Topic: 70s CB500T vs CB450 vs Inline 4s

[canoscan]

What originally brought me to inline sohc 4s was my interest in the CB500T as an everyday classic bike.

I'd prefer a twin but what put me off the CB500T is the fact you have to keep on top of the cam chain tensioners every couple of thousands of miles, they require notorious care.

So that started me thinking about the CB500/550/750 4's etc.

Recently discovered the CB450 aka "black bomber". This bike has again re-ignited my desire for a twin.

Although my only concern is that this will be the same thing all over again as with the CB500T. In other words constant cam chain tensioner adjustment.

Can anyone clarify just what it's like to own a CB450, what the reliability is like and common problems? Would be appreciated.

[tbpmusic]

The 500T is essentially the same bike as a DOHC 450 - it's basically a stroked 450. With looks only a mother could love, and less performance than a 450, it was not a hit with the public, and not a big seller. The general thought is that Honda should have gone to a 650 or larger twin with the 450 concept - but in those days everyone was 4-cylinder crazy, so.....

Your concerns about cam chain tensioners is misplaced, to a large degree. You do need to keep them in good tune, which includes cam chain tensioner, but it's not a tragic weak spot or anything.
In general 450's are as durable as any bike Honda made (other than Gold Wings).
The K0 (Bombers) are substantially different than the 5-speed versions, and parts are really hard to find.
Mostly you just keep the carbs clean, change the oil frequently, and enjoy them.........

[canoscan]

Thanks tbpmusic, it seems easier to find a CB500T than a CB450 in the UK.

Do you happen to know how does maintenance of a Honda SOHC4 compare with the Honda Twins of the same era? A 550/4 for example?

A gentleman who recommended the CB500T mentioned only the trouble with the cam chain tensioners so that is all I know really.

[tbpmusic]

Thanks tbpmusic, it seems easier to find a CB500T than a CB450 in the UK.

Do you happen to know how does maintenance of a Honda SOHC4 compare with the Honda Twins of the same era? A 550/4 for example?

A gentleman who recommended the CB500T mentioned only the trouble with the cam chain tensioners so that is all I know really.

Any four cylinder is more maintenance, especially with 4 carbs.
450's (at least the 5-speeds, and 500T) are fairly simple and easy to work on.
Their tensioners are the same ones used on the entire production run of 450/500T, so Honda had plenty of time to affect a change if it was required. The only real problem is that the roller is rubber, and can get fossilized. New ones are rare and expensive.
Similar problems are shared by other twins of the era - try finding anything for the top end of a 360.......

And if you get any 40 year old bike, you're gonna work on it for sure........you should go to my website, read the Family Tree thing -
http://home.comcast.net/~tbpmusic6/450site.htm

[canoscan]

Nice job there with the 450.

[seanbarney41]

your kinda damned if you do damned if you don't, 4 carbs can be a handful but the twins got a somewhat jankier points/ignition system that seems to require lots more maintenance than the fours imo

[dhall57]

Ive never had a 450 but a friend in high school had a I think a brown 72 CB450. At the time it was a very strong running bike. He ran the heck out of it and I don't remember him having any trouble out of it. I was the fastest bike at school until someone got a Kawasaki 400 triple 2 stroke. The Kaw. was faster in a straight line, but the dohc 450 was a much better all around bike.

[72 yellow]

I had a 70 1/2 CB450 with the new front disc brake.  Bought it brand new.  I really liked it.  I had no trouble keeping up with my buddies who rode 650 BSAs and Triumphs.  I had 2 trouble free years until I sold it to purchase a 73 H-D Sportster.

[tbpmusic]

Personally I think they're the greatest bikes ever made, but that's just me.
Aside from having two cams, they're no harder to work on than any other Honda of the era.
And the engine pulls out of the frame easier than any other Honda........

[333]

A 450 was my first bike.  A K3, I think.  It would keep with a K4 750 until I had to shift out of first.  But I'll take a 4 any day, now.  Much smoother.