1973 Honda CB450 Slays the Snake on Mulholland Highway

[@michaelfigert4030]

My father had one and after he died when I was 17 I had it laying around in the garage for years. That was until I stupidly gave it to my cousin from the Philippines. He obviously had no idea how nice these bikes are cause he pulled it into pieces and said he planned to turn it into some sort of custom chopper. Luckily he has agreed to give it back 8 years later(albeit in pieces) after I asked him for it back as I am now older and wiser, I now realise how beautiful my father's motorcycle was. I plan to one day get it put back together and keep it in memory of my late father.

[@noelleonard2498]

Same here, I have my dad's 71 cb450k4 (gold) it's in poor shape. Was the first bike I ever rode on as a child. Going to start pulling it apart this year, whatever form it gets put together and running again will be ok with me just to ride again someday. All depends if i can get any of the chrome to clean up anywhere close to ok, if not it will get painted as it is what it is.

[@mayaarini-wz7hk]

penyesalan yg sampai kapanpun akan teringat pada motor honda ini, sama seperti saya meskipun hanya honda cb 100 tahun 1980 merah yg cantik punya ayah, sayangnya sudah di jual. andai aku punya mesin waktu

[@takehikes]

I had a 1974 CB450K7 one of my favorite bikes, rode it all over the west. Just got my hands on a 1969 CB450K2 for free! Its all there but having to rewire it and reassemble it. Once I do I think I'm keeping it for nostalgia sake. And the fact they are a fantastic good motorcycle!

[@charlespflanze9651]

My CB450 was a '74 I purchased new. I used to ride the Dragon on this bike all the time, I was maybe a 45 minute ride away from the area. Back in the mid 70's, the place was deserted and the road was not in great shape. Most people avoided it if they could. A few of the curves were reverse banked, that was something that could be a nasty surprise at speed if you didn't remember which ones they were. A couple times I found myself dragging the stock pipes on the pavement. So I replaced the factory exhaust with a hooker two into one pipe that reduced the weight a bit, sounded better, and gave me better cornering clearance with the pipe up higher than stock. Back then there was a company that made motorcycle aftermarket shocks called "Mulholland" of all things, and I upgraded my factory shocks, figuring I'd get a little better cornering with them. As everybody else does, I'll put in my whine about how dumb it was to sell it. Wish I still had it now.

[@frphxkaboom3008]

had a 72 450cb bought new in 73. put 6000 miles on it the first year. in 74 I rode it from Detroit to Aspen Colorado and back scrambled it up and down Aspen Mountain every day for a week. Camped on top of the mountain. used the lift access trails, you could do that back then. It struggled at 11000 ft had to rev to 3500 get some power. it did it. Looked for mine shafts they were blown up. 80 mph there and back. was done with it after that. sold it to buddies who beat on it some more. great bike .

[@akadog6319]

Long ago, I had one of these 450's. My wife and I would ride it on the freeway 75 -80mph. I still ride Hondas.

[@tommissouri4871]

I had a '74 CB450 DOHC in orange from '77 to '80. Great bike. Of course, my brother rode with me on a 125 mile trip once and it became clear that it wasn't really happy with the load. Some guys passed us on 750s with their girlfriends and we couldn't begin to keep up with them even though they were doubled up. I liked the ride on Mulholland. I did that following a friend back in '91. I rode an '82 Wing out there on Route 66 and was with full saddlebags on those canyon roads and he lead me on a Honda CBR 600 F2, so I was at a great disadvantage trying to stay with him. But I enjoyed your ride today and it brings back memories.

[@jerrybeasley1708]

I have a 1971 750.....seeing this made me miss my old 72 450. I rode from SF to Virginia Beach in 1974, 22 just out of the army.

[@nickfontana2801]

I was 16 years old when my stepfather gave me this bike I'm 58 years old now. This was my first street bike!! boy what a wonderful time seeing this Honda again!! Next bike was 1979 GS1000E , needless to say I never looked back!! 😎👍

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

Thank you for a nice ride. I put about 12k miles on a 1968 CB450 I bought new (drum brakes, of course). Just watching the video made my hands numb and my feet tingle, remembering the vibration. Keep the shiny side up.

