1982 Honda CM450

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

Take a lame, unassuming motorcycle and re-make it with modern parts in the classic cafe racer style.

What motivated you to start your project?

I essentially wanted to build a cafe racer motorcycle from scratch, so I could learn everything I could possibly learn. Then for future rebuild projects I would have a baseline knowledge of what is worth is and is not worth my time, and what I do and do not enjoy doing.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

Most unique part of the bike is incorporating a single-sided swing arm and a rear monoshock conversion onto the frame of the 1982 Honda CM450. Also, the subframe I fabricated is a unique style that incorporates an x-frame behind the rear monoshock. I also made the cafe seat (fiberglass & epoxy resin) from a custom mold I created to fit the subframe perfectly.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of solving the high complexity of incorporating the single-sided swing arm with an old frame and providing enough chassis stiffness and subframe supports. I was a challenge to resolve the conflicts that this created with the rearsets, path for chain, and rear break master cylinder. Also I re-wire the entire bike’s electrical system from scratch.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

Very unique and clean, parts from so many other bikes incorporated seamlessly.

 

3 Comments

  • gary says:

    Awesome!

  • Dan says:

    love the look of this bike, I do have a barn find of the exact year/model so I know what it looks like before the build. Great upgrade! sharp for sure.

  • Hairstyles says:

    The next time I learn a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I do know it was my choice to read, however I actually thought youd have one thing fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you might repair in the event you werent too busy searching for attention.

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Submitted by: Jared C

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1982 Honda CM450
Fondly known as: CM450 Cafe
Time spent: Thousands
Motorcycle cost: $500
Money spent: $7500
Engine: 450cc
Intake: Mikuni carburetors and air pods
Exhaust: MAC exhaust 2-1, black powder coat
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Frame: Stock frame, custom subframe
Suspension: Custom integrated single-sided swingarm from Honda Hawk NT650. Rear Monoshock from Honda CB900F. Front suspension from Honda CBR600rr
Wheels, tires and brakes: Front wheel & brakes from Honda CBR600. Rear wheel from Honda VFR Interceptor 750. Rear brakes from Honda Hawk NT650. Front and rear tires are Michelen Pilot Power.
Finish – Paint: I completed all body work and custom painting, including knee indentions in fuel tank. Paint code is Mitsubishi P36.
Accessories: Custom upholstery seat by Bitchin’ Stitchin’, Lakewood, CO. Finish welding on custom subframe done by Mountain Man Welding, Denver, CO.

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