Honda CB450 S The models 1965 to 1974 1965 CB450 Super Sport ,~ launched. Sophisticated all alloy • ..Iim Stanley featured dohc, hOrizontally split cases, 18O-degree crankshaft, torsion bar valve springs, twin CV carburettors, electric and four-speed gearbox. UK sales begin February 1966

1967 New look C8450K 1. Five-speed gearbox, up from 8.5 to 9:1 adding 2bhp. No c hange in 102mpli top speed. Wheelbase increased by 1in. Equipment changes inc lude new look seat and fuel tank (reduced from 3.5 to 3 gallons), chrome headlamp, separate speedo, rev counter UK sales begin April 1968

1969 CB450K2, Same as K1 apart from smaller sid e panel badges and revised seat ribbing. Only small numbers were sold in Britain and so the 450 was axed from the UK range at the end of 1969

1970 CB450K3, Now styled as junior version of CB750-4 . Not available in UK . Front disc introduced though 8-inch tv,in leading shoe drum option available in some countries, Friction damper deleted. Megaphone style silencers fitted. Revised oil pump assem bly. New fuel tank minus chrome panels but now with fli p-up cap. Engine ki ll swill added to switchgear now finished in black rather than polished alloy 'S CB 45 0 'BLACK BOMBER' WAS THE BRITISH mororcycie industry'S worst nigh tmare come trul'. Grollndhreaking 1971 CB450K4 . Shrouds dropped from rear shocks. Different seat models su eh as the 125cc CB92 and 250cc C:1\72 had alrcJdy seen ribbing. New sidepanel badges added Honda take the small er capacity cl asses by storm, hut the decision-mak­ ers in the ;Vlidlands deluded themsch-es into bel ieving that those success­ 1972 CB450K5. New front for ks with rod instead of piston damping. es "".' ould never he repeated cH the top cnd of the capacity scale, Rear shocks also changed. Rev counter and speedo change Thl' hil'rarch ~' at HSA-Trillmph had even gone on record saying that positions - tacho on the right. Rear brake pedal stop added to frame. Honda 'lIlJ the mlltr J1panese factories were doing them a fa vo ur by Helmet holder provided, Knurled bolts on rear sprocket producing the ',Iow profit' learner bikes necessa ry for the training of future ge nerations of Brit bike bu yers, 1973 CB450K6.lmproved rectifier. Clocks ti tled towards rider and all In their I'il'\\', the Japanese had not got the no us to make large capacity idiot lights moved to new ponel.Anti-water spray flap fitted to disc m'lC hines that would appeal to experienced riders, Such an attitude had brake. Slide plate shield for rear sprocket. New kill switch. Spring coils eng ine design experts such as Bert Hopwood spitting blood in ,1n 'cr and added to ruellines to protect them frustration but without the board room cl out to do an~ ' thing about it, Then :llong came the Bla ck Bomber. It \Vas first seen in April 1965 1974 CB750K7 . Final version before replacement by CB500T Changes and went on SJ ic in Britain the fo llo wing Fehruary, ;VIotorcyclL' hi srorian included improved mounting of swinging arm spindle, locknuts for and author Ray Bacon has pinpointed its arrival as the point of no rea r sprocket and pass enger grab rail, though the latter was also a return for the British bike industry, The C13450 was the most adva nced featured on some of the previous year's model mass produced road bike of its er::t Jnd wa s initiall y banned from pro­ duction rac ing on the grounds that the twin cam engine bel onged in :1 Equipment and specifications can vary slightly from above thoroughbred racer. The engine highlighted the shortcomi ngs in des ign depending on country of sale and productioo quality of Britain's own big twios ,

@)JULY2000 ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE Sport

J972 K5 CL450 - one of the street scrambler versions of the CB450. More in a future issue

in 1<)57 - had the engine barrels tilted forward and spine fr'l mes. Tht! CB450 engine stood ver­ tical in a steel cradle chassis with single down­ tube, tt!lescopic front for~ and twin rear shocks. were Sin twin leading shoe front and 7in single shoe rear. They worked welt. They had to b(,C

