1968 Honda CL450 Motorcycle

Description

Soichiro Honda’s eponymous company was founded in 1948 and over the next decade established itself as one of the finest exponents of motorcycle manufacturing in Japan.  The origins of the CL450 can be traced back to 1965, when Honda released the CB450, its first big twin featuring a powerful DOHC engine.  The second generation CB450 from 1968 was joined by a scrambler version, using the same parallel twin but high chrome exhausts and different handlebars.  Developing a very healthy 43 horsepower at 9650 rpm, the CL450’s motor endowed it with excellent performance for an off-road machine and many were modified for competition or as café racers.  Cosmetic changes were made to the CL450 almost every year, including different tank graphics and a redesigned muffler heat shield.  The original K1 scrambler of 1968 was available in silver, Candy Red and Candy Blue with “Honda 450” badges on the fuel tank, black upper forks and headlamps shell.  The earlier four-speed gearbox was replaced with a five-speed unit.  Always popular with collectors, the classic CL450 Honda remains a powerful, stylish dual-purpose motorcycle and few survive in decent condition today.