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I'm looking into doing a Cb 450 cafe raced project for this winter. I not only want to make it look fast, but also go fast. I'll have about $700 to spend on engine and horsepower parts, what do you suggest I do? Where can I find those parts? How much horsepower can I expect to gain. Also what mods would you reccomend to improve the suspension, or is it already pretty solid? What are the easiest ways to shed weight on these things? I doubt if anyone knows this but what is the 1/4 mile time of a stock CB 450?

I know these are pretty specific questions, but I haven't been able to find help anywhere else, so I've come to you guys.

Thanks A Lot,
Nate

Good to see others doing cafe projects.

Which model year do you have in mind, the 70's 2 valve, or the 80's 3 valve?

The newer ones (an evolution of the 3 valve 400 twin in my bike) are better bikes in some ways (better engine, better brakes, lighter, more reliable) but the older ones have much nicer looking body work, the motor is more interesting looking, I believe have more aftermarket support, and tend to make better cafe's IMO.

Most of the performance upgrades I can think of will move the power up the rpm range, or so I've read.
-bigger bore
-free(r) flowing exhaust
-head/cam work
-pod filters
-carb re-jet

Loosing weight is another option that can make you go faster. An aftermarket exhaust will be much lighter. Replace steel parts with aluminium. Aluminium wheels can make a difference.

oops, looks like you already have been there :\
let me know what you find, because im doing the same project this winter...

Yeah definately looking into the 70s version DOHC. Holiday I'll keep you posted on anything I find, which is nothing yet. I'm not positive I'll be doing this project because this is my senior year and I have a pretty busy schedule already.

Nate: with 800.00 to spend on the motor, and not get involved in alot of small exspensive parts,what you should do is change the cams and pistons,an easy job, the motor will really respond to those parts.cams, are 310.00 a set ,pistons are 450.oo set,the other thing you need !!! to look at are the valve guides,and valves,mild porting of the head will turn the horsepower lose .the other major thing about the 450 is it's oil problem on the top end ,most likley your exhaust rockers have divits in them from a lack of oil,a oilcooler and top end oil system is a very good idea,because rockers can cost up to 100.00 each today, I can provid everything you would need to build a motor ,Stock rear wheel horsepower numbers are about 30 to 32 hp, I can give you a honest 48 to 50 hp at the rear wheel and still have a reliable motor that pulls like a race horse, and is dependable. anyone claiming any more then that , is'nt being honest.The susspention parts are fine for the street,maybe later you might want to adjust the rear shocks ,to some more suitable ones ,but that can wait for now.shedding weight ? ,by getting rid of all metal parts that can be replaced with fiberglass ones ( seat,tank f&r fenders ) you want aluminum rims to remove unsprung weight,those 450 rims are heavy!!!!....and in the end make everything you can out of aluminum ! now you see what we have to do when I build a race machine. that 1/4 mile time is ,middle 14's....let me know how I can help....terry - Team Hansen Honda