1969 CB450 face lift
 

I recently picked up a bike that was listed on craigslist for $600. It ran well and had a title. This is that bike.
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070...cde7ee46_o.jpg
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075...9c9af9d7_o.jpg
so i sold some of the chopper parts off of it and got it looking like this.
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130...51ca7d3a_b.jpg
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033...4126407c_b.jpg
i started to gather some parts for it that i had laying around, and bought a few other parts here and there.
The front end is a mix of parts. 1978 Cb750F forks, with 1974 CB550 triple trees.
I put in tapered steering bearings, got some headlight ears, picked up a Benjie headlight bucket and dug around to find a speedo that fits. I'm not sure if the CB450 and the Cb550 have the same drive ratio?????anyone know for sure? I guess i could use a CB550 drive unit too if needed.

got a set of 35mm clip ons, new wheel bearings, and some cables (not installed yet).

I bought some Avon tires (also not installed) and cut up a XS650 fuel tank that was hanging around. I'll be making the seat from that and sheet metal. I'm going to bend some DOM tube and make a loop around the back portion of the seat and weld it to the frame.

I never like full frame off builds (at least not when i'm doing them) because i really don't see much point if its a cheap bike and plans to stay a cheap bike. Its not like these are rare or anything either) so i'm not going to powder the frame or anything like that. Plus i'm really on a budget and don't have all the time in the world for this stuff. The paint is just a little faded on the tins, and the frame doesn't have much rust on it at all. I will clean the shit out of it when i'm done.

I'm going to put some rearsets on it i guess where the stock rear pegs mount. I'd like them a little more forward and about an inch higher, but the rear peg location is there and simple and i've seen a few CB450's use this location and turn out very nice.
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237...a25ce1e2_b.jpg
https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195...32de89ae_b.jpg
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107...a7865049_b.jpg
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138...9451dc74_b.jpg
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063...54b88496_b.jpg
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188...1a317e61_b.jpg
So i'll be working on the seat next. I'm also getting rid of all the factory switchs and going clean and simple on the bars.

things i haven't nailed down:
1. the headlight ears are too damn long and stick the light out too far. should i change them to shorter ones?

2. I'm going with some nice rear shocks. Has anyone tried these?
http://i6.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/cf/41/3cbe_1.JPG (can't attach anymore pics according to the forum)

good or bad for the price?

3. should i paint the headlight black or cherry like the rest of the bike? i can match it pretty close to the faded cherry color.

4. front fender....should i just use a stock CB750F fender to make it bolt on to the forks or try a fiberglass with a fork brace?

Hopefully i'll have the above mentioned stuff done in a couple of months and can take her on a ride. I'll try to post updates, if i have any.

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

good luck man

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

how many bikes do u have?

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

wow 600$ is good .. looking man bro i like the headlight/speedo.. well if any of your buddyz wana cafe racer im sell mine. ill cut them a deal .. keep up the work

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

besides the headlight too big for the bike... it is going good and looking good... nice find

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

wow, you do some great work. i am starting to piece together an '83 cb750F along the same lines.

for the rear shocks, i have 2 sets of these (not refinished like the pic) and i am selling a set :



http://www.cb750cafe.com/cache/photo...dcd4f52ccd.jpg

and for inspiration:
http://www.cb750cafe.com/bikes.php?cat=1&id=33

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

for the headlights, you can drill 2 new holes closer to the front to bring it closer to the back. i like the speedo mounted there.

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

Laserjock, what do you want for the CB900 shocks? i'm watching a set on ebay but would rather get them from you.

EMC, I like the size of the headlight, its makes the bike look especially old and unique. i just think shorter headlight ears would be better.

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

That headlight really gives it a unique look. Since it already sticks out like a sore thumb, I think you should paint it cherry so it'll flow with the bike. Oh... and that chrome gas tank looks sick on there.
I'm excited to see how this thing turns out :thup:

Re: 1969 CB450 face lift
 

good idea the head light is sweet I like them. but yes it is way out that is why it just looks funny to me. is that a 7" head light I have seen them in about a 5"

the cb750 above nice powder work and detail nice would like to see picks of the rest