1966 Honda 450 project

[exeric]

This is my first Japanese motorcycle deep-dive and most of it has been fun, and enjoyable; however, today I put the exhaust system on. The right-side system is NOS and the left is excellent used but it was everything but enjoyable. I can understand from years of H-D, Indian, and Excelsior issues with exhaust systems that present a myriad of variables, and damage to contend with; but with a straight frame, and excellent parts the Honda should have fallen together. As I told my wife today; I'm glad her tender ears did not have to hear the litany of vile cussing that spewed forth. Anyways; it all worked out and I am pleased with the results. This bike is now 60 years old (staggering) and it was near the end of the 'chrome everything' era for 20th century objects. Also, this bike is all metal, with very little plastic and that is another milestone we will not see again. It's been fun to step out of my groove of American bikes and explore another world, I would recommend it to anyone that feels stuck in a rut and may need to step out of the box and be humbled and learn some new things.

[JoJo357]

Crystal clear explanation Eric. And, I always found the cursing to be an excellent venting...followed by a cigarette~Haha.

*M.A.D.*

[exeric]

More pics of the progress. At this stage it is all about getting stuff bolted back in place. I did get the carburetors done with lots of cleaning and rebuild kits so we'll see if I need some Tom Cotten input. Different animals than Linkerts but Tom's wisdom is always applicable. The exhaust system worked out and nothing seems to be stressed or mis-aligned, but you have to be impressed with any engineer that would was tasked with making any exhaust system work on any motorcycle up to today.

juhon2.jpg juhon1.jpg juhon3.jpg

[T. Cotten]

... I did get the carburetors done with lots of cleaning and rebuild kits so we'll see if I need some Tom Cotten input. ....

No you don't, Eric.

If you've "done" two of them, that's infinitely more experience and insight than I, who wouldn't know one if it bit me.

The tragic part is that I had a '68 (*sigh*).

450.jpg

.....Cotten
PS:

I was probably pulled over by the authorities on that machine more than any of my harleys.

Which was significant.

[exeric]

Great picture, Tom. I think that is the most authentic 'old' motorcycle picture I have ever seen.

[T. Cotten]

Great picture, Tom. I think that is the most authentic 'old' motorcycle picture I have ever seen.

You don't think the hog rear tire ruins it, Eric?

....Cotten

[joe fxs fxr]

You don't think the hog rear tire ruins it, Eric?

....Cotten

That's authentic too. My father also put a 16" wheel on his 70ish Honda 450. There must have been a kit or something. He also added a HD type windshield and crash bars. Here's my brother riding it.

CB450.jpg

[exeric]

Snappy looking 'Black Bomber' Eric. I'd like to see that 'rare' 1933 VL tho'.

*M.A.D.*

This is a picture of the '33 VL I had. If I had it to do all over again, I would have done a better job, but we are talking about a din-a-ling that was in his late 20s and in his defense, there was very little, and limited information about pre-Steve Slocumbe VLs That was a fun bike to ride as it had that long, stable feeling that is so suited to leisurely riding.

33vl.jpg