Triumphrat

TJRCARRILLO · 11-21-2012, 01:35 PM

So my girlfriend decided to get her motorcycle license. She has been riding a borrowed rebel 250 for the past 6 months and is doing well. She loves the cafe look and found a 73 Honda cb 450 that is clean and recently rebuilt. I'm not too familiar with these bikes other than I drool over any sweet looking Cafe'd 750.
Is this too old of a bike for a beginner? Too little or too much power? How does it do at freeway speeds? Any input would be appreciated.

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arbeach · 11-21-2012, 02:29 PM

Decent bike. It holds its own on the highway but it won't blow anyone away. Good city bike. If its been properly run through they are reliable. As with most older bikes its the wiring that is the devil. Honda has better electronics then Lucas...

richm · 11-21-2012, 03:39 PM

I really like the Honda twins of that vintage. As long as it has been well maintained, it should not have any major issues and, if looked after, should be a reliable bike. However, keep in mind that they DO need more maintenance than newer bikes - it may have contact ignition, for example (not a problem if you are OK with adjusting points from time to time).

As far as performance goes, it will keep up with highway traffic easily and should have reasonable, predictable handling. The weak area, compared to a more modern bike, will be brakes. I believe that model has a twin leading shoe drum brake on the front, does it not? They work OK, but the bike needs to be ridden with this in mind.

It's a cool bike and one that may actually appreciate in value - I'd consider it.

GySchmit · 11-21-2012, 04:13 PM

Honda? Cafe Racer? Hmmmmm.... Dime City Cycle is your friend!

fitfan · 11-21-2012, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJRCARRILLO

So my girlfriend decided to get her motorcycle license. She has been riding a borrowed rebel 250 for the past 6 months and is doing well. She loves the cafe look and found a 73 Honda cb 450 that is clean and recently rebuilt. I'm not too familiar with these bikes other than I drool over any sweet looking Cafe'd 750.
Is this too old of a bike for a beginner? Too little or too much power? How does it do at freeway speeds? Any input would be appreciated.

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maybe we should introduce GF's. mine just got her license, and is bike shopping. she is in love with the straight up vintage look (royal enfield). but might possibly tolerate a rebel for a while... drop me a note if you would be willing to put them in touch!

Cheers,

-Rod

Chewbaca · 11-21-2012, 05:02 PM

A Suzuki GR650 might also be a good option. Upright seating position, very friendly and manageable power from a 650 parallel twin, and the potential for some cafe style.

Wanna buy one?

TX1911fan · 11-21-2012, 05:15 PM

Honda CBs are great. I think a 450 is fine for someone who has been riding a 250 for 6 months. I had a Honda 400 for my first bike and it was a great little bike to learn on. She'll want a 750 or bigger in a few months once she gets buzzed to death on a long freeway trip.

cashmore1985 · 11-21-2012, 06:00 PM

I'm not sure how you get them but the Cleveland Cycle Werks bikes are pretty awesome.

asp125 · 11-21-2012, 07:15 PM

IF the bike is a runner, and there are no major electrical issues, it would be a solid beginner (or even longer term) cafe bike. They made a billion CB 350/450/500's over the years and lots of parts interchange.

TJRCARRILLO · 11-21-2012, 07:23 PM

Supposedly it's been rebuilt and looks really clean in the pics. Scheduled to take a look at it on Saturday. She is so stoked on it but I'm telling her to not get her hopes up. Does 1900 sound like a good price? From the pictures it looks like a single disc on the front and drum in the rear. I already told her that just like her truck, she needs to learn how to maintenance it.

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