1983 Honda CM450E

Summary:

A lot of fun in a small package

Faults:

Nothing yet!!

Readjusted the choke and replaced a signal bulb when I bought it.

General Comments:

This wasn't my first choice of rides but it was in near mint condition and the price was right ($1200 CAD).

After the first month of riding it, I became quite fond of the thing. It runs like clockwork with very little vibration and is really responsive. I'm only 5'9" and 140lbs (which is probably the perfect body type for this bike) and it feels pretty natural.

Despite its small appearance, it has a lot of pep!

It's light enough (400lbs dry) and powerful enough (47HP) to rip around the dirt and woods and still be good in the city.

Not powerful enough for the highway though. Traveling at 120km/h is about MAX comfortable speed on a calm no wind day.

UPDATE:

Turned it into a brat/street tracker and it rips through traffic. Commuting is a blast. Weaving through lanes and traffic is so smooth. Love this bike. Need something bigger for long highway trips though.

This bike still has a ton of potential.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2017

10th Sep 2017, 00:53

What kind of battery does it take? I have a 1982, but I can't figure out what type of battery it uses.

5th Mar 2018, 18:29

12 Amps and 12 Volts is all you need to know.

Personally, I swapped mine out for a lithium ion battery and replaced the regulator/rectifier to match.

1982 Honda CM450E

Summary:

Great

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

I love this motorcycle. This is not just a beginners bike (I dislike that term), this is a great bike for anyone at any stage of riding.

I ride Mo daily (pretty creative name heh!), and at 62 years of age I can't wait till spring.

My bike is in mint condition, and just turning over 10,000 kms. If you want to ride everyday and take short trips, by all means get one. I also have a trailer if I want to take the bike to the cottage and burn around in the country; doesn't get better then that!

Having a custom one person seat made, as yes the seat can get uncomfortable and a little high for me...

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th January, 2013

23rd Aug 2017, 19:54

You find the seat high?

I'm 5'8" and I find it too low...

1984 Honda CM450E

Summary:

A great starter bike, with enough power to keep you smiling beyond the first year

Faults:

This is an old motorcycle, with high kms, that has gone through many hands. People seem to buy it, and only own it long enough to get their license before they sell it again. I was told that the guy 2 owners previous to me had put a bit of money into fixing the bike up, but it still needs work.

Both tires had to be replaced. There was uneven wear and dry rot.

2 rear spokes were broken. Dealer is installing them with the new tires and tubes this week.

The choke cable has seized. The bike starts OK with a bit of crank of the throttle, but you have to babysit it until it fully warms up. Can't find an exact replacement, so I will probably have to move the mount.

Clutch lever is worn at the hinge and flops around. A thin washer will help here, but you don't notice it while driving.

The front brake mechanism was stiff, so the light was slow to go off. Some spray lube at the joints seems to have fixed that.

Throttle grip rubber was very loose. 2 spirally rapped strips of electric tape under it has been a big improvement.

Mirrors are not very stable. The right one flops just from the bike's vibration. The left one starts drooping after a bit of driving.

This is mostly just normal wear and tear, so not unexpected in a multi-owner bike of this age. I intend to keep it for a while, and gradually repair and replace what I can as I learn about motorcycles.

General Comments:

I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle for about 30 years, and finally got around to it. This bike was for sale not too far from where I live, the price was reasonable, and the engine big enough that I could get a few years of enjoyment out of it before wanting something with more power.

This is the first motor bike I've owned, so I can't really compare it to anything else. I've also only had it a few weeks, with limited experience riding it in town or on the highway, but I'm pleased with it so far.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2011