1971 Honda CL450 K3

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: CB4504015924
Engine No: CB450E4101225

News started to filter through to the press during 1964 that Honda were developing a machine to challenge the supremacy of the various British twins. As details emerged it became apparent that Honda were applying many of the lessons learnt on the track to the new machine which featured twin overhead cams and torsion bar valve springs. The 444.9cc engine developed a claimed 43 bhp @8,500 rpm with drive being transmitted to the rear wheel via a four speed gearbox. Once the press were able to test the new machine they found that it was indeed quick, with a 100mph plus performance, equipped to a high standard including 12 volt electrics and electric starting and well braked thanks to a twin leading shoe front brake although the handling left a little to be desired and revs were required to obtain the performance.
The new model was joined in 1967 by a street scrambler aimed at the American market. Typed the CL450 this machine benefited from a slightly raised compression ratio at 9:1 compared to 8.5:1 and lower gearing. An abbreviated front mudguard, chromed like the rear, high level exhaust system with heat shields, scrambles style handlebars, a 19 inch front wheel, twin instruments and a revised tank design all contributed to the street scrambler style.
Late in the same year both the CB and CL variants were revised with an increase in wheelbase, the addition of an extra ratio in the gearbox and an increase in power output to 45 bhp being the most obvious differences between the K1, as the model was typed, to its predecessor. The CB/CL 450 continued in largely unaltered form until 1975 when the final K7 series machines were superseded by the "new" CB500T. CL450 are today highly sought after by enthusiasts thanks to their good looks and usability.
The example offered is a 1971 K3 series machine and is described by the vendor as being in good original condition and a good runner. It is offered with German registration documents.