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 CB77 Super Hawk
Honda CB450 Black Bomber scores 74/100 overall against Honda CB77 Super Hawk on 74/100. On the road: 65–65. As classics: 83–83. Overall result: A draw.
Honda CB77 Super Hawk
74/100 Overall
65 On the road83 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB450 | Honda CB77 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 6 | Honda CB450 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 7 | Honda CB77 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| 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 | 8 | Level |
Choose the Honda CB450 if…
you want advanced 1960s Honda engineering, distinctive styling and a twin that challenged established British machinery.
Choose the Honda CB77 if…
you want an influential sporting Honda twin with lively performance, clean styling and major historical importance.
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 CB77
The Honda CB77 Super Hawk was produced from 1961–1967 and used a 305cc air-cooled 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.
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 CB77
- Its production span in this library runs from 1961 to 1967.
- The recorded engine description is: 305cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, styling, reliability.
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 CB77
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB77 Super Hawk. 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.
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 CB77
- 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.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB450
Rivals to the Honda CB77
Final result
The verdict
On the road the motorcycles finish level. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Their evenly weighted overall scores are tied, so the better choice depends on whether the rider values road ability or classic appeal most.