Photo: Thesupermat · CC BY-SA 4.0
Honda CB450 Black Bomber
74/100 Overall
65 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB450 Black Bomber vs Honda CB500 Four
Honda CB450 Black Bomber scores 74/100 overall against Honda CB500 Four on 83/100. On the road: 65–77. As classics: 83–88. Overall result: Honda CB500 Four.
Honda CB500 Four
83/100 Overall
77 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB450 | Honda CB500 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 8 | Honda CB500 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 6 | Honda CB500 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 9 | Honda CB500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 9 | Honda CB500 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 7 | Honda CB500 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 9 | Honda CB500 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 9 | Honda CB500 |
Choose the Honda CB450 if…
you want advanced 1960s Honda engineering, distinctive styling and a twin that challenged established British machinery.
Choose the Honda CB500 if…
you want a lighter, sweeter-handling alternative to the CB750 with classic Honda four-cylinder refinement.
Background
History
Honda CB450
The Honda CB450 Black Bomber was produced from 1965–1968 and used a 444cc air-cooled DOHC parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Honda CB500
The Honda CB500 Four was produced from 1971–1978 and used a 498cc air-cooled inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB450
- Its production span in this library runs from 1965 to 1968.
- The recorded engine description is: 444cc air-cooled DOHC parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, styling, reliability.
Honda CB500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1971 to 1978.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, ownership appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB450
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB450 Black Bomber. Its library score for historic importance is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Honda CB500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB500 Four. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB450
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Honda CB500
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB450
Rivals to the Honda CB500
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB500 Four wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda CB500 Four wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CB500 Four takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.