1972 Honda CL

CL450-5014451

1972 Honda CL450 Scrambler - Fully Restored Honda is one of the premier manufacturers of motorcycles, automobiles and other quality equipment. Honda Motor Company's founder, Soichiro Honda was born in 1906. By 1922, he was a mechanic at Art Shokai in Tokyo. His skills as a technician and fabricator were readily apparent and his reputation grew quickly with his work on Mercedes, Lincolns, Daimlers and race cars. By 1937, he founded his own company, producing small engine piston rings. This work evolved into manufacturing motorcycle engines. In 1946 the Honda Motor Co., Ltd., was founded and two years later, in 1948, Honda produced his first complete motorcycle, a 98cc two-stroke motorcycle called the "Dream". Honda's reputation for building high quality, value priced motorcycles grew quickly and the first Honda motorcycle was sold in the U.S. in 1959. The Honda Cub, a 50cc motorcycle is the most produced vehicle in history with over 60 million made to date. Honda's marketing effort in the U.S. was as successful as their engineering efforts. The ad campaigns using the slogan, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" drew thousands of new customers to their showrooms. 1959 also was an important year for Mr. Honda and his passion for racing. Honda took several motorcycles to the Isle of Mann TT races for the first time. While they did not win in 1959, all of their bikes finished the race. Two years later, Honda shocked the world by winning the Isle of Mann race. Many enthusiasts consider this the toughest motorcycle race in the world. Honda quickly adapted to America's need for larger displacement motorcycles. The Honda 450 first appeared in 1965 as the CB450 Super Sport CB450-K0, frequently referred to as the "Black Bomber". It was Honda's newest and biggest bike. It had a revolutionary new Double Overhead Cam parallel twin engine with dual CV carburetors and a 4 speed transmission. Honda had zeroed in on the British manufacturers and their twin 650 cc bikes. The CL450 Scrambler was introduced three years later in 1968 as the CL450-K1 and it featured a new 5 speed transmission. This CL450K5 was sold in 1972 and 1973. The final version of the 450 Scrambler, the CL450-K6 came out in 1974 and reduced production costs be installing a black painted muffler instead of a chrome finish. This CL450 Scrambler has had a full professional cosmetic restoration. This 1972 CL450 was manufactured in March, 1972. The frame number is CL450-5014451 and the "matching" engine serial number is CL450E-5014440. The Magna Red paint looks better than the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Many parts have been replaced and the bike runs as great as it looks. If you were looking for a great new bike that could be ridden on the street or off road, this was your ticket. You might have seen this bike in a Honda showroom and either bought one or dreamed of owning one. Here's your chance to relive those great memories or to finally turn your dreams into a reality. The owner purchased this 450 Scrambler for his North Dakota museum. He is a hard working, successful business man who loves motorcycles and sports cars. He is in his early 60's with the energy and passion of a 16 year old kid. He bought his first motorcycle at the age of 14, a used Honda 50. He drained his bank account of $75 and talked his dad into matching his funds and paid $150 for his first set of wheels. He found the freedom of motorcycling and started his love affair with motorcycles that has lasted for decades. This bike had been part of his collection of vintage and special interest motorcycles and automobiles. It has lived an easy life inside an air conditioned museum. It runs as great as it looks! It is time for the museum to release a few fine examples to the public for sale. This bike is restored to museum quality standards. The only flaw that I can see is a small scuff on the leading edge of the front fender. Here's a bike that the new owner can ride and proudly display. It will turn heads and draw a crowd. It has a free and clear North Dakota title. Please note that the museum is also selling an exquisitely restored 1972 Honda CL175-K6 Scrambler. It has a matching Magna Red paint scheme. The CL175 has only 10,650 miles. There are several photos showing both bikes together. Here's your chance to own two great examples of early Honda Scramblers. The auction for the 1972 CL175 is running concurrently to this auction for the 1972 CL450. Click on the "See Other Items" tab above the see the '72 CL175 Scrambler. Feel free to call (480) 201-9049 for more details about this great Honda CL450 Scrambler. A $500 PayPal deposit is due at close of auction and the balance is due within 7 days of the end of auction. Shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility. I will gladly work with your shipper. Good luck with your bidding!