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

[fendersrule]

I'm new to motorcycling, but recently fell in love with the vintage Honda CB750 during my "restoration." As I'm nearing the completion of my '78 CB750, I can't wait to get some miles on it! That also means, I won't have much to work on in my free time. I will have pretty much finished the '78 within a half year (about 2 full months worth of work), so I moved pretty quickly on it.

Then I thought, what if I were to grab a Honda twin as the CB750's side kick? The thing I worry about is the size, since I am 6'4. The 78 CB750k fits me perfectly (I've been told), but my dad's 79 CB750k squinches me because of the dumb low seat cut.

I've read somewhere that the CB450 is a full-sized bike, so I am assuming it has the same frame size as the CB750? My dad also had both a 60s CB450 and a late 78 CB750F, and he said they were pretty much the same size bike.

Anyways, does a tall person like myself have any business looking for a CB450, or are they about the same size? It would be nice to have a nimble, more economical bike as a side kick (and still the awesome Vintage Honda looks!). Where can I find these things anyways?

[Stev-o]

They are out there, I know a guy who bought a nice example for $2500.

Here's a nice project, "not the prettiest girl at the dance"...


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-cb-450-/230924548450?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item35c42cf962#ht_500wt_948

[fendersrule]

It's quite comical to learn that they weigh about the same as a CB750.

What did you think when you sat on one Steve-o?

[Stev-o]

What did you think when you sat on one Steve-o?

I never did sit on or ride his, was a friend of a friend. I think the seat height is very close to the 750.  Where did you read they weigh the same?  This states 449#...


http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_cb_450_k_1_1971.php

[fendersrule]

EDiT:

I meant 550. So I guess it is 100lbs less. Me want

[rb550four]

I'm on the east coast and have been watching craigslist from DC to Maine almost every night for years, there are still a few that come up every so often but not as much as they have in the past, and not as cheap anymore either.
  I bought one by accident a couple of years ago and just started to play with it. Way different than the fours mechanically (valve train wise) the rest of it is all very familiar. Didn't appeal to me right away but is growing on  me. But like I say are getting far and few between. Have seen restored models from 1500- $4000.
   On a happier note , I have been seeing , on a more regular basis, it's bigger brother the 500T. About the same size if it isn't exactly the same size, 499cc's alittle more power, seems to be treated like the redheaded stepchild, brown seat brown paint, totally not flashy from the factory but could be made to be very nice looking. So usually  I find that they are in pisspoor condition and the selling price reflects that, which is great if you are looking for a project. cheap to get into and alot of work.
   If you are serious ,I suggest combing CL regularly in a 4 state radius, check often, act fast. good luck.
      Oh, check on honda twins.net, it's like this site but for twins, you will recognize many of our members there too, so it won't feel strange.

[ekpent]

They are out there, I know a guy who bought a nice example for $2500.

Here's a nice project, "not the prettiest girl at the dance"...


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-cb-450-/230924548450?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item35c42cf962#ht_500wt_948

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.

[fendersrule]

I'm on the east coast and have been watching craigslist from DC to Maine almost every night for years, there are still a few that come up every so often but not as much as they have in the past, and not as cheap anymore either.
  I bought one by accident a couple of years ago and just started to play with it. Way different than the fours mechanically (valve train wise) the rest of it is all very familiar. Didn't appeal to me right away but is growing on  me. But like I say are getting far and few between. Have seen restored models from 1500- $4000.
   On a happier note , I have been seeing , on a more regular basis, it's bigger brother the 500T. About the same size if it isn't exactly the same size, 499cc's alittle more power, seems to be treated like the redheaded stepchild, brown seat brown paint, totally not flashy from the factory but could be made to be very nice looking. So usually  I find that they are in pisspoor condition and the selling price reflects that, which is great if you are looking for a project. cheap to get into and alot of work.
   If you are serious ,I suggest combing CL regularly in a 4 state radius, check often, act fast. good luck.
      Oh, check on honda twins.net, it's like this site but for twins, you will recognize many of our members there too, so it won't feel strange.

The problem I have with the 500T is the ugly seat. It's flat, but the base has that ugly 1979 zig-zag thing.

Sounds like a CB450 is going to take some looking. I really don't want to ship a motorcycle again....it was too stressful with my CB750 (and expensive to say the least).

[michiganmike]

I did an image search on Bing for 1969 CB450 Honda http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=honda+cb450+1969&qpvt=honda+cb450+1969&FORM=IGRE
There are other bikes scattered in this collage....my favorite is the chrome paneled gas tank years, around 1969...but that's just me.

[Stev-o]

Stressful to ship? I've shipped nearly every CB that I bought since I can't find them locally or they are way overpriced. I've found reasonably priced shippers and have their cell phone numbers!
If you wait for one in your City, you'll be waiting a long time.

[fendersrule]

Problem is that shipping costs just as much as the bike. I bought my '78k for $1500, and shipping was $800 from OH to ID. Was it a $2300 bike? No, not really. Even though it runs extremely well (a little tired on the compression, but still has good life left) and sports the 4 into 4 exhausts, everything else had either something wrong or missing that I wasn't able to confirm with the seller prior. Some of that was my fault by not having a very keen eye (like I do now) but some of that was simply just "hidden" stuff. I sold the right side cover (and emblem) for $80 since it was for a F model, but the left side cover was a botched fiberglass mess. I had no idea that I had to jiggle the key (switch replacement) to start the bike, or that the fender had THAT many dings!

