CB450, 1965

Watch this Honda Factory video of the CB450 in action.

Dream CB450
1965

444cc 2-cylinder DOHC 4-cycle with Electric Start.
 
Known as the 'Black Bomber' here in the UK the introduction of the CB450 in 1965 saw Honda moving into the big-bike market, competing with the British 650cc twins of the time.

The DOHC twin featured a radical torsion bar method to control the engine valves.

The CB450 was first shown in UK during the Diamond Jubilee Brighton Speed Trials of September 1965. The bike was newly imported and its engine was not run-in, yet in a semi-competition demonstration sprint, the CB450 achieved a standing-start kilometre time of 30.1 seconds and a terminal speed of 100 mph. Afterwards, the CB450 was exhibited at a motorcycle show at the Brighton Metropole Hotel exhibition centre.


Price at introduction:
- £360.00.0d (UK, 1966)





Ahead of its time!...
In a further publicity event, Honda UK entered Mike Hailwood as one of the riders in the 1966 Motor Cycle 500-mile production race. However, Mike the Bike was only able to complete demonstration laps on the CB450 before racing began! At the last minute the Honda was barred from competing in the 500cc category as the FIM deemed that it... "could not be classified as a production machine as it had two overhead camshafts"!
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