[@RideLikeJehu]

My pleasure - thanks for watching!

[@stevenleek1254]

What a stunning example! Also, that's some crazy cool music...man!

[@garysenesac6811]

I bought a used 1973 CB-450 K6 (same color) my first year (as a junior) at Humboldt State. Likely the reason I didn't get better grades... way too easy to go for a ride rather than study. Great memories from watching your video, thank you!

[@trevorjameson3213]

Man that was great! Takes me right back to the '70's, loved it! And that metallic green is so good looking.. I never got to own a CB450, always wanted one back then. But at least now, I do own a '79 CX500 and it really takes me back to the good old days.

[@caribman10]

Fun fact: this bike, with a set of aluminum rims/stainless spokes in front would permit a second disc on the other side with almost no weight penalty - and one finger braking. This was one of Honda's great motors, which they never developed.

[@kenyork1107]

Well , be still my beating heart . I had one completely identical to yours and I loved it till the day I let my brother have it 5 years later and never with any trouble . It still looked like new , I did put another identical seat on it . I gave it to my brother and I got me a cb750 / 4 and I loved to , it was maroon and black . I live in Tennessee and it took my wife and I to the Smokies numerous times without any trouble . Now I have great memories and miss the good old days , thanks for the ride brother , loved it .

[@cargo4441]

Well thanks for the video. What a great flashback on my red Honda dohc 450 it all comes back what a comfertable great handlig cruiser she was.

[@alishalchi1260]

Got my 450 started today after years. We pushed it down a hill to push kick it. Lol first I forgot to put it on run! Took it up the hill again and then I forgot to turn the fuel. Let's just say my pop wasn't happy but she runs again!

[@shelliecarlson7015]

Same, except mine was all black, and a 71. Gawd that was a fun little bike. My first and I rode it from Salt Lake City to Phoenix, by way of Vegas. Got it up to 98 MPH at redline one day. This was back in '85, and I was 18.

[@kenkozma3780]

Thanks for the memories. I had a 73 and a half in January 74. Green, just like yours. Even took it off road and climbed a few hills with it. Many fond memories .

[@oldblue7837]

I had the same bike. Bought brand new in '73 and kept it thru college. Took it on a road trip w/girl friend from Memphis to Ft. Know to visit friend stationed thee. Cold rain all the way there. My hands were numb from vibration. Mine had different grips and mirrors on the bars not on grips. Still miss that bike. Handled great. It had hi speed shake over 95 mph.

[@mango-yf4ko]

Now that brings back memories. I bought a '72 new in Candy Bacchus Olive (very similar to yours) before I could even ride one. A buddy of mine rode it home from the dealership for me. I learned on it riding around the neighborhood then took it out on the road. I had just graduated from college and was living at home at the time and all this was done while my parents were away on vacation. I was planning on breaking the news to them gently but as luck would have it they pulled up in the driveway just as I got back from a ride and was pulling into the garage revving the engine. My dad looked astounded and my mom looked like she was about to have a heart attack. "That thing will do a hundred miles an hour" my dad said in a voice I can't describe. '"Actually, it'll do a hundred and five" I said proudly. Wrong thing to say. My mom almost fainted. I wish I could say this story had a happy ending but it doesn't. My mom literally got sick with worry and my Dad said the bike would have to go or she'd end up in the hospital. What could I do. A week later it was sold and I still remember clearly the guy riding away on it. Thanks for a nice ride down memory lane.

[@kkiwi54]

Haha - I know how it feels. I traded my CB350 for a brand new GT380 while my dad was away on business. When he got back he was furious and made the dealer take it back :/ 😂

[@derekfinch9586]

I nearly bought one in 1973. The CB450 was the first Honda with good handling as I recall. I was graduating from a C92 125cc Honda Benly twin but my dad said that if I bought it, I couldn't ride it until I replaced the drop handlebars with regular bars. That was too much engineering for me at the time. I ended up buying a new, CB350 twin from Hyde Motorcycles in Horsham, Sussex. It was emerald metalflake green, just like this 450. I had Hondas all my life except one Norton commando fastback and currently a BMW K1600GTL. I wish I had bought that CB450 though!