My whole eBay and bike shipping experience was average. I didn't feel like I got a "great" buy, and I still had to deal with a "iffy" seller which took two additional months. I didn't like that the shipping company (they weren't the cheapest) dropped my bike on a pallet on its side. But they got it here quick, and it was a great first bike to make into a champion.

I'd like to go about my next bike buying it in person, even if I may have to travel a few hours away. Better than bending over backwards for shipping and having to wait 3-4 weeks. Now, that doesn't mean I wouldn't be up for the idea of a member selling me their bike or if they let me in on a special shipping deal.

There was a beautiful CB450 that sold locally about 6 months ago for $1000. Very complete, but it was smoking (looked amazing by the pictures). I was too damn slow because I didn't know what I wanted at that time.

[Stev-o]

Pallet? Rarely used anymore, they just roll em on a trailer and strap em down. My current project, a K5, was also bought in Ohio and I paid $350 to ship to TX (approx 1000 miles).
I helped roll it out of the trailer.
Sorry, sounds like you had a bad experience, trust me, it's not always lime that.

[fendersrule]

I didn't mean to sound like my experience was bad, but it just felt "meh" and it could have been better. I'd do it again, but I'd like to really enjoy that face-to-face experience of getting a great buy.

I guess my point: What would you rather have, a $2200 bike, or a $1400 bike that you had to pay $800 to get to you unseen?

Keep in mind that everyone else is watching those eBay ads. I don't really believe that you will ever find a bike/car for a "GREAT" price that includes the shipping compared to what may come up on Craigslist driving-distance to you.

Like this right here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-cb-450-/230924548450?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item35c42cf962#ht_500wt_1182

That's already $2,000 for me. I bet you can take that $2,000 further. Ebay doesn't seem to be the option. Where have you bought bikes from?

[Stev-o]

You have some valid points. And I too, would like that face to face great buy, but it not happening around here. CB's for sale are scarce and over priced when found.

Here's an example, there is only 1 CB750 on my local CL right now, I would not even consider paying anywhere near the asking price, don't even really like it.

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcd/3538950987.html

I bought my CB550 on eBay, others from out of state on CL, and the last one from the forum here. eBay prices have really gone high on the CB's lately. 
Keep shopping, you'll find one.

[fendersrule]

Are you SOL in your state without a title?
http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/3552982679.html

This I would guess would about be on par with eBay + shipping price:
http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/3564434964.html

You have about the selection that I have, maybe more. Just last week, a very nice Cb350f for sale. Didn't last very long.

[rb550four]

cl's and cb's 350's have been all over CL. Are you are 6ft 4" still ? I'm 5'10" /170lbs and thought the 350 was okay for a single rider and the power was just okay. 350's are classics too,  Years ago I owned one and really liked it. I had the cl model and remember the only thing that I didn't like was the exhaust pipes, I always ride in leathers and the cl dried and deformed the left leather pant leg from the heat.Still have some bare skin burn scares but I get them from most machines anyways.
 I think you should test ride one for sure before you commit.

[dhall57]

Fender, be surprised what word of mouth can do. Get in a habit of asking people you know ( fellow workers, friends, people standing next to you in the check out line, etc, you see what I mean. This is exactly how I found my last bike I bought in 2011. A guy said he had a friend that had a old blue Honda sitting in his garage for years. That old blue Honda turned out to be a 1970 blue green CB750 KO with only 20K on speedo. Almost all still original, still had all the goodies, wrinkled tank, HM300 pipes, ducktail seat. I just couldn't help myself I had to bring it home

[toytuff]

U-Ship has worked well for me. The key is to wait it out. Cost's will be high at first but if a Shipper is picking up bikes along your route then the price falls dramatically. Give the shipper and yourself a big window.

I had my 1982 CBX shipped from Boise, ID to my front door. 700 miles one way, not a small bike with a 60" wheelbase. With U-Ship fees and shipper cost it was $375.00. I could not drive my Tundra pulling a trailer for that amount.

Jade towing did a fine job and would defiantly use Dave again.

tt

[fendersrule]

rb550four, I'm 28 so I don't think I'm going to shrink from 6'4 any time soon.

I've read that the CB450 is a full size, full-frame bike. The CB350 is not, so I don't think I would be interested in a CB350.

I've had my bike up for bid at uShip for about 4 days, and then I got fed up with seeing rejections and the few "$1200" quotes.

[toytuff]

Most shippers don't run in the winter. Come spring they plan the routes.

I have talked to a few who have told me this.

tt

[Really?]

Stressful to ship? I've shipped nearly every CB that I bought since I can't find them locally or they are way overpriced. I've found reasonably priced shippers and have their cell phone numbers!
If you wait for one in your City, you'll be waiting a long time.

Hey Big Balls!

[Stev-o]

Stressful to ship? I've shipped nearly every CB that I bought since I can't find them locally or they are way overpriced.

Hey Big Balls!

Really? Big Balls!

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Also have first year 1965 Black Bomber CB450K!
have NOS seat,rear shocks,....speedo/tach!!!
Bike available with or without NOS parts!
Damn,better pm Greggo! Bill

[fendersrule]

No one has talked about the physical size and the "feel" compared to a cb750 yet. 

[Terry in Australia]

While the CB450 wasn't a success in the showroom, it was a nice bike. It vibrated a bit, but didn't leak oil and was reliable, which in itself was pretty amazing in the 1960's.

It'd do a tad over 100 MPH, and was similar to the CB750 in appearance, with the later models getting the same front disc brake as the CB750, in fact the "prototype" CB750 that Andy Morris found a few years ago, had a lot of CB450 parts on it.

You're around as tall as me, and I felt quite comfortable on a CB450 last time I rode one. 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.