Difference between revisions of "Honda CB450K"

The CB450K1 was sold from 1968 to 1969 and came in one of three colors: Black, Candy Red or Candy Blue "Bankers Blue". The gas tank and side covers matched, while the heddlight shell and fork covers were black (unlike all other modles in following years). This was perecived by some to copy the look of the BSA of the same period, whos fork covers were typiccaly black (as was Triumphs). The K1 was considered the only real attempt to copy the British look of BSA, AJS (from the newly designed  teardrop shaped tank with chrome side panels, right down to the white piping on the seat and the new chrome fenders..a first for Honda, as all previous years and models had painted fenders). The seat top surface was a unique heavy 'alligator'grain, with smooth grain side panels, seperated by small white edge piping. The taillight lens had a rounded rectangular shape (last year). The original gas tank badge "HONDA" was the cast plastic type as used on the KO (also the last year for the round emblem). The simple '450' side cover emblems were thin stainless sheet metal (all later models used plastic) There was an independent speedometer, tachometer, and headlight unit (first year). The engine was a 444cc [[DOHC]] parallel twin with an updated version of the crankshaft layout and crankcases,and revised dual CV carburetors. The transmission was upgraded to a 5-speed. The serial number began CB450-3000001.

The European version carried the same valanced fenders as seen on the K0 four speed,with the exception of their being chrome plated,and the speedometer read in KPH rather than MPH. The European model also used rubber fork boots 'gators' as the lower fork covers (as used on the US CL450K1 models) instead of the steel sleeve covers. Other than these few variations, the US model and European model were virtually the same.