Classic Honda lightweight motorcycles

With the introduction of the CB400F the F also stood for a 4-in-1 exhaust. The CB400F is particularly known for its well shaped 4-in-1 Exhaust header.

Model history:1975-1977 CB400F1976 CB400F11977 CB400F2

Besides regional and color changes there have been basically 2 versions of the CB400F. The first has 'Active suspension'. The pillon footpegs are mounted on the rear swing arm. Thus the pillon can actively assist the rearshocks, which can be useful as the standard shocks are slightly to soft.The second version has the pillon footpegs mounted on a(n) (extra) frame pipe. This version was only produced for the European market (European direct sales, England, France, Germany, Sweden). It was introduced in 1976 as a CB400F model and it was also applied in the CB400F2.

The Honda Black Bomber

Unlike automobiles in the USA market, Honda motorcycle models were not designated strictly by calendar year. Honda distinguished models by affixing a K-number suffix to the model, typically beginning with K0 at the model's introduction, sometimes with K1. Individual K models were offered for one or more years, depending upon sales rates and remaining inventory. For example, the initial CB450: the 4-speed Black Bomber,is designated CB450K0. It remained in Honda sales literature through 1968, alongside the next model, the CB450K1.

It was unique for a road bike in having twin overhead cams with torsion bar valve springs. One of the most impressive parts of the bike to this day is the engine which, when viewed in profile, has a very classical twin cam shape -- like that of a Manx Norton.

The CB450 has a stormer of an engine when it is carefully set up. The main weakness of the bike is that it is very heavy (at about 430lbs) and ithe gear ratios are quite spaced over the 4 speed box with a low top gear. Even so it is generally reckoned to be the best 450/500cc Honda twin until the introduction of the CB500 water-cooled twin of the nineties."

1968 Honda CL350 Scrambler

In fact, there were several changes between this image and the export USA production run. Instead of black finish, as shown, the headlight brackets (at top of forks) were painted to match the color portion of the tank. A different front fender, lacking braces but with a sharp cut front edge as shown, was used. The point cover on production models was embossed to read "TYPE-1", and the 350 emblems on the air cleaner covers were fabricated of enameled metal, with only the numerals "350" (the picture shows an applied emblem, perhaps just a painting, with a small encircled Honda wing).

Although the picture shows two separate chromed exhaust pipes exiting the muffler, the production models had two unplated exhaust pipes enclosed in a single chromed surround. The production CL350K0 also had both a center stand and a silver-painted side stand.

Below is a '68 production street version. Still much the same as the Scrambler but not as stylish!

Honda CB450

If it's true it's very much a technical "innovation" that wasn't a winner. If not true it's a great gag. And if you know better, then shoot me a line and set me straight!

Stats

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).[1] 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 spings it used "torsion bars" - rods of steel that twisted to provide the spring effect.