[@Jpeg13759]

The Honda CB 450 was my second bike...Loved it...

[@donparker1823]

I always liked the looks of that engine. Never had a 450. Had a 71 CB750 witch at the time felt like a Ferrari to me. But thanks for keeping that 450 alive and well. Loved this video

[@noelleonard2498]

At one time it was one of the fastest production bikes you could get in the states.

[@stevelanghorn1407]

Bloody brilliant! Love your style!

[@jerrycarter1928]

great video, watched it 3 times! Nice weather to take a classic out and ride her.

[@sammyelliott5554]

Had one of these in 1978. Same color with a windshield. Drove it back and forth to Atlanta from Newnan, Ga. Paid $600.00 for it used. Before that I had a Yamaha RD 350 which was a death bike, way to easy to go fast really quick.

[@edhastie6074]

I owned a 450 back in the mid 70’s. Handled great, sounded great, great power. Sold it to buy a triumph tiger 650. Two of the best handling bikes I ever owned.

[@gmaltese]

i had that same one, color and all! i loved it! i wish i had it back......

[@jroberthadden]

That was fun. I had this bike (my second bike and same color) from 1976 to '78. Loved it but, as is so often the case, I thought I needed something bigger.

[@alexsandovallapostol9998]

Good ! and hilarious with the 70's music sound track...!

[@pirateracingnz9846]

I owned a 71 for 17 years, so many memories. Used to ride to high school on it. Had to sell with the divorce and it went to a collector. Had all the sales posters, manuals and dealer parts manuals. Would love to find another one.

[@bferguson9277]

Great looking bike! I wanted one back in 1971, but as a high school kid working in a fast food restaurant I could only afford a CB350 after my trade in, a 1966 CL77 305 Scrambler. The dealer hardly gave me squat for that bike. Both were reliable, trouble free bikes, though.

[@fullnoeleko]

Great video :-) thanks a lot . Great ride too.. I really enjoy your video THANKS

[@CCitis]

Nice. I am working on getting a CL450 Scrambler back to life...

[@bradmiller9993]

This was going to be my sophomore bike back in the seventies while I was riding met 305 scrambler around LA instead of studying for classes. Great bike. ( the 450, not the 305)

[@josephliptak]

Your 450 has more class than all the new harleys and crotch rockets out there. What a beautiful bike and 1973 was a better time to be alive as well.

[@mikeochoa458]

My Brother had one I learned to Ride on it Thanks for the Memories 😊

[@californiamonster8877]

With the music I laughed way harder than I should’ve at the kill switch bit, that was funny in that old bikes nihilistic way that we learn to love the fragility of life, and 40 year old aluminum threads

[@gravesclayton3604]

I've restored and ridden vintage Hondas since 1984. There is a reason all of the twins, and some of the fours, redline at 10K, they love high rpms, 7-9K is their performance range. I get the thing with want to baby a classic, but they were built to ride somewhat aggressively, and for decades to boot. Lugging about in 4th or 5th gear at 5K doesn't even do the bike's engineering real justice. The DOHC and torsion bar valve springs were engineered for higher rpms and torque; it was performance engineering, not an econobox. Even my '82 GL500 Interstate, a 500 cc pushrod v-twin, loves the 6-8K range and still redlines at 10K. Any other pushrod v-twin would be trashed at 5-6K, but not the Honda. And the 4-valve heads give me the fuel economy when I want it, as much as 65 mpg, without lacking for torque when I want to accelerate away from traffic. If the CB450K had been built with a 6th Gear overdrive, sustained speeds over 100 would not have been a problem. The same for the GL500 Interstate, but with a national speed limit of 55mph, there was little incentive for it. Although the 400-450 series twins starting in 1978 were only SOHC, they did have 3 valves/cylinder, a 10K redline, and a 6th speed O-Drive after 1980. The 450 Nighthawks were no slouch and sustained speeds over 100 mph with ease. As heavy as the 450K series was, I have still done an occassional unplanned wheel stand with them, and there are many out there still capable of running hard & fast! Just remember, the K0 was the benchmark of production 4-stroke performance before the CB750, even, and it was the beginning of the end for the British bikes, hands down! Also, the CB450K0 was one of (if not the 1st) the first Japanese Police Bike models sold in the U.S.

