Topic: CB450 vs. XS650?

[borzwazie]

There's no question that the XS650 has a better aftermarket - if you don't want to futz about looking for non-available spares, go that route. However, the CB450 is a pretty great bike.

I think this needs qualifying a little - the XS650 has a better aftermarket if you want to stay with stock or direct OEM replacement parts. If you're not bothered about authentic parts, the sky's the limit with the 450 and you can tune them well into the 65bhp+ bracket, making them more than a match for a standard 750. If you want to go extreme you can very easily, there's tons of replacements to enhance standard parts. For example, who will know whether you're running a stock honda set of camchain tensioner wheels or a full blown race tensioner setup?!

man, I can't even afford the pipes you have on that thing let alone the rest of it  I think a full race tensioner setup is around 4-500 US dollars 

[tbpmusic]

Guess I'll throw a couple of shots of my 450 in here - the Build Log is at  http://home.comcast.net/~tbpmusic/id54.htm

A ton of photos and details there -


Before  (YUK !!)::::




After :::







Incidentally, I've since put on a longer sidestand - from a 550 four, so I guess it's ok to post ??  

[scout4924]

Interesting thread! as I have a 450 with 8100 miles on it sitting in the donators shed. So since it's complete and free for the taking, I should stop lerking around Craigs list and Ebay and go get it! 65hp! WOW! now all I need is expertice and cash. Things I seem to lack. Oh well, here goes! Thanks for such good insite and knowledge!
This board has helped alot with my cb500 build. So thanks again.

[lordmoonpie]

man, I can't even afford the pipes you have on that thing let alone the rest of it  I think a full race tensioner setup is around 4-500 US dollars 

You need to have a chat with Bernie Saunders in the Uk - he has magic race tensioner parts for half that cost....well every little helps eh? 

[Pinhead]

How do the older CB450T's compare to the newer ('79 to '80s) CB/CM 400/450?

[crazypj]

How do the older CB450T's compare to the newer ('79 to '80s) CB/CM 400/450?

 They don't.
 Old ones were over engineered and overweight because of it..
 New ones were reasonably well made but designed to be 'disposable'
 They are pretty damn reliable and bulletproof though, probably more reliable than 'original'

PJ

[drgonzo]

I have owned both bikes. One CB450 and several XS650s. The 450 is a vibrator. The later 650s 74 and up are smoother than the earlier long rod engines. The performance of the 450 is close to the 650. I liked both.