Author Topic: Neglected CB450  (Read 9405 times)

0 Members and 4 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #25 on: April 30, 2016, 12:47:19 PM »
And you should really check the date code on the tire before you decide to use it.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,400
  • Central Texas
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #26 on: April 30, 2016, 12:54:23 PM »
And you should really check the date code on the tire before you decide to use it.

+1.  Hate to tell ya, that tire is not worth $20. 
[unless you feel lucky riding 100 mph on ten year old tires?!]
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline dhall57

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,676
  • The 70's! SOHC4 Honda's & Marcia Brady of course.
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #27 on: April 30, 2016, 01:44:18 PM »
Not the most impressive bike Honda ever made as one member thought,but those dohc 450's are good bike's Brit. Not as smooth as the inline 4's of course, but they aren't suppose to be. A friend in HS back in the day had one and it was a strong running bike. He ran the piss out of it and it never let him down that I remember. Good luck with it ;)
« Last Edit: April 30, 2016, 01:48:30 PM by dhall57 »
1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

Offline MoMo

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,275
  • Ride like you're invisible
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #28 on: April 30, 2016, 06:46:38 PM »
Valve adjustment is quite different than any other bike I worked on.  I remove front and rear valve covers and the carb tops.  The couple extra minutes to remove the top makes access for  adjusting the valves much easier.  .0015 feeler gauge is that is needed...Larry

Offline Garage_guy_chris

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 730
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #29 on: April 30, 2016, 10:11:50 PM »
I have a 450 too, that is a good bike for a whole $100.  This was my $700 bike when i first brought it home on my 26th birthday



0.0012" or 0.0015" is generally accepted as being too tight for the valve adjustment over on Hondatwins.net we generally recommend 0.002"-0.003"

swing over to the forums if your looking for info or need any assistance lots of knowledgeable people over there:

http://www.hondatwins.net/forums/forum.php
« Last Edit: April 30, 2016, 10:13:49 PM by Garage_guy_chris »
1971 Cb450 Cafe  (on the road)
1974 Cb750 Restomod (on the road)

Offline maduncle

  • Don't confuse me with a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 471
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #30 on: April 30, 2016, 11:00:04 PM »
Nice score there.

I have built two CB450's here - fun bikes to work on and the torsion bar set up in the head is easy to work with too. I built a special tool using a notched spark plug socket and a little inch/pound deflecting beam torsion wrench to test CB450 torsion bar strength - based on a design Terry Houghton at Team Hansen Honda shared with me.

Plenty of interest in these bikes world wide and a few fans have a special Facebook page for them.

Now if anyone ever finds a CB450D for sale - please let me know. Easily the most impressive bike ever built in the universe.

CB750K2 (only slightly modified)

Offline britman

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 572
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #31 on: May 08, 2016, 12:27:58 PM »
I guess I have now what the Harley guys refer too as a roller.  Coming along nicely, no major hitches so far....



Offline rb550four

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,472
  • I'm nobody's slave and nobody's master
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #32 on: May 08, 2016, 12:49:28 PM »
   That is cleaning up nicely. Almost any machine that isn't bent or rusted through the frame can be salvaged. Only depends on how much time and effort someone is willing to put into it. Good project.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,614
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #33 on: May 08, 2016, 12:50:28 PM »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline CycleRanger

  • No comment about being an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 5,453
  • Central Texas Shop Manual Advocate
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #34 on: May 08, 2016, 01:15:32 PM »
Here's one for you:

http://appleton.craigslist.org/mcy/5573434863.html
Wholy cow that's cheap!

And Brit, you have been busy!
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,211
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #35 on: May 09, 2016, 07:09:55 AM »
   That is cleaning up nicely. Almost any machine that isn't bent or rusted through the frame can be salvaged. Only depends on how much time and effort someone is willing to put into it. Good project.

