Topic: Gonna go see a 1968 CB450T race bike - what to look for?

[mikethejeepguy]

So I was hangin out at the local coffee shop bike spot, being the only old CB among the crowd of Harley guys as usual. Anyhow, one guy asked me if I was looking for a project bike, that he bought this old CB450T for his son, but doesn't have the time to put into rebuilding it. Supposedly it's a 1968 CB450T race bike, built by Honda and raced by their team. Supposedly it has the race fairing on it, racing seat, fiberglass tank, and the motor is built up. He said that it was in rough shape but figures it could be brought back to life without much part replacement (he owns a chopper shop in my town, so I figure he knows bikes, but of course a seller would say that). Anyhow, he said that he's too busy to put the time in, and hates to see it just sit there... wants me to make him an offer.

I want to go see it, but likely won't be able to until next week, but I have to say, he got my attention. If I do, pics will follow.

SO, seeing as virtually nothing will be stock on this motor, what should I look for as signs of beyond repair? I know it's tough to gauge without pictures, but what should I offer him for a "rough" 1968 race bike? Same as a regular 450T?


M

[bistromath]

It's a CB450 K1, not a CB450T. The T was the '80s Honda Hawk. And if you decide you don't want it, let me know... =)

If it's really a Honda factory race bike, it's got collector value from here to the moon.

[myhondas]

As far as I know, there is only one honda factory race bike out there. Honda let just one out to one of their engineers and would like to get it back if they could. I remember that it was sold just recently. Doubt that it is a real factory bike, but a builders race bike.

[zoo mob]

Be it a factory, or period-built shop racer, it still sounds f-ing awesome. I love the look of the 450 K1's, if this thing is anything close to his description, I'd guess its worth at least a couple of grand. Good luck, and keep us updated.

[Toxic]

Rule number one when negotiating:  Don't make the first offer.

Rule number two:  see rule number one

Post lots of pics and good luck with the purchase

[lordmoonpie]

You need to understand what's in the engine if he knows as a decent race 450 will have almost nothing standard in there. That's not a problem in itself as most non-standard parts can be bought to replace the race kit. Racing CB450s have a healthy spares backup out there.

Things to be careful of include any hint of bearing issues on the gearbox shafts as these are almost impossible to find now. Cranks also are pretty much all gone except for bikes being broken. I had the last new crank David Silver had some years back.

If he knows, ask him about the camchain tensioners - standard or replaced with metal race wheels, camchain should be up-spec too and conrods are unlikley to be standard. Any external oil lines to the head would be good news, no sign of them or any mod to the cam towers could mean cam problems as the alloy in the cam tower ends isn't especially hard wearing.

At the end of the day it's like any bike, find out as much as you can about the modifications and the service history then check everything you possibly can.

[ColinMc]

At the end of the day it's like any bike, find out as much as you can about the modifications and the service history then check everything you possibly can.

Along with that figure out worst case scenario how much you'll spend on it getting it running and back in good shape...then multiply that figure times four lol.

[lordmoonpie]

Times 40....in my case 

[tbpmusic]

You may want to consider it very carefully.

Team Hansen, with whom I am familiar, charges $10,500 to $12,500 for a full race engine makeover on a 450DOHC........

Costs like that are not unusual, start throwing in Capelini top end stuff, it can go even higher.

[lordmoonpie]

+1

Mines about as developed as I want to go with it and it's cost me getting on for $35,000 over 8 years. She's a mean mutha now though