1971 Honda CL 1971 HONDA CL450K4 450 Scrambler Fully Cosmetically Restored CL450

Description

Beautiful, professionally restored 1971 Honda CL450K4 Scrambler twin cylinder motorcycle in Candy Topaz Orange and Black livery. This bike was restored by famed motorcycle racer Bob Lundsford in 2007 and was on static display in his dealership until about four years ago. It was sold to a gentleman in Oregon who again had the bike on static display, this time in his living room until circumstances deemed he sell the bike. I purchased it in March of 2021.
When I got the bike home and up on my lift, I discovered that it had not been intended to be a running/riding bike after the restoration. I set about putting the bike back on it's feet. I had to add parts that had been deleted: main ground strap, rear turn signal ground wires and a functioning ignition switch set. The carburetors were beyond saving so a correct set of 14H carbs were purchased, ultrasonically cleaned and kitted. The original clocks, (showing the actual mileage) were tired and not in keeping with the condition of the rest of the bike so I replaced them with a NOS set, correct for this year. I have the originals and they will go with the bike. The left cylinder exhaust showed signs of being polished to conceal some scratches at the low point and was replaced with a NOS piece. The right cylinder exhaust shows some corrosion at it's low point which I have worked on and cleaned up.
The original seat cover was showing it's age so it was disassembled, the pan sanded and painted, and a new cover, passenger grab strap and chrome buttons installed. The red foam inside the seat is still firm and supple but at the spots where it is exposed to the air and battery outgassing, white foam was fitted to stop the crumbs from getting into the battery box.
The engine showed good compression on both cylinders, (145lbs.) so a full service was performed; cam chain tensioner adjusted, valve clearances set, ignition points set, ignition timing set, carbs balanced and an idle drop performed. The air filters were new at the time of the restoration, new spark plugs were installed, fresh oil, the oil filter rotor cleaned and a new clutch pack installed to replace the original which was stuck. The bike has a new, maintenance-free battery.
At the time of it's restoration the bike was completely disassembled, (with the exception of the engine.) The frame was powder coated, steering head bearings and swing arm bushings replaced. The fenders were either rechromed or replaced with NOS pieces. The wheels were disassembled and rebuilt with new spokes, nipples and wheel bearings. The hubs and brake backing plates polished and the brake actuating hardware rechromed. The rear rim is a modern piece; a correct D.I.D. part but it bears size information stamping on the rim which would not have appeared on the original.
The headlight bucket, fork ears, tank and sidecovers have been repainted in the correct shade of Candy Topaz Orange. The quality of this basecoat/clearcoat paint job being much better than the original single-stage paint that came on the bike originally. The handlebars and switchgear are NOS, as are the grips, levers and footpeg rubbers fore and aft.
All engine covers have been refinished and clearcoated to mimic the originals. They're not an exact match but look far more authentic than the mirror chromed pieces I see on many "showbikes". All the hardware on the bike is NOS with the exception of part # 92200-12275-0A which is in original condition. All the bolts, nuts and screws are correct Honda parts; no Home Depot crap.
The tank is as new inside, a new petcock and fuel lines fitted. The clutch cable that came on the bike was too short and had to be replaced, hence it's slight mismatch in the shade of the outer sheathing. The mirrors are new Honda parts.
The bike starts easily, idles smoothly and runs out strong in all 5 gears; no smoke or funny noises. All the electrical systems, (starter, lamps, horn, charging system) function properly. The tires show date codes of 2006 and have virtually no miles but there is some slight weather checking as would be expected from time spent in Houston.
This bike was obviously ridden prior to it's restoration. The scuff on the original left cylinder pipe goes along with a repair to the original early alternator cover. The frame casting at the bottom of the downtube where it splits into two sections to cradle the engine has a dent in it. This thing was a bike that someone, (I'm thinking Bob Lundsford) rode as it was intended and likely off road! There's something to be said for that sort of provenance. Unlike the last one of these I did, a 1970 CL450K3, I didn't have to dig mud out of the cooling fins on the bottom of the crankcase.
The bike will sell with a clean, clear Washington State Title, full tool kit and owner's manual. I have access to reasonable cost shipping nationwide, but given the current state of things the buyer will have to be patient. All shipping costs to be born exclusively by the purchaser.
I have many additional photographs and would be happy to supply shots of any area in detail. I can also send a video of the bike starting and running. Please contact me on 206-200-7014 with any questions. I have been over this bike from one end to the other and know every wart and pimple. The bike is not perfect, (as nothing in this life is) but it is a beautiful machine which will provide it's new owner with great satisfaction, miles of service and, (if current trends are any indication) appreciating value. My asking price is based on similar bikes that have sold recently on BaT.