Topic: Should I be getting the CB450 fever, and where are they?!?

[dhall57]

The CB450 are good bikes, but as far as hwy comfort the 450 has more vibration through the bars and pegs. The 750 would be the choice hands down for the longer trips.

[ekpent]

I sold a cb450 to a flipper friend of mine a couple years ago and he claims he has a contact in Italy that buys all he can find and they turn them into racers over there,maybe some special class ??  You all may be surprised if you knew how many old bikes were leaving the country.

[jas67]

450's are all the rage!    I picked this up today:


The scramblers are way less common, and amongst the scramblers, the 450's are the least common.

1973 CL450 w/ 17,8xx miles on it.

It is my first 450, first DOHC Honda twin for that matter.   Until now, I've had mostly 160's and 175's with a pair of CB360's thrown in for good measure.

It is currently not running, but has good compression.     The fuel tank is bone dry inside, and has just a slight amount of surface rust, so at least it was drained before being stored.

For now, it will wait patiently in line behind a few others ahead of it in line.

I hope to get it running soon though!

I find the earlier ones to be the best looking:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e337/zoomob/CLK1a.jpg

I have a 1968 CL175 in this color, so this would complement it well.

As for the CB450's, I'm partial to the "Black Bomber" models (K0), and the K1 bikes, which have a tank shaped more like the later models, but still have the chrome side panels with rubber knee pads.

K0:


K1:

[jas67]

That guy is a flipper here in Michigan,he has the bike on CL also. I made a move on it when the 'other' owner sold it very recently on CL. That owner if I remember was only asking$600.00 or $700.00 or best offer but he beat me to it and had it listed for resale for double within a few days.Low miles at 4800.  First one there gets them.

Every area has one or more.    I've got the same problem where I am.   There are a few people in my region that are retired, or just have a business flipping bikes full time, so good deals get snapped up literally within minutes to an hour.    I had posted a "classic Hondas wanted" ad on craigslist which has done me well.   In fact, the CL450 that I got yesterday, and the CB350 Four that I got a few weeks back both were obtained via that ad.   That ad also netted me a $300 1967 CB160 (rough condition), a $300 1976 CB360T, not running but real nice condition, and a $50 SL70 (w/o engine).

Others that I purchased, I just been lucky to be first.

[Stev-o]

Hey JAS - looks like a real nice find. 

[jas67]

Don't buy a CB500T, they were a pile-o-crap, they vibrated themselves to pieces, leaked oil, and have the same resale value as my well-used underpants. They were definitely NOT an improvement over the 450............ Cheers, Terry. 

IIRC, the 500 was the same bore, but a longer stroke than the 450.   And yes, the vibrate all to hell, and they certainly aren't as good looking, as they came out when the industry was heading toward the "custom" cruiser look, which is why the sides of the seat and tops of the side covers were sloping.   

I test rode a CB500T that I was considering buying.    I rode about 2 miles, turned around, and brought it back, and said, "No thanks!"

VERY buzzy.    My hands were numb.   I must prefer the smaller twins.    Even my CB360T vibrates a good bit.    I prefer my 70's hondas to be 4 cylinders for anything over 200cc.   I like the small twins, 160's and 175's, but my CB360T is up for sale.   As I stated in another post in this thread, I did just buy a CL450; but that is because I have a soft spot for scramblers.  I've never ridden any of the 450's, just the 500, which I hated.   I'll see how I like it once it is running.  If it vibrates too much, I may just drain the tank and carbs, and it'll be a "static" part of my collection / investment.

[jas67]

The CB450 are good bikes, but as far as hwy comfort the 450 has more vibration through the bars and pegs. The 750 would be the choice hands down for the longer trips.

I would say the same applies to the smaller twins like 350's and 360's.

I have both a CB400F and a CB360T.   Power is similar, and both are great for bombing around the country roads at 40-50 MPH.   For anything faster than 50 MPH, the CB360T does just fine, but the vibes make my hands numb.    The CB400F is silky smooth at any speed.

[fendersrule]

I may be picking up a '73 CB450 today.....

I want a 450 because it seems to be a more agile bike that would be great for parking lot practicing, as well as driving to work (40MPH).

Plus, having a CB450 with a CB750 is a tits combo.

[fendersrule]

Thanks Terre for the information.

I've read somewhere that they have basically the same size frames as the CB450, but I wanted to see if that was a myth or not. They are indeed considered a "full size" bike. I guess the CB350s are not considered "full size"

I'll know later today when I sit on one, but I foresee a very nice bike that will compliment my CB450 in the garage and it's a bike that still should suit larger riders based on what I'm hearing.

[Terry in Australia]

Don't buy a CB500T, they were a pile-o-crap, they vibrated themselves to pieces, leaked oil, and have the same resale value as my well-used underpants. They were definitely NOT an improvement over the 450............ Cheers, Terry. 

IIRC, the 500 was the same bore, but a longer stroke than the 450.   And yes, the vibrate all to hell, and they certainly aren't as good looking, as they came out when the industry was heading toward the "custom" cruiser look, which is why the sides of the seat and tops of the side covers were sloping.   

I test rode a CB500T that I was considering buying.    I rode about 2 miles, turned around, and brought it back, and said, "No thanks!"

VERY buzzy.    My hands were numb.   I must prefer the smaller twins.    Even my CB360T vibrates a good bit.    I prefer my 70's hondas to be 4 cylinders for anything over 200cc.   I like the small twins, 160's and 175's, but my CB360T is up for sale.   As I stated in another post in this thread, I did just buy a CL450; but that is because I have a soft spot for scramblers.  I've never ridden any of the 450's, just the 500, which I hated.   I'll see how I like it once it is running.  If it vibrates too much, I may just drain the tank and carbs, and it'll be a "static" part of my collection / investment.

