CL 450

The Honda CL450 is the scrambler version of Honda's CB450 DOHC twin, built from the late 1960s into the mid-1970s. Its air-cooled 444 cc parallel twin uses twin overhead camshafts, torsion-bar valve springs and a five-speed gearbox. High-level exhausts, wider bars and trail styling distinguish the CL from the road-biased CB, although weight and limited suspension travel suit dirt roads rather than demanding terrain.

The CL450 is an appealing classic for back roads and events, with stronger performance than many contemporaries. Correct exhausts, heat shields, tank and side covers are expensive and strongly affect value. Inspect the unusual valve gear, cam chain, oil supply and carburettors. A 1974 year can be market or registration specific, so verify the frame code. Many bikes became scrambler or café projects; inspect frame, wiring and mounts for irreversible modifications.