So, I just found a guy who seems to be pretty expert with 450's on caferacer.net
His opinion is basically that a 350 is a better project bike, lower center of gravity and lighter. Punched out he says you can probably get 45 hp out of a 350 while you get about 50hp out of a 450 with all the tricks, and that the older 450s had a weak drivetrain and and oiling problems. He has one of the old 60's toasters, but was saying he welded bungs to the outside of the motor for outboard oiling and replaced the cams, ran longer valves, new pistons with higher compression etc etc.
Anyone else had problems with the valve train / oiling?
Starting to think about buying a strong runner and picking up a 350 basket case for my cafe project. Sounds crazy to go from 0 bikes to 2 bikes, but maybe I'm a little crazy!
CB 450!
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anticoriolis
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I recommend, in that case, a Honda CB350. It's the big brother to the CB360 (which is a common project bike), and it's tuned a HELL of a lot better than the 360 is. It's an early 70's bike, but if you can get one in decent shape, then you should be good.
"Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot."
D. H. Lawrence (1885 - 1930)
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1976 Honda CB360T
D. H. Lawrence (1885 - 1930)
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1976 Honda CB360T