CB450 Build

[whataulooknat]

Well this is my 74 CB450 I bought the bike for $75 and restored it to mostly Original condition. I didn't care too much for the way the bike rode so i customized a few things and punched the engine out 3mm. This is how she sits currently. I'm wanting to lower the back end of the bike a little and change up the rear taillight. Any Ideas?

 

[two-smoker]

I think the first thing you should do is get rid of those hideous extended forks... I'm sure you'll find lowering the rear is a lot less desirable once the front is where it's supposed to be.

 

[whataulooknat]

well that would just put the bike right back to stock and I hated the way the bike rode stock It rides so much more comfortably with the 6 inch over forks that i put on, the highway pegs and the taller handlebars. I think the rear end of the bike feels a little too squishy however. I'm wanting to lower it down with some short Stiff shocks. Don't think I want to go full on hard tail though.

 

[VonYinzer]

The rear end probobly feels real goofy... The 6" over forks have changed the bikes suspension geometry, and you have a sprung seat on it.

Its just my opinion, so take it for what its worth, but if you want to build a chopper... Build a chopper. Hardtail that bike, fit some lowered forks, and roll out.

 

[whataulooknat]

The rear end rides ok and the bike handles great. But your right on the spring seat. That combined with the rear shocks make the rear end feel too much like a Cadillac for me. I like to feel some bumps but I don't really want to go hardtail due to the fact that i don't really want to cut the frame. I have a lot of respect for old bikes I haven't done anything to it that can't be reversed except for the overboring of the engine. solid struts might be an option for me to lower it but I really don't know if I want to go that extreme. I'm afraid of the added stress on the frame.

 

[VonYinzer]

Nice 450:
http://www.bikeexif.com/honda-cb450-4

Its not a 450 I know, but you could go Brat style. Its just a bike. Theres plenty more. Cut her up.

 

[whataulooknat]

yeah that's a pretty bike. I'm thinking about going with a 16 inch rim on the back and a 21 up front. I'm not sure what to do with the front fender though. You can see in the photo that its cut back. I kinda like the no fender look but i'm just not sure.