Riding Through History: Evolution of the CB450K1

Riding Through History: Evolution of the CB450K1 #vintagemotorcycles #cb450 #motorcyclerewind
Welcome back to Motorcycle Rewind! In today's episode, we're diving into the 1968 Honda CB450 K1. Was it better than the CB450 Black Bomber.
The CB450 Black Bomber was a machine that fell short of expectations. Its looks, its performance, and its presence in the market were all somewhat lacking. In a brilliant and bold move, Honda introduced the CB450 D-Kit, an entire transformation package that allowed owners to morph their Black Bomber into something strikingly more attractive.
Now, I'll be honest with you, in my opinion, the D-Kit was more than just an upgrade. It was a revolution. The aesthetics, the lines, the very soul of the bike changed with this kit. It became a precursor to the phenomenal CB450 K1. You could say the K1 was born from the ashes of the Black Bomber, coming to life with a sleeker, more modern appearance that resonated with riders of that era.
Join me in my garage as we explore this transformation. We'll look at the intricate details of the D-Kit, how it applied to the Black Bomber, and the way it shaped the destiny of Honda's CB450 line.
If you're a motorcycle enthusiast or just curious about the evolution of these iconic rides, you'll enjoy this journey. Don't forget to hit the like button, leave your thoughts in the comments below, and subscribe to Motorcycle Rewind for more insights and adventures in the world of vintage motorcycles.
See you in the garage! 🏍️
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[@joeblow5037]

The coolest thing about the 450's was the torsion spring valves. CB-100, SL-125, '72 CB-350G were some of my early Honda bikes. Eventually worked my way up to a '79 CBX 😁

[@motorcyclerewind]

Very cool! CBX lucky. 🍀 Thanks for watching.

[@mikeb3603]

Had a blue one that I painted black. Was in army in 71-74, stationed in Texas. Rode that state every weekend I could. Sold to a Staff Sgt. Had over 35,000 on it. Puffed smoke when ya hit a gear when it got older. Great, dependable bike. Just be sure to check your triple crown bearing

[@motorcyclerewind]

Such a good looking motorcycles. So much fun to ride. Thanks for watching.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Gorgeous bike one to keep and cherish and ride.

[@motorcyclerewind]

It sure was quite the transformation. Such a great motorcycle. Thanks for watching.

[@guylr7390]

I agree, the toaster tank K1 is the best looking and much improved over the Black Bomber. Your pipes and bars are fine to me. Sounds good and the flat bars give it a sporting riding position. About the only thing it probably needs is a better front brake if you’re going to do any spirited riding. 👍

[@motorcyclerewind]

Ironically the bars and pipes weren’t a design decision it what I had laying around when I got the bike. After 6 years I have gotten used to them. 😂 What you saw is about as spirited as I get in the ole girl.

[@TheKevphil]

When I was in high school, THAT was the bike I wanted!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Such a cool motorcycle. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelnicholson5218]

My mate had one in black in 69 i think , but sold it to get a 500 4, He regretted it later. 30 years on he bought a US import, and still has it. A few years ago he was offered his original bike back, but it had been badly butchered. We had great times on those bikes, which WERE ahead of their time.

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are such amazing motorcycles. Thanks so much for watching.

[@peterbarlow8912]

Had a ‘69 CL 450. I could hold that engine at 8500 for a couple hundred miles at a time. Found a loud Hooker aftermarket pipe used that took 40 pounds off the bike. Ceriani forks, Wixom handlebar fairing, Dunlops, candy apple blue paint and blacked jugs with the paint ground off the fin edges. Wish I never sold it!

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are such great bikes.

[@markmath2883]

My first bike was a 1971 CL450. Rode it on several cross country trips. The 2.4 gallon tank and vibration were its two negatives, otherwise a good bike.

[@motorcyclerewind]

This thing is smooth a glass compared to a Yamaha XS650🤣. I do love the riding position of the CL450’s. Thanks for watching.

[@markmath2883]

@@motorcyclerewind I eventually changed the sprockets to lower the RPMs. I could generally cruise at 70 mph without numbing my hands. My next bike was a new ‘76 Honda 750 Super sport in ‘77 and then a ‘78 BMW R100/7. The smoothest bike I have ever owned, and still own, is my ‘97 Honda Valkyrie.

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

@@motorcyclerewindthe XS1 650 Yamaha had a excellent and very powerful reliable engine, its main downfall was its terrible handling.

[@donparker1823]

Your bike looks fantastic. I really like the pea shooter pipes better than stock. My only reservation about the 450 twin was the sound of the 180 degree crank. I know it's more efficient than the 360 degree but the sound is somehow off to me. My KTM 790 has a 285 degree crank which to me sounds and works great.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I wish I could say the exhaust was a well thought out design decision. It was what I had laying around.😂 Thanks for watching!

[@80s_kid.]

i remember my brother bought a Blue CB250 k5 brand new in 1974, great bike, but back in the day people used to use and abuse bikes, i think it ;lasted 10 years, went through a bunch of owners, then the last i heard the engine blew and that was the end of that.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Agreed. Especially smaller displacement bikes because they were given to kids. Like you said they were adjusted.

