Author Topic: 71 CB450...would you buy it? (Read 2687 times)

ColinMc · « **on:** October 08, 2009, 09:17:01 AM »

Ok so a friend of mine is selling his 71 CB450, it's in great shape, only mod is superbike bars. Runs great, original pipes on it...AND he's throwing in a whole extra motor from a 73 cb450, that he had bored out, bigger pistons...but needs assembly. Keep in mind the 7k mile original motor is untouched in the bike and it runs. He just got an extra motor to modify so he wouldn't muck with the original one. I won't be able to get pics until monday...but does 1200 sound like a decent deal for everything? He got a CB750 and doesn't need two bikes, so he's getting rid of this one. Giving me first dibs before he puts it on craigslist for probably more money...

azuredesign · « **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2009, 09:37:22 AM »

Yep, if it's in very good original shape, I'd pay $1200. for it no problem. Course, I'm a bit biased as my first bike was a '70 cb450, and there's nothing like a first love! However, I think that's a good price for maintaining a good friendship, go for it!

OakBehringer · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2009, 09:40:28 AM »

Personally, I'd rather have a 450 than a 750. Those 450s are the bee's knees. Def worth 1200 if it's cosmetically decent, as well.

ColinMc · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2009, 10:14:14 AM »

Yeah i've seen it a few times, he takes good care of it and it runs great. He did remove the starter though and blocked it off, but it starts on the first or second kick every time. Plus the extra hotrod motor for it isn't a bad deal either...i'm gonna go look at it again and possibly make an offer monday. I may see if he'll take 1000 without the extra motor. Since I would just plan on riding it. It's been a loooong time since i've bought a bike that I could ride home if I wanted to lol.

Johnie · « **Reply #4 on:** October 08, 2009, 10:37:05 AM »

What are your plans for it? Show or ride? The reason I ask is they are beautiful bikes, however, when I had a 74 450 the vibration from the motor was terrible. Now for city and light country it was OK. But for any distance riding or true 55MPH distance my hands would go numb. And this was a brand spanking new 450 from the dealer. Hence, my next bike a year later was a CB750 and no vibration. But yes, very nice looking bike. Mine was the orange.

ColinMc · « **Reply #5 on:** October 08, 2009, 10:58:18 AM »

Well it is fairly original...not sure what if any mods i'll do. But i'll really just be using it for my 10 mile commute back and forth to work. Maybe fun back roads rides here and there...I have my BMW R100 for highway stuff.

EDIT: Most of my commute is on roads with 45mph limit...and most of my backroads riding I rarely get above 70...unless i'm on the Norton or Ducati lol.

OakBehringer · « **Reply #6 on:** October 08, 2009, 12:23:03 PM »

ColinMc - you have an awesome array of bikes. I'm a bit envious.

bill440cars · « **Reply #7 on:** October 08, 2009, 12:43:14 PM »

Sounds like a decent enough deal.

Now, what you COULD do is send that newer motor down to ME to get it out of the way AND if you needed to park one of your OTHER bikes somewhere else to make room for the 450, I could take care of that as well.

Just throwin' that OUT there, Bill

tbpmusic · « **Reply #8 on:** October 08, 2009, 01:23:30 PM »

Pay the extra $200 for the other motor, you'll never regret it............

Or buy it and sell it to me !!!

ColinMc · « **Reply #9 on:** October 08, 2009, 02:12:13 PM »

Lol, well funds are short right now anyways, I might see if I can buy the motor later...or pay him for it in a month or so. I'm hoping I can work something out with him anyways where I can pay half now half in a month. He's a good enough friend to do this with...and he needs some money soon, part of the reason he's selling the bike. I just hate owing people money. Time to sell off some of my spare Ducati parts...

anyone want a 748 motor with an 853 big bore kit? lol

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #10 on:** October 09, 2009, 05:28:00 AM »

Get it bought and get that hot motor slung in. It'll be the most fun you're ever had with your pants on!

ColinMc · « **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2009, 07:48:35 AM »

Lol, I knew you'd chime in at some point

I already told him i'd take it, it's just a matter of possibly negotiating the price a little and figuring out a payment thing...i'll get some pics posted monday.

