CB450 for a first bike?

[chinny]

Will try and sit on a similar sized bike to get a feel (GB400). After more research it seems like the CB450 isn't out of my reach or height. Seat height approx 80cm - will have me on my toes, but manageable i think. Thanks for nudge Ducatilover.

Not worried about power for now, i'm sure almost any bike with a clutch will be more than enough. I'm not looking to race around or get my knee down.

Cheshirecat - sounds like you hit the nail on the head regarding old hondas! I've spent few moments stranded on the side of the road with an S90 refusing to start. Had to push it back home a couple of times too (it goes to Bolye's too for fixing). A labour of love type thing by the sounds of it
Thanks - will keep looking for that 'right' honda to ride around Mt Taranaki with.

Will post if i end up getting one.

now...back to the Olympics.

[BurningPlastic]

One thing to watch out for with LAMS coming in is the modification/non-standard replacement parts clause - just be careful with older bikes as they're much more likely to have had non-standard parts used simply due to the increasing cost/difficulty of finding useable condition original spares by now.

Given that we don't yet know how rigidly they're going to apply the regs, it's something to keep in mind...

[dangerous]

One thing to watch out for with LAMS coming in is the modification/non-standard replacement parts clause - just be careful with older bikes as they're much more likely to have had non-standard parts used simply due to the increasing cost/difficulty of finding useable condition original spares by now.

Given that we don't yet know how rigidly they're going to apply the regs, it's something to keep in mind...

I think you will find that is a non event, unless its turboed, big bored camed carb changed, basicly if it needs to be vined then yes it will void the LAMs.

[ducatilover]

I think you will find that is a non event, unless its turboed, big bored camed carb changed, basicly if it needs to be vined then yes it will void the LAMs.

I'll test this theory then.
I have a big bore/cammed/exhaust and soon to be F/S carbed bike. I'll see if that gets a notice for being LAMS illegal

[Edbear]

I'll test this theory then.
I have a big bore/cammed/exhaust and soon to be F/S carbed bike. I'll see if that gets a notice for being LAMS illegal

But so heavily disguised as a dunga it will probably go unnoticed...

[ducatilover]

But so heavily disguised as a dunga it will probably go unnoticed...

Heavily? It is a dunger mate

[Bonez]

Personnally if I was on my learners now I'd be going for a GB400(loved the one I had), naked Hyobag 250 or naked GS500. If you reall really want an old and heavy Honda you cant go past a CX500 . Que- Dangerous- The first Honda with that hard to define "character" the Euro/yank nuts use to rant on about. Well they still do... Having owned a CB550/4 for a few decades I can asure you they are a peice of piss to maintain. No harder than a twin really, just get a a manual and go for it.

[dangerous]

If you reall really want an old and heavy Honda you cant go past a CX500 . Que- Dangerous-

was my 4th bike at about 17, droped it every two weeks trying to turn it around, was also my 6th 7th and 8th bike's... ohhh sorry ya didnt want a life story did ya?

[chinny]

Personnally if I was on my learners now I'd be going for a GB400(loved the one I had), naked Hyobag 250 or naked GS500. If you reall really want an old and heavy Honda you cant go past a CX500 . Que- Dangerous- The first Honda with that hard to define "character" the Euro/yank nuts use to rant on about. Well they still do... Having owned a CB550/4 for a few decades I can asure you they are a peice of piss to maintain. No harder than a twin really, just get a a manual and go for it.

"Character" - I guess that's one way to describe the plastic maggot
Would love a CBxxx/4 if i could find one at a decent price. Looks like everyone wants an old honda nowadays. Might just have to persuade the S90 owner to do a swap or buy him another bike...too bad it doesn't crank past 60mph.

[BMWST?]

cb 450 has heaps more character than cx500 and or cb 500/550 imho.It was THE honda to have before the CB750 came out

[Stylo]

cb 450 has heaps more character than cx500 and or cb 500/550 imho.It was THE honda to have before the CB750 came out

Showing my age here, I had a '72 CB450 when I was 16 - used to ride it to school and show off to the girls with my straight through 2 into one pipe that barked flames out on the over-run due to no back pressure. Great memories though it could never quite stay with my friends T500 Suzuki except in the twisties ...

[Oakie]

A mate of mine had one about 1980. Fell off it running from a cop one evening. Silly boy.

[rastuscat]

You can learn a lot about handling skills on a heavier bike. You have to.

My first was a CB250N. Saw one the other day, memories flooded back. Rode it Orkers to Invergiggle and back. Think I wouldn't do THAT again.

You could do a lot worse than a CB.

[Voltaire]

All my bikes are over 30 years old, If I was learning I get something more modern with electronic ignition and disc brakes that work, that way you can ride with more confidence and maybe do a bit of touring.
My BMW R65 falls into the LAMS bracket, I always saw them as an also ran to the larger ones but I find it a quite good all rounder....sure it has no sheer power but its not bad....and 370 kms on 20 litres.
But hey a 450 would be a bit of fun, I had a 500/4 in the early 80's and I toured the SI 2 up with it....good times....when cars were a loooooot slower.

[BRAD BRASCO]

Go ride them! But a GB will be less of a hassle, as they are slightly newer than the CB450s.
More of a package ready to go, but not mega fast. The old CB's may need a fiddle here and there.
Even have a look at an old CB360 - there's been a few on trademe lately.
All nice bikes, your on the right track, I like your style