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 headlight shell and fork covers were black (unlike all other models in following years). This was perceived by some to copy the look of the BSA of the same period, whose fork covers were typiccaly black (as was Triumphs). The K1 was considered the only real attempt to copy the British look of BSA, Matchless, AJS and other Brit brands (from the newly designed  teardrop shaped tank with chrome side panels and knee pads, 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 tail light 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.