A different spin

Late in the production run, the CL72 was made available with the Type 2 engine, featuring a 360-degree crankshaft. Otherwise identical to the 180-degree model, the Type 2 version was said to rev a bit higher, at the expense of the mid-range torque. Many of these models were also fitted with turn indicators and the slip-on style muffler to mute the bark somewhat from the open twin pipes. Just such a machine was imported by Old Gold Motorcycles in Sydney in 2018 and is a highly original and unrestored example which retains the rare ‘shouldered’ DID steel rims and rocking-pedal gear lever.

Rocking gear pedal.

Original and unrestored 1965 model CL72.

ABOVE LEFT Type 2 engine with 360 degree crank. ABOVE RIGHT The DID shouldered wheel rims which were original equipment on the CL72. BELOW LEFT Turn indicators began appearing late in the CL72 production run. BELOW RIGHT Hydraulic steering damper was a modern touch in the early ‘sixties.