[twinz]

Hi.
My brake system is in poor condition. Triple clamp has cracked had a bad repair and cracked again, one fork tube is pitted badly and bike came minus a front wheel. So, rather than look for all these replacement bits I had thought it might be simpler to replace the whole front end and fit up tapered bearings in the process. What I would like to know is what are my options and what is my best option.
I had read that the 450 forks were never the best anyway...
Thanks

 

[66Sprint]

Grant, It's going to depend on purpose, riding style and the look you want...... I'll be happy to suggest some that will work if you specify the parameters...... Steve

 

[twinz]

I would ideally like something that will feel secure in the twisty stuff. We have some brilliant hill and harbourside routes here ( a couple of dormant volcanoes called banks peninsula) which is where I do most of my riding for pleasure. I like to hustle (in an old-bike style) when the way is clear, probably more of that than just cruising. I grew up tearing around paddocks on honda trailbikes so have a pretty active riding style.
I put clubman bars on the 350 and will probably do the same on this one. Ultimately I would like something that will suck up the bumps and hang on to the corners as some of these roads aren't the best surfaces and a bit more stopping power. I had a 500/4 and found that was horrible when heavy braking was called for so had thought a dual-disc set up might be the way to go.
Thanks for your help.

 

[66Sprint]

Grant.... How good is the possibility of getting parts from a "breaker" nearby?...I ask, because it is often the safe and frugal approach to replace the entire front end, tripple trees, wheel and all...... The 1980 through 1982 Honda CB650 (standard, NOT custom) came with wire wheels and the entire forks with trees are a bolt on proposition...You can even exchange a 450 top tree to it if you want the rubber cushioned handlebar risers....forward offset and width are the same on both bikes, so it won't change the steering much..... I can't remember if both sliders are set-up for calipers, but they did come with the twin piston calipers, so braking would be better, even with only one disc...
This would be my first choice, but several types of inverted forks (Ninja style) can be adapted IF you have the funds...... I try to stay on the "cheap" side..... Another possibility is 550/4 forks in 450 trees...The forks are set-up for dual discs, but a mod has to be made to allow the speedo drive to fit and function..... None the less, this would also be relatively inexpensive and give you duals......
If you don't mind the vibration of using uncushioned handlebar mounts, early 750 top trees (through 78) or the aforementioned CB650 top tree will fit on the 500/550 tubes in a 450 bottom tree.......
I'm running CB360 forks on mine, Bill2 has a 400T front end in modified 360 trees on his 450.... There are many possibilities..... Sometimes, a "parts bike" with a good front end can be obtained for little or nothing.....
Please look at Bill's project bike, a stock CB360 front end, and one on a stock CB650, ..... Pics available at: http://www.motorera.com/honda/index.htm
My pic (450 with 360 front forks and 18" wheel) can be seen in your tank swapping post

Tell me which has the look you seek, and I'll tell you how to modify it for the 450 (spring spacers, how much and what weight oil, which damping units, etc.....)...... OR, find a front end you like, and I'll tell you if and how easily it can be fitted....... Steve

 

[tbpmusic]

Steve -

I did the edit you requested.
I might also mention that the aftermarket master I put on (~$50) was designed for dual-disk (larger piston), but I'm using it with a single disk.
Though I don't have many miles on it yet, and typically don't ride in the rain, it stops REALLY well, way better than a stock 450 disk, for sure.
Maybe the 400T caliper is a better unit too, not sure.
At any rate, I have no complaints at all about the front brake on this bike.

Also I should add that it would have worked with a stock 360 stem/triple clamp. It was only modified (by Steve) so as to utilize an old drum-brake model 450 friction steering damper - for which I'll be forever grateful to Steve.
What a guy.......

 

[twinz]

Excellent info Steve and I checked out your project Bill. Some nice work there. It's good as the early 80's stuff is the cheapest over here and cb650's of that era are more common than most. Thanks again.

 

[66Sprint]

Grant, Let us know what front end you obtain/decide to use.... .......

 

[twinz]

For sure. Already started looking. it often takes a while as there are no longer the number of wrecking yards as there used to be. I think looking at the specs on the 80-82 cb650 that that would be the ideal donor. I'll try to get some pics up soon too.

 

[twinz]

I have found a cb650 front end. It is running dual discs and as I understand the forks (no pitting) are supposedly better performing units. The whole front incl trees, comstar wheel (still looking for a spoked one) brake system and a nicer looking fender without stays for about $150 in usd ($300nzd). I have been following the steering head bearing thread with interest and have found a supplier here with the kit on the shelf so it should be rolling soon. Thanks again for the tip Steve.

 

[twinz]

Put cb650 forks on but went off the 650 rotors and calipers so as to avoid having to ruin an original hub by turning it down to achieve the right offsets so I made a mounting bracket to suit the original caliper/rotor although I have just found that this creates an expensive mess of red tape to certify and comply. The good news is that sitting gathering dust on a shelf of a local honda merchant was a pair nos fork tubes at about the cost of a rechroming job. If only I had disvovered this 3 months ago...