[@80s_kid.]

@@motorcyclerewind Yes i had a 1977 Yamaha Fs1 When i was 16 in 86, i thrashed that thing around like it meant nothing, they are selling in uk for £7k-£10k now on ebay, but everyone is starting to restore them now, still crazy prices, then i got myself a 1981 Suzuki TS50 Er. then a 1984 Honda MTX125R, in the end i ended up with a Yamaha RD350 Lc. But i was crazy on the road so when i met my kids mother in 88 i gave it all up. the 80s was crazy but Cool. and even the 90s was really good, but when 2000 came something changed, then it all went to c.r.a.p, and now, with all the garbage that's going on in the world, i've lost the will to live.

[@secbytom]

What a beautiful machine. I picked up a 450k1 last year after over a decade of searching for an original. There's something about the k1 that is just special to me.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I believe they are the best looking CB450. And the CB450 that lost people do not know about.

[@MelloWombat]

Ever since I saw your short of this bike I've been wanting one. That tank has become one of my favorites!

[@motorcyclerewind]

It is such a beautiful motorcycle. I am a sucker for chrome side covers. Thanks for watching.

[@spirit7062]

For me is K1 1966 - 67 edition absolutely nicest tank ever...

[@stephendecker8371]

Cant argue at all with your comments. I am fortunate enough to own a CL450 K1. Also with, in my opinion, the nicest of the CL tanks. Great bikes to be sure!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Right on. They are great tanks. Thanks for watching!

[@lawrencebecht660]

I love the old school bikes

[@motorcyclerewind]

Me too!!! I think this one has such a clean, classic look. Thanks for watching.

[@nickq204]

I love the shape of the exhaust pipes on these classic CB’s. Such a rounded and stylish shape.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I love the original exhaust also. They are just hard to come by and pricey. Thanks for watching.

[@alainambrogio3098]

Ce sont visiblement des échappements de Triumph bonneville 650 .

[@flundran]

Really nice looking (and sounding) cb450! I’m riding a cb500 1972. If you don’t mind me asking, I’m curious of how you filmed the riding sequence?

[@motorcyclerewind]

The riding was fined using a GoPro Max 360 camera. It was mounted on the rear grab handle with an extension pole. It has been a game changer for me. Before I used a chest mounted GoPro and all the footage was of my hands, gauges and what was ahead. Never the bike. gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/max/CHDHZ-202-master.html

[@jimmarshall807]

Great looking bike, sounds good too and seems to ride well.

[@motorcyclerewind]

It is so much fun to ride. Feels faster than it is and will happily take me anywhere I want to go. Thanks for watching

[@jefftuckercfii]

Always love to see this 450, especially when you take it out to ride and bring us along. Usually the new camera is quite sharp in focus, but this time seemed a little off. Failing light, maybe?

[@jlrutube1312]

When I was a kid around age 12 or 13 and had a 100cc trail bike I imagined that when I became a man I would buy either one of these 450 Hondas or the Yamaha XS 650 four stroke bike. I figured one of those would be the perfect bike for a grown man. Of course, I ended up getting different bikes, and quite a bit bigger..... but I still think these were pretty cool.

[@motorcyclerewind]

The crazy thing is I have both of your “grown man” bike. This Honda CB450 and 1972 Yamaha XS-2. My two favorite motorcycles.

[@johnboluski-zl1qn]

Wot, no hills, only one car, and no animals to collide with? Can't be real!

[@motorcyclerewind]

🤣😂🤣dreams do come true.

[@ujmrider]

I've owned 26 different Japanese bikes from the 70's and 80's but I've never had one of these 450's and never had a chance to ride one. I think I'm maybe missing out on something. I currently have a 1980 GL1100 and a 1981 KZ305. One is too big and one is too small.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Sounds think the 450 may be just right. Thanks for watching.

[@andersaxelsson2196]

450 is a beautyful bike. Glad you show it to us

[@motorcyclerewind]

It really is a great motorcycle. Thanks for watching.

[@timparker9235]

what a lovely looking machine - I think I want one! now I'm torn between this and a CB350 - as it was only made for one year does that mean parts are hard to come by do you think? just discovered your channel recently and loving your content and style, thank you from the UK

[@motorcyclerewind]

There are some hard and harder to find parts. Tank and side covers hard to find. Handlebars and exhaust harder. Everything else is available.

[@cerealtiller]

Front Fender/Mudguard looks wrong?

[@richardcasey7521]

Those rear shocks are really shot aren’t they?

[@motorcyclerewind]

The original ones were still working but they looked awful. That’s why I put shiny new ones on. Thanks for watching.

[@robertadams4415]

I had the cl 450 it was a 71

[@motorcyclerewind]

I really like the CL450. Great motorcycles.

[@alfred-vz8ti]

i think '450' was a blunder. at 500, this machine would have stood clear of middleweights in performance.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I love these CB450 K1’s Thanks for watching.

[@richardcasey7521]

They became 500’s in 1975 and nobody liked them.

[@alfred-vz8ti]

2-stroke 3-burners skimmed off the performance market.