1965 Honda CB450 Black Bomber

The CB450 was Honda's declaration of war on the British motorcycle industry. Before this, Honda made small bikes — clever, reliable, but small. The 'Black Bomber' was Honda's first big twin, aimed directly at the Triumph Bonneville's throat. A DOHC engine with torsion bar valve springs at a time when British bikes were still running pushrod singles and twins. It was technically superior to everything from Birmingham and Meriden. The British laughed. Within a decade, they were bankrupt. The CB450 was the first shot; the CB750 was the kill shot.

The original black-and-silver color scheme on the early 'Black Bomber' models (1965-1967) is stunning and rare in good condition. Later K-series bikes came in more colors. The DOHC head is a visual signature — the cam cover dominates the top of the engine. Chrome on the fenders, exhaust, and tank trim ages predictably. The torsion bar valve springs are internal, so you won't see them, but they're what makes this engine special. Early round-tank models are more valuable than later squared-off versions.

The CB450 shares Honda's legendary parts infrastructure with the smaller twins, though some CB450-specific parts (particularly torsion bar springs) are getting scarce. The DOHC engine is more complex than the SOHC engines in the CB350 and CB360 but still straightforward for a competent mechanic. Valve adjustment is different because of the torsion bars — learn the procedure or find someone who knows it. The bike rides bigger than its displacement suggests. It's not a CB750, but it was never trying to be. It was trying to kill Triumphs, and it succeeded.