Topic: Looking at a 1982 cm450a

[Sparked]

I think I will go look at a cm450a for my wife's first bike. PO is asking $500obo. "ran when parked". How rare are partaking for these bikes? Anything special I should look for or be warry of?
Thanks in advance.

Sent from my Atari

[raymond10078]

I had one - now it is my sons.  Never had a need for parts.  Good reliable bikes.  The cosmetics are very hard to find, though - in good shape.

[goldarrow]

500 is cheap for a bike.  CM model is not popular as CB. 

[MUwarrior]

The CM450a which Honda produced for two years (82 & 83) is basically the same bike as the CM400A which was produced for 3 years (79, 80 & 81) except that Honda took the 400 motor and bored it to produce the 450.  Basically all the CM400 variants (CM400A, CM400T, CM400C & CM400E) of the same time period  and the CM450A have parts that can be interchanged to a major extent.  If you search for parts utilizing all the variants, they are readily available on EBay.  Because the CM models are not as popular as the early to mid 70's CB models, second hand parts don't tend to cost as much.  As far as reliability, the bike is bullet proof.  With the Hondamatic, the engine typically is less stressed.  It's not the quickest bike, doesn't have a lot of power,  but makes a great starter bike.  I loved my CM400A for in town commuting. There are times that still I regret sellling mine.

[Peterbylt]

We have had a 79 CM400A for quite a few years.
As was mentioned above it is far from the fastest bike in the stable but it is one of the most reliable.
Except for normal wear and maintenance items I have not had to do anything to this bike and it just keeps on running.
It makes a very good commuter bike especially when stuck in traffic the automatic is awesome.
It also gets exceptional mileage I have consistently gotten over 50 mpg.
Just don’t expect to win any races, but for around town, commuting and shopping there is nothing better. It has a full set of bags which are great for shopping or running to the parts store.



Peter

[Sparked]

Picked up the cm450a tonight. Looks like it won't take much to get going. Looking forward to getting it running for my wife to learn on.

Sent from my Atari

[bluesmoke69]

Good luck and have fun!

[raymond10078]

I recommend an in-line fuel filter, and new spark plug caps (cut 1/4" off of the spark plug wires).  Simple/cheap insurance against annoyances.

Also - depending on its past care - I recommend two oil changes back-to-back.  The converter holds an amount of oil, and you can't drain all of the oil from the engine at one time.  I'd change the oil - leave the filter, then ride/run a short while, then do the second oil change with a new filter.

New plugs - adjust the valves - adjust the cam chain - new fuel, and be on your way.

[Sparked]

I am setting it aside until I get abit more free time and some other projects completed. The gas that is in it smells old, but the tank looks super clean.  Fresh gas, clean carbs and I think it will start up pretty easy. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll be working on it.

Sent from my Atari

[Sparked]

Photos!!!

My wife has decided that since it is going to be her bike, she wants the do the majority of the work and learn about the bike she will be riding.

I love this woman.