Custom Honda CB450 Is More of a CBR500R, Retro UJM Flair Meets Modern Performance

Its story began with a beginner rider named Stephen and a weary 1973 Honda CB450 in desperate need of some TLC. Purchased during the summer of 2022, the vintage mid-sized UJM was Stephen’s very first motorcycle, and he immediately fell in love despite the pitiful state it was in. The true extent of past neglect only became apparent when the CB450 made its way to Ellaspede’s shop in Brisbane, Queensland.

We’re not just talking about some nasty but fixable gremlins here, mind you, because the engine’s top end was cracked and therefore beyond salvation. Thus, what had originally been planned as straightforward cafe racer conversion turned into one of the most complex projects ever tackled by the Ellaspede crew. A complete engine swap was their topmost priority, but that was only the beginning.

Searching for a second donor bike that would act as the primary source of replacement parts, Stephen stumbled upon a low-mileage Honda CBR500R from the model-year 2013. He didn’t think twice about making the purchase, and things got underway as soon as the CBR joined its forefather at Ellaspede’s customization clinic. Besides the frame, fuel tank, and side covers, there is very little hardware from the CB450 left here.

Before transplanting the CBR’s liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-twin onto its new host, the guys took care of the major structural mods. All the front-end equipment from the modern Honda made its way onto the classic CB, including its forks, Nissin brake caliper, and floating 320 mm (12.6-inch) rotor. At the back, you will find the CBR500R’s retrofitted swingarm and braking equipment, but the former was heavily tweaked to accommodate a twin-shock suspension arrangement.

It boasts a lot more retro charm than the monoshock setup originally used by Honda’s sport bike, with the suspension components themselves hailing from YSS. The 17-inch wheels from the CBR are present, too, enveloped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rubber measuring 120/70 up front and 160/60 at six o’clock. On the other hand, the brakes are operated via braided HEL Performance hoses at both ends.

After taking careful measurements, Ellaspede fashioned bespoke mounting points for the new twin-cylinder engine. Then, they busied themselves with installing the CBR powerplant along with a bespoke two-into-one exhaust system made of stainless-steel. The pipework terminates in a top-shelf Yoshimura muffler on the right, and there is also a handmade airbox fitted on the intake side of things.

As for the twin radiators placed further ahead, they had once belonged to a KTM SX-F dirt bike. With the powertrain-related work mostly out of the way, the Aussies turned their attention back to the creature’s geometry. They shortened and looped its subframe, before topping it off with a custom seat pan fabricated from scratch. A fresh saddle was then shaped out of high-density foam and upholstered in black vinyl by a local upholsterer.

Its design draws inspiration from the CB450’s stock unit, perfectly complementing the lines of the fuel tank. The front and rear fenders are both one-off steel parts developed in-house, and the latter carries a compact license plate holder with integrated LED lighting. Up north, the factory CB headlamp is still in play, but it’s been thoroughly refurbished during the overhaul. Moreover, the headlight brackets are now home to LED turn signals.

A bit further back in the cockpit area, we notice a single Velona dial, underslung bar-end mirrors, and black rubber grips, all originating from Daytona’s inventory. Finishing off the ergonomic package are billet aluminum rearsets supplied by TDR Moto, but keen eyes will also spot some solid stainless-steel oil lines running down to a K&N filter on the right-hand side.

With the transformation process slowly coming to an end, the last thing Ellaspede had to address was the paintwork. As Stephen is an avid motorsport, Porsche, and Honda enthusiast, it was quickly decided that a Rothmans Racing blue would become the color of choice for the gas tank and side panels. Back in the day, the hue had been worn by dedicated racing machines from both brands, so it was a perfect choice for Stephen’s one-off CB450.

Black is the predominant color on the other bits and pieces found throughout this build. All things considered, this custom gem is a tantalizing mixture of new and old, guaranteed to give its owner plenty of reasons to smile for a long time to come. He plans on taking it down the twisties outside Brisbane on his daily morning rides, which sounds like an absolute blast if you ask me!