1971 Honda CL450

HIGHLIGHTS

Desirable and rare Japanese classic
U.S. import
Age-related U.K. registered
Recent cosmetic and mechanical restoration
Just 7,659 recorded miles

THE APPEAL

The sister bike to the CB450, the CL450 is Honda’s purpose built ‘street scrambler’, a handsome and quick machine, it further endorsed Honda’s reputation for developing high quality, well-engineered bikes.

Aimed at the U.S. market, this adaptable bike offered Honda’s trusted DOHC 450 and featured straight handlebars and an upswept exhaust which was all the rage in the 1970’s. Also offered in the U.K., the 450 was known as the ‘Black Bomber’!.

This particular classic Honda has recently been cosmetically and mechanically restored to a good standard. Take a closer look…

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

First registered In the U.K. on the 1st December 2021
Correct age-related historic registration
V5C (in previous owner’s name)
Correct frame and engine numbers
MOT and road tax exempt
Not been MOT’d since import
Tax status is Sorn

Although there is no documented history or restoration details accompanying this Honda, the vendor confirms that the bike has clearly been cared for with many new parts sourced from the U.S. The reliable engine has also been given a top end rebuild with new piston rings, valve gear and cam chain and retains good compression.

THE CONDITION

Cosmetically restored throughout
Nicely painted frame
Repainted fuel tank with ‘Honda’ badges
Single Nippon Seiki speedometer
Great looking headlight / rear light
Superb braced motocross-style handlebars and grips
No indicators or mirrors
Suede covered twin saddle
Polished alloy components and alloy mudguards
Presentable and sound looking wheels and spokes
Good Heidenau 3.25-19 front / 3.50-18 rear tyres

THE MECHANICS

Trusted 444 cc DOHC parallel-twin with a compression ratio of 9.0:1
A claimed power of 43 bhp and top speed of around 100 mph
Electric and kick start
Dual Keihin constant-velocity carburettors
Five-speed transmission
Hydraulically damped front forks
RFY rear springs / air shocks’
Original specification drum brakes
Gleaming high-level chrome exhausts with heat shields

SUMMARY

Superbly engineered, it’s easy to see why these Honda’s proved so popular and remain highly desirable and collectable to this day.

A fantastic investment, this affordable and rare CL450 ‘street scrambler’ should handle well, sound great, and with continued care, should be a joy to own.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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