Honda CB450
Encyclopedia
The Honda CB450 was the first "big" Honda
motorcycle
with a 444cc dual overhead cam engine
producing 43-45 horsepower
(more than 100 HP/ litre). 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 speed transmission
in the 1968 K1 model. K0 models are often known as "Black Bomber" models in the U.S. and notable for their distinctive large, square gas tank. In Canada the K1 model was marketed as the Hellcat.
Although the CB450 never sold up to Honda's expectations, it had excellent engineering
for the time, notably including reliable electrical components, an electric starter
, and a horizontally split crankcase
, all features distinct from the British
twins of the era. The most radical feature was the valve springing. Instead of the conventional coil springs, it used "torsion bars" - rods of steel that twisted to provide the spring effect.
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...
motorcycle
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
with a 444cc dual overhead cam 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...
producing 43-45 horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
(more than 100 HP/ litre). 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
Gasoline
Gasoline , or petrol , is a toxic, translucent, petroleum-derived liquid that is primarily used as a fuel in internal combustion engines. It consists mostly of organic compounds obtained by the fractional distillation of petroleum, enhanced with a variety of additives. Some gasolines also contain...
tank and 5 speed transmission
Transmission (mechanics)
A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
in the 1968 K1 model. K0 models are often known as "Black Bomber" models in the U.S. and notable for their distinctive large, square gas tank. In Canada the K1 model was marketed as the Hellcat.
Although the CB450 never sold up to Honda's expectations, it had excellent engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
for the time, notably including reliable electrical components, an electric starter
Automobile self starter
A starter motor is an electric motor for rotating an internal-combustion engine so as to initiate the engine's operation under its own power.- History :...
, and a horizontally split crankcase
Crankcase
In an internal combustion engine of the reciprocating type, the crankcase is the housing for the crankshaft. The enclosure forms the largest cavity in the engine and is located below the cylinder, which in a multicylinder engine are usually integrated into one or several cylinder blocks...
, all features distinct from the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
twins of the era. The most radical feature was the valve springing. Instead of the conventional coil springs, it used "torsion bars" - rods of steel that twisted to provide the spring effect.
External links
- 1965 Dream CB450 Honda Worldwide | History
- A Direct Descendant of Grand Prix Machines' Honda Worldwide | History
- The First Motorcycle to Offer Disc Brakes Honda Worldwide | History