The Honda CB450 was the first "big" Honda motorcycle with a 444cc dual overhead cam engine producing 43-45bhp (more than 100bhp/liter). Appearing first in 1965, it progressed through a series of models with various improvements and styling changes, notably a redesigned gas tank and 5 speed transmission in 1968. Although the CB450 never sold up to Honda's expectations, it had excellent engineering for the time, and laid the groundwork for the first "superbike", the CB750 of 1969. Most notable were the reliable electrical components, an electric starter, and a horizontally split crankcase, all features distinct from the British twins of the era. The most radical feature was the valve springing. Instead of the conventional coil spings it used "torsion bars" - rods of steel that twisted to provide the spring effect. This 1971 example of the CB450SS is a wonderfully original motorcycle, taken from storage of more than 30 years. We are assured the mileage of only 18,000 is accurate. Fresh from re-commissioning of a rebuilt timing system and electrical system using new/old stock parts, the bike runs perfectly. As a California native, it retains its original blue license plate and comes complete with numerous sundry parts, ephemera and the original registration documentation from 1971.
The Honda CB450 was the first "big" Honda motorcycle with a 444cc dual overhead cam engine producing 43-45bhp (more than 100bhp/liter). Appearing first in 1965, it progressed through a series of models with various improvements and styling changes, notably a redesigned gas tank and 5 speed transmission in 1968. Although the CB450 never sold up to Honda's expectations, it had excellent engineering for the time, and laid the groundwork for the first "superbike", the CB750 of 1969. Most notable were the reliable electrical components, an electric starter, and a horizontally split crankcase, all features distinct from the British twins of the era. The most radical feature was the valve springing. Instead of the conventional coil spings it used "torsion bars" - rods of steel that twisted to provide the spring effect. This 1971 example of the CB450SS is a wonderfully original motorcycle, taken from storage of more than 30 years. We are assured the mileage of only 18,000 is accurate. Fresh from re-commissioning of a rebuilt timing system and electrical system using new/old stock parts, the bike runs perfectly. As a California native, it retains its original blue license plate and comes complete with numerous sundry parts, ephemera and the original registration documentation from 1971.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
