauba wax and never let it go thirsty again.