Beschreibung
Thank you for your interest in my 1970 Honda CL450K3. This presents very well in Candy Sapphire Blue and has the correct gold “450 DOHC” side cover emblems. This CL450 has had a lot of time and money invested in it to get it to where it is now – a very honest motorcycle over 50 years old !!
On the correct 1970-H registration mark, the V5 is in my name and is correct in every detail (see motor information below). The V5 correctly records this motorcycle as “Historic” and thus it is MOT exempt, road tax exempt and, if you live or work in London, it is also ULEZ exempt !!
The motorcycle was imported from the US by the well-renowned DK Motorcycles some 5/ 6 years ago and the previous owner carried out an extensive refurbishment which I have continued and refined to the point that it is today. I bought it for 2 reasons : nostalgia (I rode a CL350 to college back in the day) and to give me something to fettle over the Winter months. Now that it’s all done, it’s time to let someone enjoy it for the upcoming Summer.
The original 1970 CL-stamped engine (which I have and will be sold with the motorcycle to maintain its history and provenance) had a cracked casing and so was replaced, by the previous owner, with a 1969 CB450 Super Sport motor. The CB-stamped engine is correctly noted on the V5.
Since purchase early this year I have carried out a number of tasks to try and make the motorcycle a little more reliable and user-friendly :
• a Charlies Place electronic ignition kit was purchased at a cost of over £200 and installed to eliminate the points and aid better starting, performance & economy
• a new starter motor was sourced and completely rebuilt with new windings, bearings and brushes. This alone cost around £250
• the starter sprag clutch was rebuilt using new set screws (if you know, you know !!)
• the Keihin 14H carburettors were ultrasonically cleaned and rebuild kits fitted. Standard needles and jets are fitted, float levels set and carbs balanced
• a new lead acid battery was fitted
• the original air filters were perished and new ones are almost impossible to source. I tried foam/ K&N filters but the carburettors do not like them. In the end I re-made the existing style of filter using a new car-type element. They are a little Heath Robinson but they work and allow the carbs to be set up correctly
• chrome rims are in very good condition and are fitted front & rear with brand new Avon RoadRider tyres
• new brake pads are fitted and the stopping power is good
• the rear silencers are not original as can be seen but I just cannot source original replacements in good enough condition. It is a little on the loud side but the baffles can easily be removed and extra wadding added for a quieter note
• all electrics, gauges, lights, instruments work as they should
• the original paint work is tidy for its age and, to my mind, has a lovely patina. The tank has a dent just by the seat and this is shown in one of the images
• the original chromework on front & rear mudguards is good but has imperfections. The chrome fuel filler cap is a bit scabby but new items are readily available
I have a lever arch file of paperwork, a Clymer workshop manual, a number of new gaskets from a full set I purchased and the original engine casing screws (now fitted with Allen-headed set screws).
All-in-all a very honest, nimble, useable and rare motorcycle that could be taken to the next level, should the new owner desire, or simply be ridden & shown as is.
I’ve tried to be as honest as I can but I’d strongly suggest a viewing as it’s always better to see these things in the flesh rather than relying on photos and words. The motorcycle is garaged just off the A3 near Kingston in Surrey and I’m available most days, evenings or weekends by arrangement.
Now reduced for a quick sale as I need the space !
