68 CB450 Rebuild with pictures

[Mike546_imp]

While I'm searching for a CB1100 I have a 68 CB450 K1 half way through a complete rebuild in my garage and basement. I bought it May of 2015 with the intent of getting it running good and riding it around town. I'm 55 and have been riding motocross for the last ten years after not even sitting on a bike since I was 22. I broke my wrist at work a little over a year ago and unfortunately I can t ride MX anymore. Thats where the 450 comes in to fill the void. I did put s few hundred miles on it this summer but I know I need something bigger for longer rides. I"ll post up some pictures of my project.

Bike as I bought it with pitted chrome, tarnished aluminum and chipping paint.




[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zpszqdhcr9p.jpeg.html]


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First thing I did was strip the bike to the frame for powdercoating. Bought new rims and spokes and relaced the wheels myself to a NOS rear hub and a cleaned up front.

[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zps6tenwvum.jpeg.html]

New bars, switches, steering bearings, levers and front fender.
[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zpsb31r87vw.jpeg.html]
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More to come

[rboe]

When I lived in Duluth these were almost as common at Suzuki 380's. Lately I've been thinking of getting one for a project but dang, you can't find 'em! Back in the day folks toured on them. Being spoiled rotten, not sure if they would make a good touring choice today unless you had a great custom seat made. I envy you; keep us posted!

Plan B, for me, get a CJ360T.

[Mike546_imp]

I looked for a while before I found this one. I only wanted the 68 with the toaster tank. Of course after I bought it several popped up in better shape and priced less but that's the way it goes. There is a nice one in CT right now. http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/391360132134
I could have bought a new CB1100 DLX for what I have invested in this one.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Wow, really nice work so far. That's going to be a beauty!

[Mike546_imp]

Thanks.
The pipes were boogered up so I found some new reproduction mufflers and one NOS header pipe.
[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zpsm1ctd7jj.jpeg.html]

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[Rocky_imp]

I love restoration projects

[Razor]

Nice bike! The early CB450's are very desirable, and some parts are super hard to source. When storing the bike; take some WD-40 and fog the mufflers. Doesn't hurt to coat the outside seams also.

Your '68 turned out real nice. I'd love to have a '67... someday.

[Mike546_imp]

[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zps2xscvmga.jpeg.html]

[Chapomis_imp]

Excellent ! and thanks for the pictures, very inspiring.

I bought a CB360 last summer for a project bike, I would have prefered something a little rarer like yours or a small inline 4, but they are very popular now and when they do come up they are priced to high for the amount of work they usually need.

[redbirds_imp]

That's going to be a stunner Mike, nice work.