Step 1, get it running.

Step 2 - Figure out what it's gonna be.

What I want - a bike that moves, with some grit and patina. I don't want a chromed beauty.

Here she is. 1970 CB450. Front brakes. Tires, rewire, fix the seat, fix the stator cover, and see where I'm at. Those are my goals.

more pics

I am absolutely brand new to this. I have had her since February, picking at things, making mistakes, reading. I'm still pretty ignorant of what I'm doing. I thought I'd join here and read what I can.

Got your work cut out for you. Grit and patina, you got that going for ya already ;D The clubmans are installed way wrong

Good luck with the build.

The Club man's ARE inverted. I like the look of them that way. I forget where I got that idea, but it's not mine.

I guess that's a good metaphor for the bike. It's just a bike the way I want it. No rules. But I'll take advice.

Any reason beyond looks the bars won't work that way?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using DO THE TON mobile app

There is no reason the bars won't work that way other than maybe comfort for your wrists

Yeah, like Kamn said...

They'll likely play hell with your wrists and you won't have the control of say... A good street bike bar. But it's your bike.

The 450s are somewhat complicated in comparison to other models of that time period. Engine wise that is. You'll want a proper Honda service manual. The valve set up is tricky on those. There's a special tool you need to test the "springs" that is no longer available but you can find info online detailing another method. Just can't remember where at the moment.

All that said, go through that motor and make sure everything is up to spec before you start trying to get it fired up. Top end parts are getting hard to find so I'd hate to see you break anything.

Have you done any compression tests yet? That will tell you a lot with little effort.

I have the manual, yes. And I've laminated it for shop use.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using DO THE TON mobile app