![]() For some reason, the British believed that their Japanese counterparts had no interest in building large capacity motorcycles. Quality control - apparently of little interest to the British companies - was a byword in Japan. Up and running in 1960, the new factory could turn out highly developed motorcycles at reasonable cost. In contrast, Honda had put its profits into a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Suzuka, Japan. The British manufacturers were coasting on their success, distributing as much of their profits to shareholders as possible and not upgrading their factories. But through our understanding of the situation we decided to develop a 450cc bike, specifically a mass-production model, that could be sold in the U.S. The Japanese market was comparatively much smaller, with monthly sales of several hundred units. Of these, most were imports from British makers. market for large motorcycles was approximately 60,000 units annually. Yoshiro Harada, in charge of the development of the 450, is quoted in Honda’s official history as saying, “In 1960 the U.S. After a rocky start, sales took off, especially after the “You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda” advertising campaign. Honda started exporting motorcycles to the United States in 1959. He was just looking for a really nice bike he could ride.” Don knew finding one - especially a “really nice one” - would be difficult. His only other motorcycle was a mint condition 1967 Triumph Bonneville that he kept in his kitchen because it was too pristine to be ridden. “Mark was looking for a mint 1968 Honda CL450 to purchase, and his intent was to ride it,” Don says. This story starts with an email written by Mark Dickey in Tennessee to Don Stockett of Vintage Motorcycle Rescue in California. Today, what was once a common bike is becoming a rarity. They were well made and sold for a reasonable price to people who, as often as not, didn’t keep up the maintenance schedule. Thousands were built for people who wanted to get to school or work. After this time it can be collected from our offices in Warwickshire or shipped to you at your expense.1968 Honda CL450 Claimed power: 45hp 9,000rpm Top speed: 105.74mph (period test) Engine: 444cc air-cooled DOHC parallel twin, 70mm x 57.8mm bore and stroke, 9:1 compression ratio Weight (dry): 401lb (182kg) Fuel capacity/MPG: 2.4gal (9ltr)/45-55mpg (est.) Price then/now: $1,035/$3,000-$7,000įorty years ago, a Honda 450 was easy to find. Storage will be charged at £5 plus VAT per day thereafter.Īutomobilia can be collected from The NEC over the weekend or Monday morning between 9am and midday by prior appointment. Please contact them on 01933 448555 or a quote.Īny motorcycles not collected by 2pm on Monday 15 th November will be taken to our transport partners facility in Northamptonshire for a fee of £110 plus VAT, including 3 days storage. Our motorcycle transport partners, Moving Motorcycles, can assist with collection and delivery. Storage will be charged at £10 plus VAT per day from the Monday onwards. ![]() Please contact them on 01604 755511 or a quote.Īny cars not collected by 2pm on Monday 15 th November will be taken to our EM Rogers storage facility in Northampton for a fee of £175 plus VAT. Our transport partners, EM Rogers, can assist with collection and delivery. Vehicles can be collected from The NEC on Monday 15 th November between 9am and 2pm.
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