Topic: can a CB Jump a link in the timing chain?

[Flying J]

There is a bike im looking at and here is what the ad says "Honda CB450. It does not run. My best guess is that the timing chain jumped a link." Is that possible? and if it did will it cause the valves to hit the pistons making the engine junk? Im trying to figure out what to offer this guy.

[Alan F.]

Yeah I think with poor enough tension the camchain could literally slip a link, damage is possible, but that question is best for a 450 guru.

[Jay B]

I don't have experiance with a 450, but I wouldn't think so. If the chain was loose enough to slip a tooth it would be thrashing around in there big time.

[bryanj]

That chain is incredibly long and i think it can jump. Usualy it just falls apart where it wasnt linked properly when fitted.
Either way you will have bent valves 90% of the time

[tbpmusic]

There is a bike im looking at and here is what the ad says "Honda CB450. It does not run. My best guess is that the timing chain jumped a link." Is that possible? and if it did will it cause the valves to hit the pistons making the engine junk? Im trying to figure out what to offer this guy.

Assuming you're talking about the old DOHC 450, and not the '80's model "Hawks" (of which I know very little) -

It is possible for the cam chain to "jump teeth" (usually becuase the tensioner isn't properly set, or is damaged) - doesn't happen all that often, as it would make quite an alarming racket as it approached that point, and scare most folks into shutting it down.

Also possible that if it does happen, valves could get bent - though it would have to jump more than one tooth for that. But jumping just a small amount would definitely cause it to not run.

However, valves can be replaced, so can all the rest of the top end parts.

A non-running titled 450 with potentially major engine problems - I might offer a few hundred bucks, depending on overall condition.