Topic: 1974 dohc2 cb450

[vames]

hey -

i have my eye on a sweet 1974 cb450.  i'm wondering if anybody knows any major problems with this bike/motor/trans on this bike.
i ride around new york city on a 76 750f - clearly I know this 450 is not as fast as the 750, but i'm looking for a second bike that is a bit smaller and lighter and that I can reach the ground better with.

anything anybody can tell me would be greatly appreciated.

-vames

[Harry]

HONDA CB450
1965-74, 444cc DOHC twin,
43hp, 110mph, 70mpg, 410lbs
Sophisticated DOHC head (uses torsion bar valve springs and eccentrically mounted rockers) can tangle valves if the engine’s used way into the red, but generally tough, only fails when the small-ends go. Look for slick gearbox, smooth mill above 7k, lack of oil leaks around clutch pushrod and no fumes from engine breather.

http://www.umgweb.com/0usedguidhonda.html

[Terry in Australia]

A mate of mine had a 1972 CB450 in 1976 when we were both 16, it wasn't too old back then, I remember it being a great bike, very fast and it handled ok too, we often got it up to 100 Mph, "two up".

Honda made them for years, then they morphed into the ill fated CB500T. Buy it mate, I reckon you'll love it! Cheers, Terry.

[Sam Green Racing]

I don't think you will find the seat height much less than the 750s, but I could be wrong, best check it out before you buy.

Good luck  Sam.

[el kabong]

i have had several CB450s (2 of them in the garage right now).  i would highly suggest a CB550K (four) over the CB450 (twin).  they look almost the same, but the twin has a fair amount of vibration.  the UJM inline4 became the benchmark for very good reason. 

if the 550 is still too high, these might help:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/showCustom-0/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2006655/c-10111/Nty-1/p-2006655/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10111/tf-B%20rowse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=lowering%20kits

[bill440cars]

The 450's are pretty powerful and fast. I've always felt they were impressive. Sure, they aren't as fast or smooth as a four but, they are a pretty good experience. If you can, go for it. Bill

[ElCheapo]

Bright side also is that ElCheapo parts El Conquistador has parts for it 

[6pkrunner]

I had a 1972 back in around 1973 or 1974 or so. They were the king before the CB750 came out. Great bikes, tough and a lot of fun. The old ugly duckling/black bombers are now very collectable.

[Gordon]

Seat height is probably about the same as the 750, but it's most likely much narrower.  Which makes just as much of a difference when it comes to getting your feet firmly on the ground.

[Terry in Australia]

So it's been 2 months since you posted this, did you buy it? Cheers, Terry.

[Gordon]

So it's been 2 months since you posted this, did you buy it? Cheers, Terry.

Wow, didn't even notice the date!  This thread has risen from the dead.

[zanthose]

so was the Bike ever purchased and if so did all work out well

[Terry in Australia]

Looks like Vames hasn't been around for a month, maybe he found a CB450 forum? 

[bill440cars]

Looks like Vames hasn't been around for a month, maybe he found a CB450 forum? 

           Don' know about him, but I think some folks don't seem to think that they can do more than one forum. I'd like to know the outcome of that one too.