JULY 2CXXJ El) tag because of the colour and shape of its dis­ Clocks Rev counter and tinctive hump-backed petrol tank. An aggres­ speedo shore oppOSite sive campaign suggested it was going to b'low side of the same clock the British opposition out of the water. But the which was mounted in ads caused a patriotic backlash. the headlamp shell Also, many would-be buyers thought the Bomber too clever for its own good and feared Brakes 8in tl s broke home-servicing would be far too difficult. was an effective A totally revised version - the CB450K1 ­ stopper. A disc was announced in 1967 and went on sale in K3 CL450. The CL street scrambler series was ~ritain the following year. Dealers were forced never officially imported into the UK to heavily discount their unsold Bombers to make way for its replacclllenr which didn't sell well either. A slllall number of K2 models also found their way into British showrooms before the CB450 was dropped from the factory's UK range in 1969 - the year Graham Penny raced one to victory in the Isle of Man Pro­ duction n. John Williams also won on a CB450, in 1971. The CB450 continued in production for other markets, notably Amcril'a, until 1974. A high-pipes street-scram­ bler version called the CIASO (not cov­ One of the Bomber's many styling attractions ereu by this guide) hau arrived along - speedo/I'9V counter and verticalodometer with the J(1 and further developments on the mau Illodel incluucd adoption of

Prices What to check Hondo CB450 Super Sport: price new Paying a few hundred pounds for a wreck to wallet in the long run. I saw an award-winning (1966) £360 Including purcllose tax. rebuild is likely to prove a false economy. Many example advertised last year for £3.500, but Price now £300-£2500. mechanical and cosmetic parts are no longer £2 .500 is about right for something in availoble from dealers and it's getting outstanding condition. A CB450 in need of total restoroiion can be increasingly difficult to find bits at autojumbles. A reasonably healthy Bomber for use os a picked up for 0 few hundred pounds but a Anyone planning to restore a wreck will practical classic should cost about £1 .350 but Black Bomber In concours condrtlon can probably hove to buy two or three 'complete' it's 0 buyers' market so drive a hard bargain. fetch ot least £2500. For around £ 1350 you machines and go cherry picking. Prioes of the later five-speed 450s have should get a Bomber in reasonable It is common practice to refer to 011 CB450s been pegged by a steady fiow of imports from condition. but your money will go further if as Black Bombers. In reality the name applies the States. There are plenty of them over there you are prepared to opt for Olle of the less only to the original four-speeder with the where they're seen as nothing more than desirable five-speed models. These ore stil l hump-backed blaok and chrome petrol tank. cheap transport. q Uite comrnon in Amenca and pnces These are easily the most desirable but a Of the five-speed versions only the K1 and a there arc tor lowe r. Hunt the internet soles complete restoration is still likely to cost much few K2s were officially sold in the UK. Anything sites and arrange your own import and more than the finished bike will be worth. with a frame and engine number beginning 4, you might find a good example for as little If you wont a concours model, buy 0 5.6, or 7 is an unofficial import. Experts such as as £600 (plus duties and shipping). concours modeL It will save you time, effort John Wyatt (01423 358004) will help verity the and heartache and will be easier on your authenticity of the spec but, to be honest. it is

EnJULY 2CXXl ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE

Fuel tank Hump-backed. 3.5 gallon fuel tqnk Valve springs Torsion Vibration Follow a with chrome panels gives the bike distinctive bar valve springs can Bomber and you can look. This fi rst of type CB450 is the 'Black cause problems. If see the rear Bomber'. Following model is the CB450 SS they have lost their mudguard and tail­ tension a light flopping about. replacement head They, the fuel tank may be the only and handlebars were answer all rubber mounted for protection against vibration

