Honda CL450 Scrambler

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Honda-CL450-68.jpg
Honda CL450 Scrambler
Manufacturer
Production 1968 - 74
Class Enduro
Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Ignition Battery and coil
Transmission 5 Speed
Suspension Front: Telescopic forks
Rear: Dual shocks
Brakes Front: Drum
Rear: Drum
Front Tire 3.25-18
Rear Tire 3.50-18
Seat Height 815 mm
Weight 188 kg / 414.4 lbs (wet)
Recommended Oil Honda GN4 10W-40
Fuel Capacity 14 Liters / 3.6 US gal
Manuals Service Manual



Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. The engine featured a 9.0:1 compression ratio.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 3.25-18 front tire and a 3.50-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Drum in the front and a Drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic forks while the rear was equipped with a Dual shocks. The CL450 Scrambler was fitted with a 14 Liters / 3.6 US gal fuel tank.

Photos[edit | edit source]

Honda CL450 Scrambler Honda CL450 Scrambler Honda CL450 Scrambler

Overview[edit | edit source]

Honda CL 450 Scrambler










The sister bike to the Honda CB450, the CL450 is the dual sport or "scrambler" model of Honda's 444cc DOHC parallel twin engined motorcycle. Although the difference between both models are mostly cosmetic, the CL450's higher pipes, braced handlebars, and aggressive styling were better suited for off-road riding.

Initially available in kit form for the 1967 CB450, it was officially released in 1968 as the CL450K1 "Scrambler" in silver, candy red and candy blue colors (only the tank and air filter covers were painted). This year also saw the addition of a 5-speed gearbox, an upgrade from the older 4-speed.

The CL450 remained much the same through 1974, though diverged further from its sister bike as time went on. While the CB450 went to a front disc brake in 1970, Honda decided to keep the CL450 with its two drum brakes. Disc brakes were fairly new technology on motorcycles, and unproven in off-road riding. The CB450 was replaced in 1975 when Honda increased the displacement of the engine and renamed it the CB500.

The bike remains popular today among enthusiasts, and many are still in use in flat track racing or have been modified into cafe racers.

Honda's horsepower rating was 43 hp@9650 RPM off the crank, nearly 100 hp per liter. Top speed could be seen as high as 96 MPH in stock trim with a well tuned carburetor. If highway speeds are more desirable, the CB450's gearing can be used to offer more relaxed cruising at higher velocities. Vibration was a complaint, so Honda added rubber mounted handle bars to overcome this to a degree. The CL450 wasn't nearly as mass produced as the smaller 350-360cc versions.


Make Model Honda CL 450 Scrambler
Year 1968 - 74
Engine Type Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement 445 cc / 27.1 cu-in
Bore X Stroke 70 x 57.8 mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression 9.0:1
Induction Carburetor
Ignition Battery and coil
Max Power 43 hp / 32 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque 4 kgf-m @ 7000 rpm
Transmission 5 Speed
Final Drive Chain
Gear Ratio 1st 2.412 2nd 1.636 3rd 1.269 4th 1.000 5th 0.844
Front Suspension Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension Dual shocks
Front Brakes Drum
Rear Brakes Drum
Front Tire 3.25-18
Rear Tire 3.50-18
Seat Height 815 mm
Wet Weight 188 kg / 414.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity 14 Liters / 3.6 US gal