1968 cb450

sguzzi · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:06 pm Post subject: 1968 cb450

I have a 1968 cb450 european edition. I started to restore it. I rebuilt the top just needed cam rings. Something happened and it just ended up sitting outside and everything is rusted. I'm tired of looking at my failure. Its just about 100 % complete. The only thing i know thats missing are the cam rings. I kept the tank inside and a few other things and they're in decent shape. I was told by a lot of people it's a rare bike. The rubber fork boots weren't in the us until 72 and the 68 was only available in red and blue. I talked with a guy on one of these forums who worked for honda and specialize in old bikes, I gave him the serial numbers and said it didn't exist. After 6 years of owning this I found 1 other person with one and two websites with a picture. Here's one http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_cb450%2067.htm . It would be sad for it to die. I know can I part it out and make a few hundred. I'd much rather just give it away to someone who will appreciate it before I do that. If It's really not worth fixing up let me know. If you honestly want to restore it, its yours. I have the title too. I'm in the pittsburgh area. I took a few pictures also but my phone's pictures are too big to attach. If someone can tell me how to shrink them I'll attach them or if you're interested I can email them. I know I messed it up pretty bad, hopefully not too bad.

05c50 · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:57 pm Post subject:

Holy Crap!! Pick me, Pick me!!! I'm only a few miles from you. Please send me a pm or an email and we'll get together. (mybluebike2004 at yahoo.com) If it's fixable, I'll fix it.

...............Paul

MR.CHocko · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 5:37 pm Post subject:

Send it to him. As far as parting it out goes, you will not make a few hundred, add on another zero. Currently, anything that was meant for europe is going for big dollars right now. Simply because the europeans and the Japanese want that stuff that back.

sguzzi · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 6:44 pm Post subject:

05c50. I sent you the pics.

tbpmusic · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:11 pm Post subject:

sguzzi · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:51 am Post subject:

I found a new home for it. It's Paul's now.

MR.CHocko · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:30 pm Post subject:

It went to a good home. Don't worry that bike is not disappearing into the void. We will most likely being seeing it sometime over the summer after he is done restoring it.

05c50 · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:19 pm Post subject:

MR.CHocko · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:17 pm Post subject:

What is the serial number? I will take it either off the frame or the cases. I have a feeling that there is more to this bike then what the seller told you.

05c50 · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:18 pm Post subject:

Yeah, he's already said he hasn't had any luck figuring out what model it is.........maybe Euro. Vin on engine is CB450K1E-1002820. It doesn't match anything that I've found.

...............Paul

MR.CHocko · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:28 pm Post subject:

It does match with some stuff I found. With a number that high you are probably talking late 1967 or mid 1968. I would also suggest you call Robin Markey at Bob's Indian or Markey Honda. He can probably give you more information then what I got at my disposal.

tbpmusic · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:53 pm Post subject:

Need to see more photos, all components.........
All bets are off with Euro models, though the frame number would be a help.

A US K1 looked like this, it was a 5-speed.

Euro vaiants were numerous - witness this Euro "K1".
It shows some odd things - first, it appears to have a 4-speed starter. maybe a 4-speed engine.
Looks to be a 5-speed frame.
It has air cleaner covers that we didn't see in the US until K3.
It also has the typical drooping Euro rear fender front fender, weird lights, and fork gators.

05c50 · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 6:24 pm Post subject:

Although mine has the turn signals and side cover emblems like your American example, the front fender appears to the braces like the ones on your euro model. I can't figure the engine number CB450K1E 1002820......where'd the " K1" come from? None of the information that I've found shows K1 in the engine vin. And the serial number should start with 3 instead of a 1. I'm beginning to think that it's some sort of ba$tard......just like me. Laughing

............Paul

tbpmusic · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 7:30 pm Post subject:

05c50 · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 7:39 pm Post subject:

I won't have the bike (or the frame vin) for a couple days. I'll let you know as soon as I can.

............Paul