1Win chain driven cams, twin CV carbs, tomon bar valve springs - all really exciting 35 years ago. Drawing also shows centrifugal oil filter (bottom right)

was standard and effective sophisticated then used in Bomber was the first TyresI shocks when new Kick any mass produced Honda to be fitted Handling was quite starter was for and justified with CV carbs. Early good. Quality after­ emergencies the machine's high price. teething problems market shocks and only Until its arrival Honda's with fiat spots and tyres make it better largest capacity models Idli ng resulted in 0 hod been 305cc number of subtle Ifs a good looking engine and the racing improvements boys can extract great performance

not that importont witll these particular more expense that you think. It could require 0 models.They are bikes to enjoy riding rather top end strip to have both head and the olloy than to polish and show. barrels skimmed . Be wary of any 'slight' engine problems that Oil changes every 1000 miles are essential. the sel ler puts down to the bike being ill need Ask if the owner has done this and then ask if of a service and tune It could be far worse Fine threads on fork slider and inside fork seal he has the speCial tool required for removing and they can be difficult to get housing can sfrip. Chrome on housing rusts the centrifrugal oil filter for cleaning. Without running right. this tool - or home-mode alternative - he has Carburettor problems which struck some torsion bar valve springs ore beginning to lose been passing fresh oil through old dirt and it early Bombers led to modifications at the time their tension. They do not exert much seat could be you who pays the penalty. and are nothing to worry about now. Dove pressure at the best of times but the valves No other special checks are necessary as Barton recommends fitting carbs from the later can be pushecl open with your thumb when the motor has a strong bottom end and a C500T which feature accelerator pumps, but the tension begins to go. Repair is possible but good reliability record when competently John INyatt says periormance of the originals John says the one person Ihe knows can maintained. However. once you have bought is just as good when they are set up properly. retension them has stopped offering this one start looking for spores immediately,You If the bike you are thinking of buying runs service. A replacement head may be the only can bet they won·t be around when you rough and will not idle. John advises you to answer. Next problem would be finding one. actually need them.Best accessory? A walk away - It could be a warning that the A blown head gasket might also involve computer to go surfing for parts in America.

JULY 2000EI:) Living with a CB450 How to improve the Black Bomber Dove Jupp is a STEERING HEAD BEARINGS John Wyaff of familiar figure at Rising Sun Restorations offers a taper­ classic bike shows , roller upgrade at £28.50 plus VAT. rallies and Call 01423 358004 autojumbles. A long-time member of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, he organised their stand displays for CARBURETTORS from the later CB500T more than 15 feature accelerator pumps. Dave Barton years. He stepped down after the 1999 Classic of the Honda OC recommends them to Bike Show but he and his still sharpen low speed engine response regularly appear os banner-wavers for the c lub which now boasts 6500 members. His own collection of 30 Japanese classics ­ ELECmONIC IGNITlON Seek advice from four in the process of restoration - include a Newtronic Systems Ltd (01254 680187) on 1966 Black Bomber. 18O

problems of worn torsion bar valve springs What the experts say about the CB450 (see What to Check) and described the twin­ cylinder engine as fi nicky. John Wyatt. 46, has been res toring abou! eight years and then sold it to an "I had to spend a fa ir bit of time on mine to Japanese classics for 25 years. He works on enlhusiast in ~"orway." get it running right with regard to Ig nition 011 makes but ore 0 speciali!y. He That bike was 0 1970 registered five-speed timing. But once going right It was bril liant and set up hiS Rising Sun Restorations business K2 on whic h John c locked up 10,500 miles. I never had any trouble with it whatsoever. 15 years ago in Welherby. North Yorkshire. He said: "The CV c arbs were a problem "It handled well - if you didn't go and is behind the renovation of countless when the Bomber first came out. It was the completely mod - tile rid ing posllion was concours winners. early days of CVs and Honda were learning good a nd it was very comfortable. It would do "They are diffic ult bikes to restore because like the rest of us. If you were lucky they worked 90mph up hill and down dale. Once you had you can·t get the bits and it is not a fine when you set them up properly but it up to speed through the gears you could roll particularly straightforward motor because Honda hod to rnake several modifications at it off and sti ll maintain speed on a whiff of of the torsion bar valve springs and 011 that the time." throttle which meant it was very economical. I malorkey. I did one for myself ond used it for John also warns about the potential used to get about 55 to 65 a gO llon."

