Honda CL450
Encyclopedia
The sister bike to the Honda CB450
, the CL450 is the dual sport or "scrambler" model of Honda's 444cc DOHC parallel twin engined motorcycle. Although the difference between both models are mostly cosmetic, the CL450's higher pipes, braced handlebars, and aggressive styling were better suited for off-road riding.
Initially available in kit form for the 1967 CB450
, it was officially released in 1968 as the CL450K1 "Scrambler" in silver, candy red and candy blue colors (only the tank and air filter covers were painted). This year also saw the addition of a 5-speed gearbox, an upgrade from the older 4-speed.
The CL450 remained much the same through 1974, though diverged further from its sister bike as time went on. While the CB450 went to a front disc brake in 1970, Honda decided to keep the CL450 with its two drum brakes. Disc brakes were fairly new technology on motorcycles, and unproven in off-road riding. The CB450 was replaced in 1975 when Honda
increased the displacement
of the engine
and renamed it the CB500
.
The bike remains popular today among enthusiasts, and many are still in use in flat track racing or have been modified into cafe racer
s.
Honda's horsepower rating was 43 hp@9650 RPM off the crank, nearly 100 hp per liter.
Top speed could be seen as high as 96 MPH in stock trim with a well tuned carburetor. If highway speeds are more desirable, the CB450's gearing can be used to offer more relaxed cruising at higher velocities. Vibration was a complaint, so Honda added rubber mounted handle bars to overcome this to a degree.
The CL450 wasn't nearly as mass produced as the smaller 350-360cc versions.
Honda CB450
The Honda CB450 was the first "big" Honda motorcycle with a 444cc dual overhead cam engine producing 43-45 horsepower . Appearing first in the 1965 four-speed K0 model, and progressing through a series of KX models with various improvements and styling changes, notably a redesigned gas tank and 5...
, the CL450 is the dual sport or "scrambler" model of Honda's 444cc DOHC parallel twin engined motorcycle. Although the difference between both models are mostly cosmetic, the CL450's higher pipes, braced handlebars, and aggressive styling were better suited for off-road riding.
Initially available in kit form for the 1967 CB450
Honda CB450
The Honda CB450 was the first "big" Honda motorcycle with a 444cc dual overhead cam engine producing 43-45 horsepower . Appearing first in the 1965 four-speed K0 model, and progressing through a series of KX models with various improvements and styling changes, notably a redesigned gas tank and 5...
, it was officially released in 1968 as the CL450K1 "Scrambler" in silver, candy red and candy blue colors (only the tank and air filter covers were painted). This year also saw the addition of a 5-speed gearbox, an upgrade from the older 4-speed.
The CL450 remained much the same through 1974, though diverged further from its sister bike as time went on. While the CB450 went to a front disc brake in 1970, Honda decided to keep the CL450 with its two drum brakes. Disc brakes were fairly new technology on motorcycles, and unproven in off-road riding. The CB450 was replaced in 1975 when Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
increased the displacement
Engine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
of the engine
Engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...
and renamed it the CB500
Honda CB500 twin
The Honda CB500 is a naked motorcycle which was produced by Honda from 1993 to 2003. It is popular with riding schools and motorcycle couriers and is suited as a commuter bike It is raced in the United Kingdom in the Honda CB500 Cup....
.
The bike remains popular today among enthusiasts, and many are still in use in flat track racing or have been modified into cafe racer
Café racer
A café racer is a type of motorcycle as well as a type of motorcyclist. Both meanings have their roots in the 1960s British counterculture group the Rockers, or the Ton-up boys, although they were also common in Italy, Germany, and other European countries...
s.
Honda's horsepower rating was 43 hp@9650 RPM off the crank, nearly 100 hp per liter.
Top speed could be seen as high as 96 MPH in stock trim with a well tuned carburetor. If highway speeds are more desirable, the CB450's gearing can be used to offer more relaxed cruising at higher velocities. Vibration was a complaint, so Honda added rubber mounted handle bars to overcome this to a degree.
The CL450 wasn't nearly as mass produced as the smaller 350-360cc versions.