Home / Classic Motorcycles1971 Honda CB450 K4 October 11, 2009 | by Chris Hunter | TAGS(2) Honda CB450 Honda motorcycles When I first saw this bike, I thought it was new—Honda jumping on the SR400 bandwagon and manufacturing an oldie for the home market. But it isn't. It's an amazingly meticulous restoration by reader Bill Lane, who bought a rusted out CB for a couple of hundred bucks. “Some nice parts came my way, and I figured there were plenty of restored 450s around already," says Bill, "so something different was called for.” To clean and de-rust the ancient components, Bill got through an awful lot of that dairy industry staple, milk stone remover. Then he powdercoated the frame and totally dissembled the drivetrain, with every part cleaned, painted or replaced. A Barnett competition clutch went in, along with a new wiring harness and Yamaha XS650 coils. The shocks are from a 1981 CB750 and the mufflers are Emgo Roadhawks. The wheels and forks are from a 1979 CB400—which bolt straight on if you can lay your hands on a CB360 stem and clamps. Bill took care of the paint himself, finishing with Duplicolor Ultra Silver and a two-part clear-coat. He’s thoughtfully posted a full write-up of the restoration online, complete with excellent pictures. If you’re looking for inspiration to get started on that wreck at the back of your garage, you’ll find it here. Share Facebook Twitter/X Pinterest Email Copy Link Next ›› Killinger und Freund
The Latest
Custom Motorcycles Midnight Rider: A Minimalist Honda CX400 Café Racer from Japan Shop / Gloves Bike EXIF El Chapo Cowhide Motorcycle Glove Unisex- Black $49.99 Custom Motorcycles Dust and Dependability: 6 of Our Favorite Honda Scramblers Featured Lifestyle Saddle Up Cowhand: Ben Holladay 1856 One Barrel Bourbon Review Classic Motorcycles Iron Horse: The Rights and Wrongs of Harley’s Flopped XLCR Custom Motorcycles Small Wheels, Big Thrills: 6 Custom Scooters For Sale / Classifieds 2004 Yamaha XT 600 E $6,975 USD Custom Motorcycles 2LOUD's Harley Sportster Forty-Eight is a Desaturated Dream Custom Motorcycles Italian Elegance: 6 of our Favorite Custom Ducati SportClassics For Sale / Classifieds 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 by Hankō Designs $22,000 USD
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, updates, and offers. Get the world's best customs delivered to your inbox.
Midnight Rider: A Minimalist Honda CX400 Café Racer from Japan
Custom Motorcycles
Dust and Dependability: 6 of Our Favorite Honda Scramblers
Classic Motorcycles
Iron Horse: The Rights and Wrongs of Harley’s Flopped XLCR
Ten Best Motorcycles
Factory Specials: The 10 Best Production and Concept Bikes of 2025
Ten Best Motorcycles
Revealed: The Top 10 Custom Motorcycles of 2025
Classic Motorcycles
Boosted Beginnings: How Kawasaki Landed the First Turbocharged Bike on Showroom Floors
Custom Motorcycles
Type 26: Auto Fabrica's Elegant Honda CB750 Café Racer
Latest Motorcycle News
ICYMI: 9 Highlights from EICMA 2025
The Latest
The Latest
For Sale / Classifieds 2004 Yamaha XT 600 E $6,975 USD For Sale / Classifieds 1994 BMW K1100RS By Kustom Moto $16,500 USD Custom Motorcycles Midnight Rider: A Minimalist Honda CX400 Café Racer from Japan Custom Motorcycles Dust and Dependability: 6 of Our Favorite Honda Scramblers Featured Lifestyle Saddle Up Cowhand: Ben Holladay 1856 One Barrel Bourbon Review Classic Motorcycles Iron Horse: The Rights and Wrongs of Harley’s Flopped XLCR Custom Motorcycles Small Wheels, Big Thrills: 6 Custom Scooters Custom Motorcycles 2LOUD's Harley Sportster Forty-Eight is a Desaturated Dream Custom Motorcycles Italian Elegance: 6 of our Favorite Custom Ducati SportClassics Shop / Gloves Bike EXIF El Chapo Cowhide Motorcycle Glove Unisex- Black $49.99
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, updates, and offers. Get the world's best customs delivered to your inbox.