HONDA CB450 (1966-1967) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1967, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Honda CB450, a standard machine part of the CB series in Honda's range that had its debut in 1965 and was manufactured until 1974.

The CB450 was Honda's first big motorcycle, while the early models were also known as the Black Bomber. The bike did not succeed in its goal of competing directly against the larger Triumphs, Nortons, and Harley-Davidsons in the North American market at the time.

The CB450 model shared Honda's family styling, found on the S90 and CD175 models, and featured a distinctive chrome-sided fuel tank. The early models were known as the Black Bomber or Dragon, but in the Canadian market, the K1 model was marketed as the Hellcat.

In addition, the 1967 model came with standard features, such as wire-spoked wheels, a one-piece dual seat, a round headlight with a chromed ring, a wide handlebar, an analog instrument cluster, a black-finished steel frame, a center stand, and a chromed dual exhaust system.

As for performance, the 1967 Honda CB450 had its heartbeat set by a 444cc four-stroke parallel-twin air-cooled engine fitted with two Keihin carburetors that helped deliver an output power of 45 hp with a peak at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm (28 lb-ft) of torque available at 7,000 rpm.