The Honda CB450 Black Bomber is easily one of the most significant motorcycles to ever come out of Japan. Produced for just three years, it was the company’s first ‘big bike’ (and the first production bike with DOHC). At the time, it was considered to be one of the best bikes ever built, though it didn’t sell as well as the above praise would suggest.
Affectionately referred to as the “Black Bomber’, this bike put other manufacturers (particularly the British) on notice. British bikes couldn’t compete with features like reliable electrics, torsion bar valve springs (UPDATE: thanks, RoHorn!), and an electric starter. That’s even before you get to the dual overhead cams, technology that was only offered on legitimate race bikes of the time! According to Motorcycle Classics, “the Bomber was disqualified from some production races in England on the grounds that it was too much like a factory racer.” The engine redlined at an incredible 10,000 rpm and produced 42 horsepower, yielding a top speed of 102 miles per hour.
This example (VIN: CB4501005166) was recently serviced (valve adjustment, oil slinger cleaned, NGK spark plugs, points, condenser, etc) and it shows 3,026 miles on the odometer but there’s a few significant changes – particularly “the 5 speed transmission, engine and horn from a later CB450 model.” Impressively, everything seems to work and the seller says that it runs great.
“The current owner has fitted tires, chain and battery while the motorcycle has been in their possession. The prior owner stated they had a top end rebuild performed including including Teflon skirted 1mm over sized pistons, valve refurbishment and starter clutch rebuild. The owner believes this to be true due to the engine’s very good health, and the starter clutch performing without the “clattering” sound so many CB450 are plagued with.”
Find this Black Bomber for sale in Portland, Oregon with bidding up to $4,522 here on eBay.