Highlights
- The odometer displays 12,344 kilometres which the vendor believes to be genuine
- Represents a significant engineering milestone in the history of the motorcycle
- Very good overall condition both mechanically and cosmetically and looks to be very original
The Appeal
During the early 1960s, Honda were beginning to cause a stir throughout the motorcycle industry with their small capacity bikes challenging the hitherto unsurpassed performance of the British big 650cc twins. When Honda finally set about building a larger capacity bike, it’s fair to say that they wiped the floor with the competition.
The CB 450 was the first Honda to really put the wind up the likes of Triumph and BSA. Its quirkily engineered yet devilishly reliable 450cc straight-twin, 6-speed gearbox and electric start put Honda head and shoulders above the competition who arguably never recovered.
Here we have a really smart example of the CB450's final iteration, built in 1974. The odometer displays a mere 12,344 kilometres which the vendor believes to be original and certainly the bike’s lovely condition would support this. It looks to be very original and the vendor informs us that it has only had 2 owners from new.
The History and Paperwork
- The odometer displays 12,344 kilometres
- Reportedly 2 owners from new
- The vendor informs us that it has received a great deal of mechanical attention in the past
- Part specialist service history including 2018 overhaul
The Condition
- Seemingly very original and the vendor believes it to be largely untouched
- The red paintwork and gold decals present very well and still have a lustrous shine
- We couldn’t see any dents in the tank or evidence of old repairs
- The side panels are also in great shape and retain their original badges
- The aforementioned badges and emblems are in good original condition
- We couldn’t see any corrosion in the frame and the vendor reports no damage
- The chrome wears some gentle pagination but is generally very presentable
- The wheels bear a few blemishes but are eminently serviceable
- We’re informed that the tyres are in good shape
- The instrumentation presents clearly and is complete along with the other handlebar-mounted switchgear
The Mechanics
- 450cc straight-twin
- Pioneering features such as a horizontally split crankcase and torsion bar valve springing
- Electric start
- 6-speed gearbox
- The exhaust would appear to have taken a knock at some point
- Mechanically, we’re informed it is in excellent order
- Starts, runs and rides faultlessly
Summary
This is a wonderful example of the very significant Honda CB 750. It’s the bike that really put Honda on the map and is therefore a must-have in almost any motorcycle collection.
With such low indicated mileage and in such good, seemingly original condition, we’re sure this Honda will excite you as much as it does us.