[@trevorjameson3213]

I have a '79 CX500, and yeah man it's just coming to life at 7k rpm. It took some getting used to though, because before I bought this old Honda, I'd been riding my old Sportster for 26 years, and it redlines at 6k, and doesn't even like 4k all that much. It runs best around 3k. Completely different animal though, not just the engine but every single thing about it. It feels like riding some sort of old farm equipment. But anyway, I did some research about the CX500, and found an old write up directly from Honda, that explained that during pre-production testing, the engine was "found to run reliably up to 11,500rpm, and valve float did not occur until 12,200rpm". Furthermore, they stated that as a safety buffer, production redline would be assigned at 9600rpm. So basically what we have here is an engine that you can feel confident in revving to redline and even beyond, without fear of damage.

[@dmaggio4011]

My 71 450 was my first bike… Extremely reliable I rode it from Rochester, New York to Sarasota Florida never missed a beat… However, the biggest disappointment was if you real tight, you could drag the peg mount mid corner and lift the rear wheel off the ground scared the hell out of yourself….

[@videomaniac108]

I had the exact same bike that I bought new back in 1973.

[@philzail2532]

My first motorcycle, tortion bar valve springs and vacuum carbs.

[@thefungusshow2535]

Love the CHiP's music!

[@timcastens1150]

My brother had one I used to sneak off on it. It seemed so big back then.

[@petekraemer6613]

Every Saturday my friends and I would would get to the local Honda shop and sniff the bikes- I knew a guy that busted a side case, covered it with duct tape, added a quart, and drove merrily home ;- )

[@brookcollins6485]

Just LOVED your intro! Haha, great sound track too I might add

[@geoffreyjones2000]

Noticed some lean on the last ride up...got a 72 cb450 with side car and a cl450 and a cb500t hard tail. Great ride. peace

[@mtntime1]

Very fun! If I were to criticize though, I'd say keep it in lower gears/higher rpms. It's a double overhead cam engine, it's made for it. That will give you more power coming out of the curves, and more importantly, more compression braking (especially on the downhills). Otherwise, you'll smoke your brakes in no time. I see Jon and Ponch on the top there. Given the popularity with cyclists, I'm surprised they don't run radar there. I think I'd find a less popular road, this one's a speeding ticket waiting to happen.

[@smeyzer]

i have a cb450t hawk and not sure if its also a double overhead cam. When I run low gear and high rpm, i do notice that the engine gets a lot hotter. Is it normal for it to get really hot? It's my first bike and I am just learning to ride. I just want to have a clear conscious when I ride and not worry about the engine being so hot.

[@gravesclayton3604]

@@smeyzer Yours is SOHC, but 3-valves/cylinder (2 intake & 1 exhaust), which gives the motor its optimal performance & economy. It also loves the 6-8K rpm range when you want the acceleration. The motor is air-cooled, so, yes, you will feel the increase in temperature when running it hard. The other big difference is that beginning with the '78 400T, the twins had replaceable paper oil filters, so keep your oil clean and your filter changed! I use Mobil-1 4T 10W40 in all my bikes. It is formulated to work in wet-clutch bikes, such as yours, and has better thermal and wear protection than conventional 10W40. DO NOT use Mobil-1 automotive synthetic oil, as it will cause your wet-clutches to slip, since it is NOT formulated for bike engines & wet-clutches. Get good performance tires like the Bridgestone BattleAxe or comparable. Cheap Chinese or Taiwanese tires may be easier on the wallet, but you will be amazed at the handling improvement with better tires! Later on, consider replacing the OE ball-bearing steering head bearings with a tapered-bearing set, as well as new fork seals and fork oil. Engine performance is pointless if your bike handles poorly.

