1969 Honda CL

CL4501017578

This auction is for two 1969 Honda CL450K2 Scrambler motorcycles; one in each of the two colors offered that year, Candy Blue and Candy Red. This second iteration of the purpose-built, 5-speed, high-pipe 450 DOHC twin is unique cosmetically from earlier and later versions by virtue of it's one-year-only paint scheme and seat. This bike shares features of both the '68/'69 K1 which preceded it and the '70 K3 which was to follow. The K2 itself went through several transitions itself during the course of production as the U.S. DOT was beginning to assert more and more influence in the safety aspects of motorcycling during the waning years of the 1960's. BIKE 1: This Candy Blue 1969 CL450K2 shows just 4675 miles on the clock, (this may increase slightly as I continue to enjoy the bike prior to it's sale but I will not add more than an additional 100 miles) and runs as good as you would expect from a sub-5000 mile Honda of this period. The motor spec'd out at 170 lbs. compression on both cylinders at about 4% leakdown. It received a full service, (cam chain, valves, ignition timing adjusted; carbs cleaned, kitted and balanced; oil filter cleaned & fresh oil installed) and had a new drive chain; new tires, tubes and rim bands; new front fork seals, gaiters and fluid installed. The bike starts, idles and runs properly; all electrical systems are fully functional. The brakes and suspension work as intended but again, reveal the limitations of the technology of the time. Cosmetically the bike is an original, 41-year-old motorcycle and shows the passage of time. The Candy Blue paint, while not faded, shows nicks and scratches; the gold GT stripes along the tank were sprayed on over the single stage blue paint job and not clear coated so they have thinned during 40 years of washing/waxing, the right stripe most notably. The chrome is decent but shows mild pitting on the fenders. The exhaust is in very nice original condition with some slight discoloration of the headpipes and a very slight dent in the muffler heatshield, (you have to sight down it to see it.) There is some light silver paint overspray on the seat and top of the tank which was on the bike when I got it. I haven't gone after it with anything stronger than automotive wax, which had no effect. The clock faces are nice with vivid color; the seat still supportive, it's cover free of damage. This bike, as well as the other in this auction, both arrived with aftermarket handgrips touted to quell some of the vibration of the engine. BIKE 2: This Candy Red 1969 CL450K2, (VIN CL4501014938) shows 14287 miles on the clock. This bike, while it does run well and pulls strongly, is exhibiting signs of needing a top end rebuild sooner than later. The motor spec'd at 160 lbs. compression at about 10% leakdown on both cylinders and while these are good numbers, the engine smokes at startup and there is significant piston slap. I've ridden the bike approximately 50 miles and the smoking is diminishing on each ride but the noise is not. This bike received the same engine work as BIKE 1 along with the replacement items listed for that unit save the new fork gaiters. These will be replaced prior to sale as the originals have just begun to crack along one of the accordion pleats on the bike's last ride. The bike starts, idles and runs well, if a bit noisily. All electrical systems function properly. The brakes and suspension all work as intended. Cosmetically this bike shows it's 41 years quite well. There is some fading of the paint on top of the fuel tank, (the reds were notoriously UV unstable) but the gold GT stripes have fared well as has the paint on the sidecovers. There is light pitting of the chrome on the fenders and handlebars. The right exhaust pipe with the muffler box is a NOS piece replaced when the original was found to have a broken baffle; the short, left pipe is original to the bike. The entire system looks very good, shields are straight.The clock faces show vivid color; the seat is in very good shape, cover intact and foam soft and supportive. In Summation: What I am selling is a rather unique opportunity to jump start a Vintage Honda Collection. The Blue bike is ready to ride and enjoy as-is. The Red bike can be rebuilt at leisure over the winter and ready to go come next Spring's riding season. As the bodywork on the bikes is easily interchangeable, (no need to swap out fork ears and headlight buckets as on the '70 & '71 machines) it's the purchaser's choice whether he or she wants to ride a Red or Blue bike for the time being. While neither of these bikes may bring home any trophies, (save for an unrestored category) both are very nice examples of 40+ year-old machines that reflect the loving care of their previous owners. Obviously, if perfection is your intent both are excellent starting platforms for 100-point Concours restorations. The motor in each unit is original to the bike. The Blue bike has a clear North Carolina Title, the Red bike has a transferrable New York State registration. There will be one new battery and one complete OEM toolkit included in the sale. Both bikes have OEM keys. If you wish to discuss any aspect of the machines or this auction, please email me for my phone number. Shipping will be the financial responsibility of the purchaser but I will assist in any way possible and have contacts with a safe, discount, motorcycle-specific transporter. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is due within 24 hours of auction's end, the balance of payment to be determined at time of transfer of ownership.