Topic: Neglected CB450

[britman]

On one of my delivery stops a week or so back I noticed the ugly 70's Honda brown color of an old bike leaning against a oak tree on  the customers property.  No one was at home so a quick peak showed it to be a 72 CB450 and the woods and rust had truly taken its toll.  I gave the owner a call, an 80 year old auto mechanic who is still building race engines for a few select customers.  He told me that the bike had been dropped at his shop over 40 years ago by the owner who wanted him to install an extended front end and other period chopper parts that were so prevalent back then. He also said the bike ran great and had low mileage.  Long story short, the owner never came up with any parts, money, or even showed up to pick up the machine.  He stored it in the rear of his garage for 20 years or so until he retired, closed the garage and started doing side work out of his home. The bike then went against the tree.  Of course there is no title and the key has long since disappeared, but when I offered him a $100.00 for the machine he said come get it.  It just came off of the trailer and here is what I have found so far, the motor is not seized and kicks over, the gas tank looks like new on the inside, front caliber is locked up tight as a drum, there is substantial rust and the mufflers, seat pan, are about shot.  The sad thing is I believe the mileage could very well be actual at 4100 miles.  I am really on the fence about what to do with this old girl, part it out, try to get a title and get it on the road, or just see if it will run and pass it on.  Time, money, and circumstances will eventually determine it's fate, but regardless I am happy with the find......

[Stev-o]

She could be saved....I've see a lot worse

[dhall57]

Nice find. Reminds me a lot(condition wise) of the 1971 CB500 I found in a womens back yard. It had been sitting outside quite a few years ever since her husband had died. Don't part it out. It can be brought back to life. Ride it and enjoy it

[toytuff]

Very doable.

[grcamna2]

Nice find. Reminds me a lot(condition wise) of the 1971 CB500 I found in a womens back yard. It had been sitting outside quite a few years ever since her husband had died. Don't part it out. It can be brought back to life. Ride it and enjoy it

+1 

[CycleRanger]

Nice find! Well worth the price! 

Even with the engine potentially requiring no or little work it would cost a quite few bucks to bring that one back.
New wheels, chrome, wiring, etc.
But being intact and stock it is a very valid candidate to the right person.

At the very least if you don't want restore it go ahead and get a title for it and give someone else a chance.
With a title, even as is, I'm sure you could at least double your money!
Or if really need the cash, part it out. 

[MoMo]

I've restored several in the past years and owned as many as 8.  I like the classic look but that looks as though you could dump a boat load of bucks into it(maybe up to a million space bucks ).  Before attempting to start it pull the front and rear cam covers to check if the rubber dampers on the cam are shot...Larry

[Stev-o]

I've restored several in the past years and owned as many as 8.

It could be the most impressive bike ever built!  And it is the best color....brown.

[Johnie]

Can't believe how nice that tank looks!

[grcamna2]

Can't believe how nice that tank looks!

The man must have kept it out of the direct sun,etc. to have the inside look so shiny clean. 

[strynboen]

starter clutch is a veak point..but it can be kicked to start..so not a total loss if it are broken of the magenetic generator rotor..like it vas on my 500 twin..

[MoMo]

never had any starter clutch problems with mine strynboen, and it is an easy inexpensive repair if it goes bad...Larry

[calj737]

It could be the most impressive bike ever built!  And it is the best color....brown.

So true. But doesn't it need to be trimmed with black to be truly impressive?

Save that bike!

[dhall57]

What ever happened to member Fenders. I remember him getting into some pretty severe discussions( ok arguments )with a few other members.

[calj737]

He took his toys and went home.  He didn't want to play any reindeer games 

[Stev-o]

What ever happened to member Fenders.

His last post:

"So I recommend instead of being grumpy old men who don't know any better, that you get busy in the garage instead shooting down people's dreams.

I'll simply take my twin interests elsewhere."

[grcamna2]

Hey,they're all Honda's,right? 

[britman]

Decided the route, bring her back to a good everyday rider level and past it on, maybe.  I started the 30 plus day quest here in Virginia to obtain a valid title last evening.  In the mean time the pressure washer was brought out of winter hibernation early and few of natures little creatures were made homeless.  Tires and tubes are here, two cans of WD 40 and full canister for the propane torch empty, but is coming apart.  (Will probably have to drill out the screws for the oil slinger  cover this evening, the hand impact just completely rounded them out.)  The front brake master is still soaking, I am pretty sure that will need replacement.  The motor was full of 40 year old oil, probably a good thing.  Looking to replace the ignition switch after checking on the re-key cost.  Sorry no pictures yet, I have just been to damn busy, but will throw some up shortly.  Thanks one and all for the suggestions and input.....

[calj737]

If you're unaware, the screws are not Phillips, they're JIS. And JIS is rather different and requires its correct bit. Equipped with proper bits, and maybe a hand impact, nary a screw won't yield.

[Stev-o]

Check your ignition switch (or seat lock) for the number code. If you can locate that, buy a key on eBay. 

[CycleRanger]

Check your ignition switch (or seat lock) for the number code. If you can locate that, buy a key on eBay.

Or here: http://www.hondakeys.com/key_id.html

New keys are easy.

[MoMo]

to add, avoid buying an Emgo replacement-whatever you have to spend for an original key would be less than having your bike towed back when the Emgo fails

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

to add, avoid buying an Emgo replacement-whatever you have to spend for an original key would be less than having your bike towed back when the Emgo fails

Emgo ignition sucks!

[britman]

Thanks so much for the key info, will check the lock in the am.  Learn something new everyday.  In reference to the JIS screws, they are now replaced with three from Earls True Value Hardware.  Just got all of the tools up off the garage floor, gone to sit in the recliner and enjoy a few Friday night beers.  Have a great weekend everyone......

[britman]

Spent this morning tearing the 450 apart for further cleaning, and a lick of paint here and there.  Still found a few additional critters in the headlight bucket and air cleaners.  I have an original key on the way thanks to the valuable input from this site.  I have down loaded valve adjustment and timing procedures and will be spending some time going over the instructions.  (Somewhat different than the 750's and 550's I have fooled with in the past, particularly on the valves.) Carb kits are on the way, but a quick look at the bowls shows they aren't really in bad shape.  If I have the time tomorrow my raised white letter rear tire is going to be mounted, don't be jealous guys I found it in the rear of an old time tire supplier and it cost a grand total of 20 bucks.  Still have my doubts about the front master cylinder, the clip is really rusted in the groove.  I am really enjoying this one, everything points to a really low mileage bike, just totally neglected from time and the elements.