@)JULY2000 ULTIMA'rE BUYER'S GUIDE

and promised Graham he would cherish the must hove seemed very impressive for Brian Crichton (below) with his 1967 Black bikes - a 125cc iVleguro Cadet and three something of its size. It will pull top gear from Bomber. The CB ed itor argues that it is one of Hondas. a CB750. CB160 and the Bomber. as little os 20mph and when you are pootling the most classic looking of a ll Ihe machines to Graham bought the CB450 in 1980 atter along you con c rack it open a nd it wi ll just go come out of Japan. He has not found th e find ing it in a breaker's yard wi th top end without any hesitation .' machine to be particularly comfortable on a engine damage. Dave helped rebuild the He says brakes are excellent for the period long run. and reports that first gear is engine. which still has its original crank. but th e ond he reckons it hand les well. though the amazing ly low, The Honda averages SOmpg. bike itself is unrestored and standard apart suspension feels a little too sol id . He has taken BC has found that fl oat height setting is from modern tyres and Girling shock. A It to 90mph. and so lar the machine has been Important to get right. He recently bought a replacement speedo means he has no record completely relioble. pattern front guard from Dave Silver Spares of the mileage. "There is quite a lot of vibration at about and is now looking for a decent pair of forks. If 'Graham used it regularly on club runs and 6000rpm. whic h is about 70mph. but at 80mph you can help call him on 01536 386786. his one wi sh was that it remain the way it was it sm oothes out: he says. rather than be restored ." says Dave. Honda's answer was to rubber mount the His emotional attachment to the bike is handlebars (which a re (!Iso weighted). the obviously very strong but Ile says he also likes fu el tank. rear mudguard and taillightThe it for what it is. headlamp could have done with similar "It is an important bike in Honda'shistory protection. Dave says it otten blows bulbs. and is perhaps best remembered today "With so many bikes I don·t do a high because it was ban ned from production mileage but I c hange the oil every 1000 miles racing because of its specification. and once a year whether I have done that "It was not the sales success it should have m ileage or not: he said."It doesn't hold that been. Perhaps it was too advanced for Its ti me much oil and there are lots of whizzy bits in the but the main problem was price - at £360 you engine so fresh oil is vital. could have bought a 650 for less. ' Many people I rneettoday recognise it's a "Obviously you can't judge it by modern Black Bomber and I think a lot of th em would standards. but it goes well far a machine over have bought one back then if they could 30 years old and its performance in the Sixties have afforded it."

Dimensions: Wheelbase 53.1i n (34. 8cm). seat height Wore Hertfordshire SG 12 7BE . Bacon (Osprey) ISBN 0-85045-596-0 31.5in (BOcm). dry weighl 411 lb (186.8

Dove Borton the 450's build quality and fin ish was better. He believes many would-be owners vvere is the 53-year-old "The CB4S0 was a great bike." he soid. "I frightened off. worrying that the motor was too secretary of the baught one in 1968 and I loved it . I used it as complex for routine Service jobs. He says their Classic Section of an all-rounder to get me to work. take me to m ista ke was in thinking the Honda would Britain's Honda race meetings ot weekends and for touring require the some degree of mechanical Owners Club and with my Wife on the pillion. I clocked up attention as Tri umphs a nd BSAs. parts manager for 28.000 miles and it never gave any problems. He also believes Honda UK made a n error Matt's Motorcycles in The brakes were gOOd. it handled as VJell as of judgement in the aggressive marketing of Basingstoke. the Triumph Speed Twin I had owned and the machine to a patriotic a udience who Hampshire. He owned would do about 70mpg. became riled by the suggesti on that the 450 a CB450 Black Bomber in the Sixties and is "It was really typical of the 'large capacity· was going to 'bomb' the British opposition into putting the fin ishing touches to the costly twins of that period. The eng ine vibration at oblivion. "At £360 it was more expensive than restora tion of 0 CSOOT - the bike the 450 low revs VJas for m ore noticeable than it had a Bonneville.lt never achieved the so les evolv'?d into. He bought the 500 because he been on th e 30Scc cn I had previously Hondo UK had hoped but it was a production couldn·t find a CB4S0 to restore. He believes owned but it was smoother than my Triumph." IT winner and a brilliant motorcycle."

JULY 2000 El)