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LOT 488 N

c.1970 Honda CB450 Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Engine no. CB450E-4121878

Sold for £8,050 inc. premium
Lot 488N

c.1970 Honda CB450 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered Engine no. CB450E-4121878

c.1970 Honda CB450 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Engine no. CB450E-4121878

The Japanese motorcycle industry first made an impact outside its homeland with small-capacity commuter bikes and lightweights, and for many years the view prevailed in North America and Europe that they were incapable of building effective large-capacity machines. The arrival of the Honda CB450 in 1965 should have dispelled any lingering doubts about Japan's intention to compete in all sectors of the market. Known affectionately as the 'Black Bomber' after its black finish, the CB450 was Honda's largest model when launched and capitalised on experience gained with a succession of smaller-capacity twins. Nevertheless, the CB450 departed from Honda's usual practice in a number of ways, in particular its use of twin overhead camshafts, torsion-bar valve springs and constant-velocity carburettors. The tubular frame - replacing Honda's traditional fabricated spine type - was another departure from the norm. With a top speed of over 100mph and a standing quarter-mile time in the 14-second bracket, the refined CB450 sounded the death knell, not just for the traditional British '500' but for the entire UK motorcycle industry which, ever complacent, found itself at an ever-increasing disadvantage in the all-important US marketplace.

This CB450-engined machine has been built for classic racing. A sticker applied to the frame reads 'Manufactured in N Ireland Bartel Automotive Engineering', while another on the fairing relates to the 1999 Vintage Races at Daytona. The machine is offered with a US auction bill of sale (2004) and German correspondence.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

There are no invoices or correspondance with this Lot.

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Auction Viewings

  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

Lot symbols

NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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