Honda CB450
1965 Honda CB450
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Also called | Dream, Hellcat |
| Production | 1965–1974 |
| Predecessor | CB77 |
| Successor | CB500T |
| Class | Standard |
| Engine | 444 cc (27.1 cu in) DOHC straight-2, two 32 mm (1.3 in) CV carburettors |
| Bore / stroke | 70 x 57.8mm |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Top speed | 180 km/h (110 mph) (claimed) |
| Power | 43 hp (32 kW) @ 8500 rpm (claimed) |
| Torque | 27.6 ft lb @ 8500 rpm (claimed) |
| Ignition type | Coil with auto-advance, twin contact breakers |
| Transmission | 4 or 5 speed |
| Frame type | Tubular semi-duplex cradle with single front down-tube |
| Suspension | Telescopic front forks with two-way damping, rear swing arm, shock absorbers with adjustable preload |
| Brakes | Drum, 8 in (200 mm) twin leading shoe at front |
| Tires | 3.25x18 front, 3.50x18 rear |
| Wheelbase | 53 in (1,300 mm) |
| Dimensions |
L: 82 in (2,100 mm) W: 31 in (790 mm) H: 42 in (1,100 mm) |
| Weight | 412 lb (187 kg) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 gallons (UK Imperial gallons) |
| Oil capacity | 5 pints |
| Fuel consumption | 65mpg (UK Imperial gallons) |
| Related | 12 volt alternator, 12 Amp Hour battery, 30/35 watt headlamp, standard mirrors and comprehensive toolkit |
The Honda CB450 was the first 'big' Honda motorcycle with a 444cc 180° straight twin, dual overhead cam engine producing 43-45 horsepower (more than 100 HP/ litre).
The early models were often known as 'Black Bomber', were notable for their distinctive large chrome-sided fuel tank with the same common 'family' styling used in the S90 and CD175. In Canada the K1 model was marketed as the 'Hellcat'.
The initial K0 models, known as 'Black Bomber' or 'Dragon' was first shown in UK during the Diamond Jubilee Brighton Speed Trials of September 1965, traditionally held along the seafront. As the bike was newly imported, the engine was not run-in, so the appearance was a semi-competition demonstration sprint run for publicity ridden by (the late) Allan Robinson, MBE, a Honda staff member, recording a standing-start kilometre time of 30.1 seconds and a terminal speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
The CB450 was then publicly exhibited at the nearby motorcycle show, held for the first time in Brighton at the Metropole Hotel exhibition centre situated on the seafront.
When first evaluating the bike in December 1965, David Dixon, a staff writer for UK magazine Motor Cycle reported that UK sales were planned from February 1966. The price of £360 (GBP) quoted at introduction in the February 1966 Official Honda advertisement was about the same as a traditional UK 650 or 750 sports model.
Honda (UK) planned a further publicity event by entering Mike Hailwood as one of the riders in the Motor Cycle 500 mile production race at Brands Hatch during July 1966. Instead, Hailwood completed demonstration laps on a CB450 before racing began as it was unable to compete in the 500cc category, the deeming it was not classified as a production machine as it had two overhead camshafts.
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Wikipedia