Topic: First "old" bike - '72 CL450 from Chicago

[Muddy4DSM]

Hello everyone! My name's Adam and I'm from the Chicago area. I just picked up my first "old" bike last night and I'm really excited to get started on this new project! I've been riding for 3 seasons now and my daily toy is my '06 1000RR. I picked up the 450 as a project toy/commuter/something slower for more fun on the side streets. It came with about 2 tubs worth of extra parts, looks to be in pretty good shape but doesn't run right now. No idea where the problem lies, but that's the fun part

I've already got idea running through my head on what I want to do with it, but so far they seem like pretty original ideas (at least all of them together) so haven't had a whole lot of luck finding any how-to's quite yet. So far I'm looking at swapping out the front end entirely for sport bike forks and disk brakes, doing some sort of rear sets, and somehow integrating a Ducati Monster type tail into the back. Rear suspension will also be improved but no idea where to look for that yet. First priority is getting the thing running and reliable and improvements will come after that.

Hopefully I can get some help from you guys and pick up on some hints, and hopefully help some others out in the process. I'll take some pictures in the next couple days and get them posted.

[HavocTurbo]

Welcome 

When you decide what front end you want to use, or anything else fabbed up for the suspension crossover...

Shoot me a line. I've done quite a few and am always looking to help a fellow member out.

[Muddy4DSM]

Welcome 

When you decide what front end you want to use, or anything else fabbed up for the suspension crossover...

Shoot me a line. I've done quite a few and am always looking to help a fellow member out.

The problem I have is that I'm not sure what (if any) will fit as a direct swap over. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them. That way I can keep an eye out on ebay or craigslist for any needed parts. Any particular models or brands work well with the existing triple clamps or steering stem?

On a side note - are you a member of CLSB Chicagolandsportbikes.com? We have a bike night tonight at Portillo's on 83 in Elmhurst any time after 6:30-7:00 if you'd like to stop by and check it out. Maybe we can discuss some ideas as I have another buddy with an older bike like this too who will be riding with me.

[HavocTurbo]

Nothing modern will be direct. Most likely we'll need to make a new stem to replace whatever you are going to use.

I'm in Rockford so it's a ways.

Most likely the easiest will be any smaller sportbike suspension. Either front or rear. Should be easier to adapt to the smaller frame.

like a cbr600 front and rear? would be huge but you get the idea.

maybe a kawasaki 500r or 250r would be easier.

Anything's possible.