1972 Honda CB450 'Café-Racer'

Background:
Honda’s CB450, known as the ‘Black Bomber’, was a significant model in the firm’s history, representing one of its first serious efforts to challenge the dominance of larger-capacity European machines in the 1960s and early 1970s. Powered by a 444cc DOHC twin-cylinder engine with torsion bar valve springs and twin carburettors, the CB450 offered advanced engineering for the period and delivered strong performance for a middleweight machine. The K5 iteration retained the hallmark mechanicals but added updated styling, making it a popular base for custom builds and café racer conversions today.

The Bike:
This 1972 Honda CB450 K5 has been comprehensively rebuilt and converted to café racer style by a former Formula One engineer during lockdown. Every component has been overhauled or replaced, with great care taken to preserve the original frame integrity, allowing easy return to stock configuration should the next owner wish to do so.

The engine was rebuilt using +0.75 IMD pistons, with the valves re-lapped and all gaskets replaced, while the internals were inspected and refreshed as required. The carburettors were restored using genuine kits and transonic cleaning to ensure optimal performance.

Both wheels received new bearings, cerakoted hubs, stainless steel spokes and powder-coated rims, now wrapped in a set of Dunlop tyres with approximately 800 miles of use. The electrical system has been converted to a modern 12V setup, featuring a lithium iron battery and a contemporary regulator/rectifier.

Suspension and chassis upgrades include a powder-coated frame, progressive fork springs, bronze swingarm bushes and uprated steering bearings. A digital speedometer and rev counter are mounted on a carbon bracket, while clip-on handlebars and new switchgear complete the café racer aesthetic. The motorcycle is currently fitted with a solo seat but also comes with the original two-person saddle.

With minimal miles covered since completion, this bespoke CB450 K5 offers a distinctive and well-engineered twist on a classic platform, with the reassurance of careful workmanship and reversible modifications.

Location: Warwickshire
Seller: Private
Photography: Professional