 ;)  :)
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline britman

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 572
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #36 on: May 14, 2016, 01:20:29 PM »
Added a little here and there this weekend.  Fender, battery and tool box, wiring tucked away, and a new battery.  Next on the agenda, getting fire.  New points and condenser on the way..... I parked it next to it's British cousin for some added inspiration to aid in the process......



Offline britman

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 572
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #37 on: June 01, 2016, 03:57:46 PM »
Well it has been around the block, a couple of times so far.  Starts on first or second kick, no smoke, and runs pretty damn good.  (I know I am missing a couple of cylinders for this site, but thought I would check in anyhow.) Points, plugs, carbs rebuilt, valves adjusted, timing set.  I am going to run it for a few more short trips and change the oil, but overall I am a happy puppy.  Still shopping for mufflers, front brakes hoses, bearings, tires, and so on, still a long way to go.......


Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,733
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #38 on: June 01, 2016, 04:01:36 PM »
Well it has been around the block, a couple of times so far.  Starts on first or second kick, no smoke, and runs pretty damn good.  (I know I am missing a couple of cylinders for this site, but thought I would check in anyhow.) Points, plugs, carbs rebuilt, valves adjusted, timing set.  I am going to run it for a few more short trips and change the oil, but overall I am a happy puppy.  Still shopping for mufflers, front brakes hoses, bearings, tires, and so on, still a long way to go.......



That looks great!  Is that a stock 450 gas tank?
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #39 on: June 01, 2016, 04:54:02 PM »
Do yourself a favor and replace all those rusted spokes. It is a safety issue waiting to happen  :o Else, the bike looks smashing  :)
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline MoMo

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,275
  • Ride like you're invisible
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #40 on: June 01, 2016, 06:35:49 PM »
Always  been a 450 dohc fan, that has good bones, congrats...Larry

Offline britman

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 572
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #41 on: July 04, 2016, 07:48:15 PM »
Plate has been really full lately between work and 'Honey Do's" but added a few more improvements here and there.  I hoping to ride it to work within the next couple of weeks.  This one is really starting to grow on me.......







Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,211
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #42 on: July 04, 2016, 08:37:46 PM »
That's coming along nice  8) Are those pipes loud enough to hear it from a mile away?  :D
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline britman

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 572
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #43 on: July 05, 2016, 02:23:34 PM »
That's coming along nice  8) Are those pipes loud enough to hear it from a mile away?  :D

Of course, they are from a vintage Triumph site and yes those are Lucas style turn signals on the front.  The rear ones went on this afternoon.  Just can't get the Union Jack attitude out of my system, but damn the little
Asian machine runs good, quick and shifts like butter..................

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,211
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #44 on: July 05, 2016, 03:49:52 PM »
You've got her cleaned up sweet  8) !
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline britman

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 572
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #45 on: July 23, 2016, 06:14:00 PM »
Just wanted to let  you guys know, she is done.  Rust, faded paint, and forty years of neglect has been touched up here and there and the old girl runs great.  She seems to be right at home with her British sisters and will be officially on the road next week.....










Offline Terry in Australia

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 33,338
  • So, what do ya wanna talk about today?
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #46 on: July 23, 2016, 07:33:44 PM »
That looks fantastic mate, well done! It's always a pleasure to see a neglected old bike brought back from the brink, without suffering a different kind of destruction at the hands of a "Cafe Racer/bobber/brat style" builder, that bike looks great just as it is. You should feel very proud of yourself. Cheers, Terry. ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline MoMo

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,275
  • Ride like you're invisible
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #47 on: July 23, 2016, 08:23:00 PM »
Nice work, ...Larry

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,211
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #48 on: July 23, 2016, 08:47:24 PM »
Nice work, ...Larry

Yes,it's looking real good  8) and not out of place sitting w/ your British cycles.
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline maduncle

  • Don't confuse me with a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 471
Re: Neglected CB450
« Reply #49 on: July 23, 2016, 11:15:10 PM »
Well done - thats a nice rescue mission completed there.

I have a CB450 K1 here to restore next, just need to find the right tank and side covers then I have everything I need.
CB750K2 (only slightly modified)