[@jgraz42]

my first bike in 83....THNX!!!

[@einspurig1]

Great made, wow🤗😍😚🤩💎 My parents neighbour had this one and the superb supersuperbike at this time, the biggest four (750)

[@davidbranch1077]

I love these 1973 bikes, as I was born in August of that year

[@timcastens1150]

I'm glad we got ditches, you run off the road here, your history.

[@BDBBailey]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@MYSTEREFLYER]

Cool, that's a Honda, 37 aged, thanks for sharing

[@wmanad8479]

CB650 was my favorite bike.

[@stancoleshill8925]

THE MUSIC ENDS AT 1:32. i USED TO GET 45 MPH IN FIRST GEAR THEN 70 MPH IN SECOND GEAR. WITH MY 1968 cb450 ! I also had a 70 CB 450 and a 72 CL 450. It's too bad I didn't keep them all.

[@Darkvisor]

OMG it looks so good!! They sure knew how to make good looking bikes back then! Dropping you a sub, ride safe bro! //DV

[@RideLikeJehu]

Thanks!

[@noelleonard2498]

I was going to say it's a honda, my dads cb450 started the 2nd kick and purred to an idle after 30 years of sitting, lol. By the way they rode Kawasaki on chips. Nice bike, hope to have my dads 71 back on the road by next year, got a long way to go though.

[@richardcasey7521]

I have just agreed to buy a 1971 CB450 with 5600 miles on it that has not run in probably 35 years. The engine is not stuck. It’s all original.

[@richardcasey7521]

A month has passed and I finally got it running. The carbs cleaned up easily and I got it started. The engine sounds very healthy. I am now in the midst of rebuilding the electric starter motor which was rusted solid!

[@fouramhq]

Great video!! Very well made! I have always loved these bikes but never got one. I may shop around next spring!

[@PatriciaTomberlin]

Loved my cb450, but my Yam '77 650 even more!

[@davidhunternyc1]

That ending was awesome! 🤣

[@marvinbanka7592]

Love those early 70's Hondas

[@sterlingfury]

This was mu first bike ❤❤❤❤❤

[@apexseeker3821]

Nice lines mate

[@crankyinvestor]

we have a cb450 that is now on its 3rd generation of riders my father shared his father's bike with my uncle thy gave it to me

[@chamnanchoun4171]

Nice bike

[@rogertwiss2966]

Out of all the bikes I've owned, and many of larger capacity, My CB450 gave me the most pleasure. As for the "Snake" , we also have one in NZ. It is the Takaka hill in the north of the South Island, a great up at speed but extremely challenging on the down hill, west side, run. 180 bends and heavy braking all the way. I did this run in 1973 with my missus as pilion, WOW. When we reached the other side the brakes were fading the front disc would have been glowing if it were dark and there was grease starting to leak from the front wheel bearings. I know this because there used to be a pub at bottom of the hill where we stopped to recuperate and I checked the bike over. I'm 75yrs now but I will always cherish that memory. Here's a likeness of what it was like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqi2iXyNjc6Hirc

[@skg901]

This is like fantacizing for one of those actress who died evemn before you were born but you still love watching her on tv...

[@michaelpauley125]

Kool thanks for sharing.

[@CAPTLIEPS]

Easy to scrape the stand and pipes if you lean it over far enough , my first new bike 1972 HONDA CB 450 K5

[@gilbertreeves2084]

What folks dont know......I use the same starting procedure as you...on my 75 cb-550f. kick it a few times to get the oil up...then start..48k and counting.Oh hell you must be as old as Iam 62...Chips is still on the TV schedule for tonight..Well done.

[@larryb2905]

My dad had a blue 71, I used it like a dirt bike (beat the crap out of it) I wish I had one just like it to give back to him, he is 75 now, may be his last hoorah, any ways a cool bike but love the candy gold or orange!

