1966 Honda CB450 Black Bomber

Lot details
Registration No: FHJ486D
Frame No: CB450-1002391
Engine No: 1001104
cc: 450
MOT Expiry Date: June 2012

Rumours had started to circulate during 1964 of a new model being developed by Honda that was intended to compete in the larger capacity classes, up until that point a sector of the market that the Japanese manufacturers had largely ignored.
The new machine, which was typed the CB450 and quickly became known as the "Black Bomber" utilised a vertical parallel twin configuration with the engine being built in unit with the four speed gearbox. However it was in the technical details that the Honda stood apart, valve operation was by twin overhead cams driven by a chain, the valves themselves being controlled by torsion bar springs. The crankcases were split horizontally, aiding assembly and contributing to an oil tight engine assembly. Twin 32mm carburettors metered the fuel air mixture and a 12 volt electrical system with an electric start was provided. The machines chassis was of a full cradle type equipped with a pivoted fork at the rear and telescopic front forks. A full width alloy hub with a twin leading shoe front brake was complimented by a single leading shoe rear brake at the rear. The first tests of the machine were eagerly anticipated by potential buyers, who were intrigued by the technical specification and promises of high performance suggested by the rumoured 8,500 rpm red line. Once the tests appeared it quickly became apparent that the machine was more of sports tourer than an outright sportster. Although quick, proving to be capable of over 105 mph thanks to a claimed 43 bhp, it required rev's to make progress with a noticeable "step" in the power delivery once 6,000rpm had been reached. Testers commented on a lack of precision with regard to the handling but were impressed by the overall quality of the model and its performance. Unfortunately it was expensive in comparison to its rivals with the result that many in the UK admired the machine but purchased a British product instead, however, in the States it achieved a higher degree of success. With hindsight it can be argued that the Black Bomber's greatest achievement was to educate potential buyers into thinking of Honda in the context of large capacity motorcycles paving the way for the success of the CB750.

This example is believed to have had only two previous owners and restored by the last owner using new, old stock parts. Described as being in excellent condition throughout, the machine, which was recently imported from California is believed to have covered only 2000 miles since new, the original owner dry stored the bike for many years and sold it to the last owner in 2010. The nominal mileage is confirmed by the as new condition of engine internals and the bike has been unused since cosmetic restoration carried out earlier this year. to have only covered 2000 miles since the restoration. VAT and duty paid in the UK and offered with a Swansea V5C, an MOT certificate valid until June 2012, a road fund licence current until July 2012 and an original unused toolkit it is one of the finest examples extant of this significant model.

PLEASE NOTE: This motorcycle is a Model KO, which is the early rare model.