Not satisfied building “step-through” 50’s, 160’s, 250’s and 300cc class bikes, Honda developed the CB450 and ventured into a true middleweight bike offering to do battle with the British 500’s and 650s. When released in 1965 its styling met some resistance early on, though now “Black Bombers” are highly sought after. This example, from the final year of production shows the machine’s styling evolved nicely.
In 1965, the CB450, a 444cc double overhead cam sport and touring machine hit showrooms. It was available in black or red, with silver trim. Technically, the machine with torsion bar valve spring closure and constant velocity carbs was then greatly advanced, the first relatively cheap mass production DOHC motorcycle available. Was it fast? Cycle World road tests showed the CB450 not far off the Harley Sportster; quarter mile e.t. and speed for the XLCH, 14.25 at 95.03 vs 14.43 at 90.27 for the Honda, using a higher tech motor with half the displacement.
The CB450 was built in various iterations into the mid-1970’s, was never a really hot product until nostalgia for old Hondas took root, and the first CB450’s became desirable. Now all those cast off fenders and tanks that were thrown up in shop attics due to the styling update are worth hundreds of dollars to restorers. As a side note, the CB450 engine was used as a basis for the N360 and N600 automobiles’ engines which were the precursors to the Honda Civic.
Early on, besides the styling problems, there was also an upper end oiling problem that magazines picked up on. Warming the bike for up to a minute on cold starts helped but was unreasonable. All this cooled sales. In fact, styling “conversion kits” were soon hitting dealerships and the early “Black Bomber’s” “unsightly Honda hump” fuel tank along with the flared fenders and side-covers were pulled, and new tanks, seats, fenders and high-level pipes installed in shops to try and interest customers. By this time Honda was testing the CB750 in prototype form, a much more important project. On the bright side, Hondas in general had dependable electrics, solid, rev-happy engines, stout running gear and leaked little to no lubricant.
Honda started making motorcycles, small pure transportation oriented machines soon after World War II. A little over ten years later, in 1959, they were Grand Prix racing and open for business in the United States actively promoting Honda franchises coast to coast. When Honda celebrated its 70th Anniversary at the end of 2019, they stated they had hit the 400,000,000 unit milestone for global motorcycle production.
Specifications:
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- Engine: Four-Stroke Parallel Twin
- Type: Double Overhead Cam, Two Valves per Cylinder
- Bore & Stroke: 70mm x 58mm
- Displacement: 444cc’s
- Compression Ratio: 9 : 1
- Ignition: Battery, Points, Coil
- Carburetors: Two Keihin 32mm CV
- Starting: Electric and Kick
- Horsepower: 45HP
- Primary: Gear Driven
- Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
- Final Drive: Chain
- Transmission: 5-Speed
- Frame: Single Down Tube, Steel
- Suspension: Hydraulic Fork / Swingarm, Dual Shocks
- Brakes: Disk Front / Drum Rear
- Wheelbase: 54 Inches
- Wheels / Tires: 3.25 x 19 / 3.50 x 18
- Weight: 449 Pounds
- Top Speed: 102 MPH
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I owned 2 450’s for for about 20 years. A new one in 1971, and a 1972 that I bought in 1995. (Sold it in 2008). Great machines. I still have 2 complete engines if anyone is interested.
Have valve problems with mine may be easier to swap motors do you have a running motor you would like to part with, and I can afford it. Were are you located
Just removed a cb450 I believe it’s in 1973 complete engine with carbs coils and good exhaust
I must confess that on both 450s, I had torsion bar valve spring problems and the Santa Barbara Honda dealer refused to work on it. Asshole.
I too owned two CL450s. Best bike on the road. At 75 years old, my balance issues preclude me from getting a third.
how much for cb450 engines, maybe i can make 1 good one, i have very fresh 1973 cb450, totally restored ridden daily.
let me know, if you want to sell engines.
Ted
Does anyone know the original load for the tires (H factor) for a 1974 honda cb 450?
Nice article on the evolution of Honda’s 450 series. I recall the introduction of the 450 series and as you mentioned it was a love or hate relationship with it’s looks but the performance
from 444cc Put a smile
on many faces.
A more close engine comparison to the N600 car would be the 350 series as like
the car they were single overhead cam with conventional coil valve springs
Just bought a 69 cb450. It’s a runner with a little work. Good condition for It’s age, and all original except the mufflers. Always wanted one of these.
Just removed a cb450 I believe it’s in 1973 complete engine with carbs coils and good exhaust
I’d really like to find one for around $2000. Is that possible. Does anyone know where I can buy one ? Know anybody
I have two 450s that are project ready. I’m moving so I’d like to sell.
Did u ever find a 450? My husband has one he wants to sale. Are u interested
I am looking to purchase.
I have two 450s that are project ready. I’m moving so I’d like to sell.
Love these old Hondas. Usually very dependable and fun to ride.
I am looking for carburetors for 1972 cl 450 Honda ,,, I just bought cl 450 someone made flat tracker out of it ,,,
I am looking at a ‘74 CB450 that has been sitting at least 10 years. Would this negatively affect the torsion bar valve springs/ valve train. Bike has 9k miles on it.
I have a 1974 cb450 k7 and i was wondering what size chain it is because the one i have is unusable