cl450k5

DNick · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 7:51 am Post subject: cl450k5

Alright, So I just picked up what I believe is a cl450k5 (haven't confirmed it yet). Needs quite a bit of work. When I hit the kick start it turns over and feels like it has compression. Now I have never worked on an engine before. But I do have friends who have. I figure this bike would be a good place for me to start.

Now, my question is for you. What sites or books even, would you suggest for me to read to prepare myself to rebuild this bike.

fasterspider · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 8:50 am Post subject:

Welcome to VJMOG and congrats on the bike aquisition.
The 1st thing you need is a real Factory Service Manual, not a Clymer but a Honda FSM. I bought my CBX and my CB1100F FSMs from ebay.
This is a good site to start with, start asking your questions and they will get answered promptly by guys that know what they are doing.

Steve Searles · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 9:12 am Post subject: Welcome to VJMOG!

You will learn alot here. Example: First thing to do is to clean/rebuild/inspect carburetors. Take them completely apart, take out all the jets, soak and rebuild making sure you can see light thru every jet. Carbs cleaning is a must. Of course, change oil, plugs and get a good battery. Make sure you have spark, fuel and compression and try to start the beast. It is fun when she comes to life!

DNick · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 9:26 am Post subject:

Yeah, I figured I would start with the carb, but I need to know things like HOW to take apart and clean the carbs. And where I can find that information. Other than an obvious school. Now remember, I'm quite without money. As for the manual, I haven't had the chance to look if the manual is still there. Should be under the seat right? The bike is at my friends house, its been in a barn for at least over 20-25 years. The tires are falling apart. So it's not in the greatest shape, but it doesn't seem to be in a scary bad shape. I'll try and get a pic of it up. But I'm leaving for camping in a few minutes, so it won't be for a couple of days.

fasterspider · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:47 pm Post subject:

Steve Searles · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 6:03 am Post subject: 450 Honda

Here we go again Ray. We are so into motorcycles. I have met very few people that enjoy motorcycles as much as I do but I think I found my match. Eat, live breath bikes. Period. Anyway DNick, the Honda 450 is a very unique engine design in that it does not have valve springs as we now it. It actually has torsion rods that are twisted and that is the motion that closes the valves when they "twist" back. Weird, the Jap engineers had some good Socki that day??//?? It is a very torquey powerplant and was just about the most powerful engine in its day around 1967. (Black Bomber era) FYI

DNick · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:53 pm Post subject:

Now I found a site that has the serial numbers matched to the different versions of the cl450, but I can't find the number on the bike. Is it the same as the VIN number? I'm trying to make sure I get the right parts, and manual and stuff.

MR.CHocko · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 2:04 am Post subject:

Yes for you bike it would be the same as the VIN number. You could also check the cases on the motor.

tbpmusic · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:30 am Post subject:

DNick · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 3:48 pm Post subject:

Well I finally was able to check the number on the bike, turns out I was wrong, it is not a K5, but a CL450K4. So I'm a little disappointed about that, Not much though. I took some photographs of the bike, but my cable for my camera is in Stillwater where I go to school at Oklahoma State University, (Go Pokes!). But I'm heading back to school tonight, so I will probably post some pics up either late tonight, or tomorrow. Parts of the bike amaze me on the condition, especially the seat. Fantastic!

tbpmusic · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 4:20 pm Post subject:

DNick · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:07 pm Post subject:

Oh I'm still happy about the bike. I don't know why, I'm really not disapointed. Though I do like the look of the k5 tank better. I can't wait to work on. Once I have money that is too work on it. Right now I'm really just doing my research. Getting prepared for what lies ahead.

DNick · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

Here's the bike.

DNick · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:27 pm Post subject:

All right, So I got my tax return, school is about out, and I'm itching to get started on this bike. My question to you is exactly what factory service manual do I need, where can get it or order it. Reminder, its a CL450 K4, not a K5 like the thread says.

MR.CHocko · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:23 am Post subject:

If you can find an original or reprint Honda FSM, that is the best way to go. If you can't then you get the next best thing which is an aftermarket manual by Clymer. Clymer is not as good as the orginals but it will help you get the job done.