Questions about a 1982 CB450 SC

Beenaboutuk · Post by **Beenaboutuk** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:33 am

Hi all, my name is Tony and I'm in London, UK.

I recently picked-up an old US CB450SC that has been chopped and have been busy sorting out the electrics for the rear, etc.

I have a number of questions relating to the bike as it is quite different from anything else I've owned and hope some of you will be kind enough to share your expertise on these with me.

Q1. The bike has an engine cut switch that works well. However I have noticed that, once started by placing the ignition (key) switch on, if I turn the ignition (key) off, the engine continues to run until the cut switch is used. Is this normal? or do I have to rewire something?

Q2. The engine ran on one cylinder when I first got the bike but I inserted an inline filter and ran some Profl Fuel Max in the tank and the second cylinder soon fired up. They both run now but I suspect I will have to strip and clean the carbs at some point. The last user changed the stock exhaust system for a pair of harley like straight through pipes, with no crossover box. Is it likely that the carbs will need rejetting because of this? Anyone else here have a similar setup (still with stock airbox).

Q3. There is a small leak from the rockercover gasket and I have ordered a new Honda part but will I need to add gasket sealant to it or should the rubber gasket go on dry?

Q4. I must give it an oil change before I run it again as there is very little oil in there. I've heard that 20/50W car oil is good in these but your opinions on what oil I should use would be appreciated.

Q5. It needs new tyres, front and back, and I was thinking of getting a Maxxis HiMax 130/90-16 and a 100/90-19. Your views on choices for these also appreciated.

Cheers,
Tony

Beenaboutuk · Post by **Beenaboutuk** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 12:55 am

50 odd views and no replies... have I joined the wrong forum?

Dont be shy..

jensen · Post by **jensen** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 1:02 am

Hi,

Well, it depends how you look at it, but a CB450 from the eighties isn't exactly a 250 or 305 CB.
A better forum would be www.hondatwins.net ,you will see me around too.

Jensen

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 1:56 am

Hi Tony

I don't have a CB450 but here goes with some thoughts.

Q1 If you can start the bike with the ignition switch off then you have a problem you need to fix. Sounds like there is something wrong but if there is no battery drain with the switch in the off position you may be OK.

Q2 See how it runs and check the plugs. It may run lean with straigt through pipes.

Q3 If the surfaces are clean and undamaged you shouldn't need any sealant.

Q4 Ask 5 people get 6 opinions...... Just change it regularly and keep the oil filter clean.

Q5 Never used those - I generally use Dunlop K82s for a 'period' look.

G