‘68 Honda CL450 - First Build

The engine is basically done so we started preping the frame for paint. Just going to do a simple rattle can black matte for now. Not sure exactly what we will do to the frame (remove tabs, rear hoop, etc.) so don’t want to put a bunch of time and money in just yet, but it needs something for now.
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’68 Honda CL450
 
I think I have decided to make it kickstart only. It will save us a little $$ to not have to get a starter and for simpler wiring. There is the good chance that it will have long periods of inactivity, especially in winter, and it would be nice to not have to bother with charging the battery when I want to ride again. That could change though.


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JamesA said:
Hi, I am Ethan’s son James. As he has all ready said I am 11 years old and I absolutely love any sort of motorized vehicle. Some time in the future I am looking forwards to posting some pictures and questions about the rebuild.
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Hi James from one James to another! So cool that you're building this with your Dad - welcome to the forum my man and keep it greasy!
 
Looking good! Smart move wearing the gloves when painting! Safety glasses and a mask are a good idea, too.
 
Well isn't this just a great project. Im in for the finish now! To James, learn all you can from your dad, he seems like a cool guy to be in the garage with. Remember buddy, skills pay bills, being technically minded will pay off your entire life. Good job so far!
 
Having trouble getting the front wheel bearing retainer off. It’s the type that has 3 bolts holding it on, but doesn’t look like it’s threaded. Any suggestions?
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’68 Honda CL450
 
Are those rust/rough spots something we can fix, or do the tubes need to be replaced?


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Ethan said:
Are those rust/rough spots something we can fix, or do the tubes need to be replaced?


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Nope, those tubes need to be replaced. Rechroming is possible but also probably costs more than new tubes.
 
Since we are stuck at home we stripped and started finishing the tank. Discovered that the places for the tank emblems had been filled with Bondo. Gonna dig it out and find some replacements.

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’68 Honda CL450
 
I need some recommendations on carbs. I have the stock carbs, which would need a rebuild including a new flapper valve which looks melted (backfire?), but I wanted to upgrade. I was thinking the Mikuni VM32s were the way to go. I pickup up one, but missed on the other so I need to either switch directions now or find the second one (VM32-193 left idle screw).

What would you guys recommend? I will be riding at mostly higher elevation, over 6,500 ft.

I know the Mikunis can be a pain to tune. Is it worth it? Do they give better performance?

I do not have the stock air boxes or filters so will likely be using pods.


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Really great to see a father-son project on the go. I have to admit, I'm a little envious...I had three boys and not one of them was interested in hanging around the shop.
I'm sure you care deeply for him so, take it from an old guy who wheezes and coughs like a worn out steam engine, protect your boys lungs, he is too young to polute his chest with the crap that comes out of those spray cans...and brake dust on those old bikes: that's asbestos.
 
I’m a fan of Mikunis. I’ll look to see if I have a 32 in the garage but I think all I have are a few 34 bodies.

Electric start is a nice thing to have especially when you’re tuning a new bike :)

Looking forward to the continued progress on this.
 
goldy said:
Really great to see a father-son project on the go. I have to admit, I'm a little envious...I had three boys and not one of them was interested in hanging around the shop.
I'm sure you care deeply for him so, take it from an old guy who wheezes and coughs like a worn out steam engine, protect your boys lungs, he is too young to polute his chest with the crap that comes out of those spray cans...and brake dust on those old bikes: that's asbestos.
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Thanks Goldy. We have been making sure to have masks and ventilation now. Definitely don’t want to damage that kid!


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’68 Honda CL450
 
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