
LOT 207
1968 Honda CL450 Frame no. CL4501008458 Engine no. CL4501008458
Sold for US$3,680 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 207
1968 Honda CL450 Frame no. CL4501008458 Engine no. CL4501008458
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1968 Honda CL450
Frame no. CL4501008458
Engine no. CL4501008458
Frame no. CL4501008458
Engine no. CL4501008458
Honda's big twin, the '450,' was announced in 1964. Compared to most of the British machines, this was indeed a high-tech affair, using all of Honda's racing expertise. The 180 degree, over-square, parallel twin used double overhead camshafts, the valves closed by steel torsion bars and with a bi-metal cylinder head, a steel 'skull' housing the valves while the massive alloy main casting dissipated the heat. The unit was bulletproof and an electric starter was standard, neither of which attributes featured on rivals' machines.
Following on from the initial road-equipped twin, the 'Black Bomber,' the 450 appeared in disguises more suited to the American market, one of them being to 'Street Scrambler' specification. Higher 'bars, a spectacular upswept muffler system in full chrome, shorter seat, different colors and revised five-speed gearing were integral to the design and the result was a fast, dual-purpose bike, admittedly with a fairly modest off-road capability in standard trim, but arguably much more exciting.
This example has been extensively restored to a very high level in the original dark red livery before the vendor bought it in 2008. Since then, it has seen little use and will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
Following on from the initial road-equipped twin, the 'Black Bomber,' the 450 appeared in disguises more suited to the American market, one of them being to 'Street Scrambler' specification. Higher 'bars, a spectacular upswept muffler system in full chrome, shorter seat, different colors and revised five-speed gearing were integral to the design and the result was a fast, dual-purpose bike, admittedly with a fairly modest off-road capability in standard trim, but arguably much more exciting.
This example has been extensively restored to a very high level in the original dark red livery before the vendor bought it in 2008. Since then, it has seen little use and will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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
The frame number is CL4501008418. The engine number is CL450E-1008458. Additionally, the title will be in transit.


Additional information
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