I love the CL450's mate, if I was after a 450 that'd be my choice. I was a amazed a few months ago that some of the "experts" (including an ex Honda tech) here had never heard of one and even argued that I was smoking something when I mentioned them. I love that "high pipe" exhaust! Cheers, Terry.

[Johnie]

I had a brand new 1974 CB450 in the orange back in the day. The vibration at highway speed was so bad it was putting my hand to sleep. Road it 2 summers and traded it in for a CB750.

[Retro Rocket]

Don't buy a CB500T, they were a pile-o-crap, they vibrated themselves to pieces, leaked oil, and have the same resale value as my well-used underpants. They were definitely NOT an improvement over the 450............ Cheers, Terry. 

IIRC, the 500 was the same bore, but a longer stroke than the 450.   And yes, the vibrate all to hell, and they certainly aren't as good looking, as they came out when the industry was heading toward the "custom" cruiser look, which is why the sides of the seat and tops of the side covers were sloping.   

I test rode a CB500T that I was considering buying.    I rode about 2 miles, turned around, and brought it back, and said, "No thanks!"

VERY buzzy.    My hands were numb.   I must prefer the smaller twins.    Even my CB360T vibrates a good bit.    I prefer my 70's hondas to be 4 cylinders for anything over 200cc.   I like the small twins, 160's and 175's, but my CB360T is up for sale.   As I stated in another post in this thread, I did just buy a CL450; but that is because I have a soft spot for scramblers.  I've never ridden any of the 450's, just the 500, which I hated.   I'll see how I like it once it is running.  If it vibrates too much, I may just drain the tank and carbs, and it'll be a "static" part of my collection / investment.

I love the CL450's mate, if I was after a 450 that'd be my choice. I was a amazed a few months ago that some of the "experts" (including an ex Honda tech) here had never heard of one and even argued that I was smoking something when I mentioned them. I love that "high pipe" exhaust! Cheers, Terry.

Was that the CL or the SL Terry, they didn't make a SL450 , i would like one though...

[jas67]

Was that the CL or the SL Terry, they didn't make a SL450 , i would like one though...

That is correct, there was no SL450, only a CL450 (in additional to the CB450, of course).
The SL models that were made are as follows:

Singles:
SL70 (horizontal cylinder)
SL90 (horizontal cylinder)
SL100 (vertical cylinder)
SL125 (vertical cylinder)

Twins:
SL175
SL350

The CL's where made on pretty much every single & twin-cylinder CB until around 1974.

Singles:
CL70 (horizontal cylinder, T-bone pressed frame)
CL90 (horizontal cylinder, T-bone pressed frame)
CL100 (vertical cylinder)
CL125 (vertical cylinder)

Twins:
CL72 (250cc sloper)
CL77 (305cc sloper)
CL125A (125cc sloper twin, T-bone pressed frame)
CL160
CL175 (sloper and vertical motors)
CL200
CL350
CL360
CL450

[Retro Rocket]

There was no SL450, only a CL450.

Thats what i said...

[jas67]

There was no SL450, only a CL450.

Thats what i said...

I was agreeing with you.   

[fendersrule]

Here is me on the CB450 that I am considering buying. I'm working with the owner on getting it to start and will be doing a compression check tomorrow at noon. We think it has good compression, but the battery is completely dead, or there could be a loose electrical connection issue. It's pretty complete, and needs a little this and that. No rust at all, and it's a nice survivor...MUCH better shape than my '78 was overall. The side covers and airbox assembly are in a box, and it all looks there. Tires, chain, and sprockets all look good and without rust.

The paintwork isn't professional, but I can easily fix that.

He's wanting $650, which is a good price, especially if it runs and gives healthy compression numbers.

Anyhow, I'm 6'4, and here is me sitting on it:




The CB450 is definitely smaller than the CB750. I barely look acceptable on it.

It seems like it would be a very fun bike, so I'll keep you guys informed.

[fendersrule]

I need to buy a compression guage. Why size do I need to test this honda?

[Johnie]

You may last one summer on it...just saying...looks to small for you. I recall a couple years ago I restored a CB360. Neat bike, but whenever I was on it I was thinking, "wish I was on the 750." You will not last to long on those rides as you will feel cramped...especially if you are used to the 750. Would your wife like to learn to ride. Might be a good starter for her. Good luck and let us know how you come out.

[Stev-o]

You will not last to long on those rides as you will feel cramped...especially if you are used to the 750. Would your wife like to learn to ride. Might be a good starter...

I beleve he's a new rider and not ridden his project 750 much yet. This is a great bike to learn on and appears to be a good deal, it would have been in my garage already for an investment if nothing else.
He's looking for another project bike, I say get it!

[fendersrule]

Steve is right. This isn't a bike that I would use for trips, and its only questionable if I use it as my main.

This is really intended to be a nice spare that I can slowy restore. My girlfriend also may want to use it, though that part will be questionable.

[fendersrule]

I will say that I'm more comfortable on this bike than my dads '79 cb750

[RAFster122s]

HondaMan has a bit about the 450 motor if I recall correctly, on the thoughts of HondaMan thread...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=7401.15

[Stev-o]

I will say that I'm more comfortable on this bike than my dads '79 cb750

Most of us would not be comfortable on a '79!  (DOHC)

[fendersrule]

Getting the trailer ready.....

[dhall57]

Did you bring the CB450 home?