1965 Honda CB450 Black Bomber

In Japan, Sport by Abhi1 Comment

Post-Sale Update: After 36 bids on eBay, this Black Bomber sold for $4,550.

One of the most influential Japanese motorcycles ever, the CB450 was Honda’s first big bike, and it was quite a shock to the Brits.

Honda CB450 - Right Rear

Affectionately referred to as the “Black Bomber”, the CB450 offered reliable electrics, torsion bar valvetrain, an electric starter – plus dual overhead cams which were only offered on legitimate race bikes of the time. According to Motorcycle Classics, “the Bomber was disqualified from some production races in England on the grounds that it was too much like a factory racer.” The engine redlined at an incredible 10,000 rpm and produced 42 horsepower, yielding a top speed of 102 miles per hour. The styling featured the classic black tank with large chrome sides common to other bikes in the family like the Honda S90 and the Honda Superhawk. Want to learn more? Motorcycle Classics has a great write-up on the Honda CB450 Super Sport and what made it so important.

Honda CB450 - Cockpit

This example (VIN: CB450-1007525) is claimed to be a ‘great rider’, rather than a show bike. It’s had a repaint at some point and it’s been sitting since 2011, but it runs. The idle is high and the starter doesn’t engage the motor. Find this Black Bomber for sale in Winchester, California with bidding up to $2,719 and the reserve not yet met