in 2006, I was able to purchase a 1971 CB450 in San Diego for about 500 bucks. I had every intention of stripping it down and rebuilding it but ran out of time and resources when all of my power tools were stolen from my garage. Since then I have resorted to imagining all the work I would do on it if money and time permitted.
When we arrived in San Antonio this August we were invited to attend a family event in Borne. As we were driving through town I saw a beautiful, yellow CB500 for sale on the side of the road. Since we were already late to the event I noted the location and decided we would swing back by on the way home. The bike looked like it was in pristine condition. I figured there was no way I would have enough money to purchase it since I only had a couple of thousand dollars at my disposal at the time. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the owner only wanted 2250 for it, and that it was a 1973 in very good condition. In a matter of days it was mine.
I have absolutely fallen in love with this bike. It idles rough, leaks oil, and a little bit of fuel, and it is still the best bike I have ever ridden. I really look forward to tweaking a few things here and there (or paying the professionals to do-so) so she will run at her potential. It is a very nimble bike and I can’t help but enjoy myself as I flick it through turns. I have also noted that my riding skill has increased drastically since I became an avid mountain biker.
Now that I have a beautiful running 73, I have re-ignited my drive to finish building my 71. Hopefully I will have more time and money for the bike, now that I am out of the military.
My only real plans right now are:
1)Check out the jb-welded engine block crack near the oil pan
2)Purchase and install the speedo/tach combination here
3)Buy and install a set of cafe bars, and remove side mirrors
I will post pictures as I finish up what little work needs to be done on the 73.
Below are links to pictures, project details, and audio recordings for both of my CB’s:
Project Gallery for my 1971 CB450
Gallery for my 1973 CB500
Sound recordings of my 73:
Revving the engine
Idling Chatter at 1300 RPM’s
First drive by
Second drive by
I emailed my recordings to totalmotorcycle.com. Hopefully they will post them soon.