Honda Manuals and Torque Values

[Ilbikes]

Guys, as most of you know, I have just completed my 1965 CL77 restoration last week. It has been an enjoyable journey and very informative. It's been fun researching, calling, and digging into the parts books, looking at period reference books and tons of photos. For me, this is 10x more enjoyable than the actual riding of them. I still have my 1967 Black Bomber that I restored in 2008 that has never been started.

Anyway, I'm here to vent, to give my sometimes sarcastic views and opinions, and to share some knowledge in hopes that some of you and others in the future can use. If this is not already posted, this table is perfect for a "faq" sticky...

First, the Honda factory shop manual for the 305 is horrible in my opinion. It is grossly abbreviated and in many, many sections far short of what is needed to the restorer. Unless you are Loud Mouse or Dave - you have to enlist the help of those two mentioned, the internet, Bill Silver's books, and just ask questions, dig-up photos, and talk with good folks like Nick Fetzer of OC, Terry over at Western Hills.

While looking through my old copy of the Honda factory manual for the CB450 K0 Black Bomber this morning, I was reminded of how fantastic that manual was. I have to wonder how in the same time period those guys from Honda could sleep at night knowing that they gave the 72/77 dealers the shaft while the CB450K0 had what I still think is one of the absolute best manuals ever printed.

Anyway, now that rant is typed, here is a copy of page 168 from that manual giving the factory recommended torque values for the CB450K0. These would be applicable in most cases, so I feel good about posting it.

Best Regards,
Gorodn