Thinking about buying a Honda CB450 motorcycle

[MetalMat]

SOmebody I know is selling a 1983 Honda CB450 motorcycle with 3000 miles on it for 500 dollars. Been thinking about getting a motorcycle, and this seems cool to me. Any comments?

Update:
Here are some pics of the bike:

Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4

 

[Amused]

Is this the Honda four cylinder engine?

If so, they are virtually indestructible.

My first bike was a mid 70s CB450f. Simply one of the best engines ever made, in my opinion.

Is this what it looks like?

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...n%26lr%3Dlang_en%26c2coff%3D1%26sa%3DN

That's not the engine I had in mind, but I'm sure it's still a good one.

 

[GRIFFIN1]

Sounds like it's been sitting up for a long time. It's probably going to need some work done on it. I would call your local Honda dealer and ask them how much it might cost to get it running after it's been sitting up for 20 years.

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: GRIFFIN1
Sounds like it's been sitting up for a long time. It's probably going to need some work done on it. I would call your local Honda dealer and ask them how much it might cost to get it running after it's been sitting up for 20 years.

It runs fine. Needs a few things but nothing major.

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: Amused
Is this the Honda four cylider engine?

If so, they are virtually indestructable.

My first bike was a mid 70s CB450f. Simply one of the best engines ever made, in my opinion.

Is this what it looks like?

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...n%26lr%3Dlang_en%26c2coff%3D1%26sa%3DN

That's not the engine I had in mind, but I'm sure it's still a good one.

Yeah its liek that one, but red and black.

 

[bernse]

Good basic transportation. It's a fine unit as long as it's in OK condition.

 

[Biggerhammer]

I learned to ride on one. They last.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: MetalMat
SOmebody I know is selling a 1983 Honda CB450 motorcycle with 3000 miles on it for 500 dollars. Been thinking about getting a motorcycle, and this seems cool to me. Any comments?

I had a CB750 K1, 5 speed. I sold it last year for $500. I should have kept it, but I needed to unload it.

That was a great bike.

 

[KingNothing]

I'd spend $500-$1000 more and get a Ninja 250. It'll be faster, newer, in better condition, etc. Unless you're set on getting a cruiser-style bike.

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: KingNothing
I'd spend $500-$1000 more and get a Ninja 250. It'll be faster, newer, in better condition, etc. Unless you're set on getting a cruiser-style bike.

Nah, a cruiser will be fine. I dont have that much money and amabout to graduate college. This seems like the perfect starter bike.

 

[whoiswes]

honda's are great bikes - they retain their value well, are very neutral, easy to ride bikes, and are virtually indestructible if maintained properly.

i just sold my 600 F2 a month ago - every time i see a biker now i cry...

 

[3point14]

You'll love filling it up for under $12 and getting 150+ miles to the tank. It's sad that my bike gets 2x better gas mileage than my car

 

[MetalMat]

Here are some pics of the bike:

Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4

 

[Kaieye]

The brakes on these bikes are crappy.

 

[loic2003]

Hondas are rock solid, but that one looks like it's been under-used == seals & gaskets become weathered and hardened, etc...

Check everything external eg the seals around the dampers, engine mounts, banjo bolt seals around the calipers, etc etc etc. Lots of things may need replacement once it gets going again and starts to be used.

Be weary.

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: loic2003
Hondas are rock solid, but that one looks like it's been under-used == seals & gaskets become weathered and hardened, etc...

Check everything external eg the seals around the dampers, engine mounts, banjo bolt seals around the calipers, etc etc etc. Lots of things may need replacement once it gets going again and starts to be used.

Be weary.

It will be coming here from hammond, LA monday and I will have my dad's friend take a look at it. He know honda bikes like the back of his hand. I know it will need some fixin up, but for 500 dollars this looks like a cool bike.

 

[Rick014]

If it runs good, buy it.
The old Hondas where great bikes. I've got an 82 750 custom with 75,000 km on it
That's about 45,000 miles for you yanks. I've given it a custom paint job and added some extras but I've never had to do anything to the engine other that basic tune up.
My bike