LOT 100
1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber' Registration no. FDX 191D Frame no. CB450-1010695 Engine no. CB450E-1008732
Sold for £6,325 inc. premium
Lot 100
1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'Registration no. FDX 191D Frame no. CB450-1010695 Engine no. CB450E-1008732
1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'
Registration no. FDX 191D
Frame no. CB450-1010695
Engine no. CB450E-1008732
Registration no. FDX 191D
Frame no. CB450-1010695
Engine no. CB450E-1008732
• Historically significant Japanese motorcycle
• Restored in the mid-2000s
• Last taxed in April 2008
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 United States marketplace.
This four-speed CB450 was in a dismantled state when acquired by Bob Light in March 2003, with some parts missing. Treated to a 'ground upwards' rebuild (including Nikasil-plated alloy cylinders) and last ridden in 2008, the Honda currently displays a total of 59,869 miles to the odometer and appears to be in generally good restored condition. Nevertheless, re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent will be required before returning it to the road. Accompanying paperwork includes pre-restoration photographs; SORN acknowledgements; photocopy magazine articles; expired MoTs; old/current V5C Registration Certificates; and photographs of the Honda participating in an event on the Isle of Man. It is believed that the CB is fitted with US-made electronic ignition.
• Restored in the mid-2000s
• Last taxed in April 2008
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 United States marketplace.
This four-speed CB450 was in a dismantled state when acquired by Bob Light in March 2003, with some parts missing. Treated to a 'ground upwards' rebuild (including Nikasil-plated alloy cylinders) and last ridden in 2008, the Honda currently displays a total of 59,869 miles to the odometer and appears to be in generally good restored condition. Nevertheless, re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent will be required before returning it to the road. Accompanying paperwork includes pre-restoration photographs; SORN acknowledgements; photocopy magazine articles; expired MoTs; old/current V5C Registration Certificates; and photographs of the Honda participating in an event on the Isle of Man. It is believed that the CB is fitted with US-made electronic ignition.
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