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #12 on:** October 09, 2009, 11:38:58 AM »

Quote from: ColinMc on October 09, 2009, 07:48:35 AM

Lol, I knew you'd chime in at some point

I hope you're not implying I am biased in any way Colin

ColinMc · « **Reply #13 on:** October 12, 2009, 05:42:29 AM »

Ok so...problems.

Since I last saw the bike a few things have happened....he tried to rattle can the tank to make it look "better" thereby ruining the original paint, the side covers are missing, the voltage regulator fell off, it has pod filters with a modified battery box and a different sized battery.

Not huge deals since i'm a painter and the rest is easy to fix...but any idea how much that should decrease the price? Still with the extra motor included...1200 to me is just too much. But is 1000 still too high as well? Again i'll get some pics asap, but I got called into work today so probably not until tomorrow.

ColinMc · « **Reply #14 on:** October 12, 2009, 07:56:33 AM »

Ok I have one pic...sorry it's not great quality but it works for now...

zoo mob · « **Reply #15 on:** October 12, 2009, 09:01:36 PM »

450's are sweet, and if you're patient enough, can be had in original condition for well under $1000. I'd wait for a better one.

ColinMc · « **Reply #16 on:** October 13, 2009, 05:35:19 AM »

Well the problem is, me buying this from him was originally going to help us both out. Since he needs money and I want a smalller reliable bike that doesn't need work. But the more I do the math, even with the extra unfinished hopped up motor I think he is asking too much...

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #17 on:** October 13, 2009, 08:20:43 AM »

I'd offer him $1000 no problem but then 450s are not so cheap over here. The "basket case" I bought for my race bike project was ll in bits covered in mud from being under a shed and it cost me £1000! Maybe they're more common in the US but given the hot motor as well, I still think it's a great deal...in a totally unbiased and objective kinda way

ColinMc · « **Reply #18 on:** October 13, 2009, 09:19:59 AM »

Lol, yes yes i know!

It's a little disappointing because I thought it was all original and low mileage...at least I won't feel bad if i modify the hell out of it heh...but I really have to rethink how much to offer. He needs 1000 for it but I really don't think it's worth more than 800 even with the extra motor...considering there is one in all original shape one on craigslist for 750 right now...that needs nothing.

547 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 13, 2009, 07:17:10 PM »

my favorite bike is my 450 cause it was my first. $400 in '98 was what i paid. i agree with lordmoonpie to offer him less.

Bill Vaughan · « **Reply #20 on:** October 14, 2009, 10:33:40 PM »

I paid $800 for a completely original '71 CB450 a few years ago. Considering the modifications made to this one, I'd offer less.

With the unique valve spring set-up, these 450 engines make for an interesting rebuild experience. Watch for a worn out cam chain tensioner system. It contains several plastic rollers and guides and they disintegrate over time.

Ogri · « **Reply #21 on:** October 17, 2009, 08:28:43 AM »

It seems older Hondas are available for peanuts in the USA (compared to the UK). I can't help thinking you can find better for less elsewhere.

Remember, with old motorbikes, for every problem you can see there's 10 you can't see.

I'd offer him $800 then walk away.

ColinMc · « **Reply #22 on:** October 17, 2009, 12:54:53 PM »

yeah already done, then I actually convinced him to keep the bike because he would probably regret selling it just because money is tight. Now to go look at that 78 Kawi 550 triple two stroke...

bill440cars · « **Reply #23 on:** October 17, 2009, 02:21:01 PM »

Quote from: ColinMc on October 17, 2009, 12:54:53 PM

yeah already done, then I actually convinced him to keep the bike because he would probably regret selling it just because money is tight. Now to go look at that 78 Kawi 550 triple two stroke...

Uh! oh!

He's going astray! $:-\$ Oops, I don't guess I can talk too much, with the GPZ1100 sitting in MY yard!

Yeah Colin, Go For It AND be sure to let us know what happened, okay?

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Author Topic: 71 CB450...would you buy it? (Read 2687 times)