[@HighGear7445]

My first bike same color even...100hp per liter pretty phenomenal in the day. 75 I traded for a cb750f, I think the 450 would have been right with it at 0-50 or so. Buzzy bars as a parallel twin will give you , but can't beat the power pulses of a twin for that grin factor. What's with the Kawasaki music though..heh heh (Chips ran 900 kaws they came along later)

[@RideLikeJehu]

Haha! CHiPs shoulda ran Hondas :)

[@franciscochagas2397]

Ok so lembranca dos velhos tempo que so tinha prazer de lavar de quem tinha uma

[@johnwheeler2556]

The Honda 450 twin cam was way ahead of her ti.e,beautiful bike

[@Kiskassklan]

Wow! Great Video! I have a brown one just like it. Need to put a rear tire and battery in and ride. Thanks!

[@RideLikeJehu]

Thanks for watching!

[@rockman49er]

Ah the good old days 😮

[@petertelford4900]

Gidday from Australia. Mate you must be same age as me to remember chips. Please do more just like that with chips theme love just subscribed.

[@bartholomewnathaniel807]

Ha, ha- I had a '78 Honda 450 But always remembered to at least Turn It On! Watch out for the damn traffic!

[@saurabhtheexplorer9811]

Good to see cousin of cb 350 highness from, India ?!

[@micwell2247]

Here in Pennsylvania, we have a route called 125 where there's plenty of guys that go whipping by on their crotch rockets. And yeah, slow and steady wins the race. So many of them end up laying off in the ditch, cringed off into a corn field upside down, waiting for an ambulance Some times they're picking them out of the trees and road signs. It got. to the point where it's like people are people are truly dumb.

[@mglures]

Nice! I have a ‘71 and it’s running well Is that seat just recovered or is the whole thing aftermarket? Mine has the rear hinge and needs some work

[@RideLikeJehu]

The whole seat is aftermarket. It works on the hinge though. I have the original, but it needs to be re-covered.

[@mglures]

Ride Like Jehu Where did you get the aftermarket seat? Thanks

[@RideLikeJehu]

@@mglures Got it from an eBay seller in Vietnam, i think it was daytrader-07.

[@satanicmechanic17]

I had a brown one just like that one until it sucked ac ring on the piston I loved how it rode if rather have this than my 1500 Vulcan

[@terrycummings7239]

Like my first bike,,,,,is this for sale?🤠🤠🤠

[@Jaded-Wanderer]

Fantastic

[@route66flyer29]

Bought a brand new '71 twin to that one. First bike I ever dumped, took a right corner, wife on back leaned a little too much and the center stand lifted the rear wheel. Lucky we were going slow. Here's to numb hands and feet.

[@RideLikeJehu]

Ouch, glad you were okay!

[@Miggys.Garage]

Yo that intro is too much! 😂….. nd by that I mean I love it lol!

[@TERRYC2001]

Do you still have the 450? I had the exact same one.

[@amimot2727]

Toute ma jeunesse...!

[@californiamonster8877]

Ok now I died at the South Park bit

[@barrettwbenton]

Cool video, and even cooler 450. What's the story behind your getting that bike?

[@RideLikeJehu]

Thanks! The story is not particularly interesting. Found it on eBay about 10-15 years ago, let it sit for a while, then spent some time getting it ship shape a couple summers ago.

[@og-greenmachine8623]

Have same bike. But mine says “Dual overhead cam”, above the 450. You know my “year”? And wondering bout the gas mileage. Live in the country. Gonna use it for beer-runs 🍺

[@NormVW2013]

Would you like to sell it?

[@marcielynn4886]

Great bike, if they remanufactured it, it would be a big seller.

[@mayaarini-wz7hk]

motor honda yg cantik tapi buas 😍😍😍😍😍

[@RoyFoster-f3v]

The music is so loud you can't hear the motor

[@kennypool]

Nice

[@stephenlacher587]

HA! Kill switch off...have done that a few times!

[@ANILTV82]

The music....nice lol