Find or Sell Motorcycles & Scooters in USA

1968 Honda Cl on 2040-motos

US $2600
YearYear:1968 MileageMileage:15 ColorColor: Red
Location:

Reno, Nevada, United States

Reno, Nevada, United States
QR code
1968 Honda CL, US $2600, image 1

Honda CL photos

1968 Honda CL, US $2600, image 2 1968 Honda CL, US $2600, image 3 1968 Honda CL, US $2600, image 4 1968 Honda CL, US $2600, image 5 1968 Honda CL, US $2600, image 6 1968 Honda CL, US $2600, image 7

Honda CL tech info

Engine Size (cc)Engine Size (cc):444 WarrantyWarranty:Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty TypeType:Scrambler For Sale ByFor Sale By:Private Seller

Honda CL description

   I bought this motorcycle from the family of the original owner.  The motorcycle was purchased new, along with a new CL175, in 1968 from Hapco Motors in Beverly Hills, CA, by a man and his wife, who used the motorcycles for sunny-day touring around southern California.  In the early 70’s, they moved to the Lake Tahoe area, where they continued using the bikes for touring the local area.  The man died several years later, after which the bikes were stored indoors.  In October of 2005, I saw the son-in-law riding the bike in Reno, followed him, and made an offer on the bike, which was later accepted.

   The bike is in very good condition and runs strong and shifts well.  The most salient feature of the bike is the paint.  These K-1’s were offered new in three colors--candy-tone red, candy-tone blue, and silver. Some years ago, I purchased on Ebay seven small cans of original Honda Motors Candy-Tone Red paint, No. R-3C, which is the original color applied at the factory.  I believe this was a one-year only color for the CL and CB 450's.  I had a test strip painted to check the viability of the paint, which was still good.  I then had the tank and side covers sprayed by well-known Reno custom painter, Louie Feliz, who did a great job--the paint is flawless, and, unlike most of the K-1’s you see, this one has the factory correct paint, sprayed over a silver undercoat, as original, and topped with clear coat lacquer.

   The seats on these 450 Hondas were changed slightly with each new model, making this a 1 year only seat.  The K-1 used very poor quality foam for the cushion, which would collapse in time, leaving a misshapen plank-like slab to sit on.  Also, if the motorcycle spent any time left out in the weather, the seat cover vinyl became hard and brittle and prone to crack and tear..  The seat on this bike is in extremely good condition and only slightly collapsed, and the vinyl is still supple, without rips or tears or blemishes.

   The original instruments on these K-1’s were another weak component, and Honda tweaked them just about every model year.  The K-1 instruments had plastic cases with plastic lenses and were not adequately insulated from vibration, so it was not unusual for them to fail within 10,000 miles, especially if the bike was ridden on long road trips where the instruments would be subjected to extended periods of  high vibration.  Both the instruments on this bike were defective when I got it, and I have just replaced them both with correct  NOS OEM Honda K-1 instruments.

   I have just replaced the front fork gaiters with NOS Honda parts.

    I have just tuned the engine, consisting of new ignition points, spark timing adjustment, new carburetor kits, and carburetor idle mixture and idle speed adjustments.  

   All the lighting and the horn works as it should.  The electric starter works well, though when the engine is cold, it may take a few tries before it engages properly.  Once warmed up and the oil in the crankcase is thinned out, it works every time.

   Includes good copy of correct CL450 K-1 Owner's Manual, dated 1968

   This motorcycle is ready to ride and enjoy, or, with its OEM paint, would be an excellent candidate for a high point restoration. 
 
   Contact the seller at the end of the auction to make arrangements for payment.  Buyer will be responsible for shipping arrangements. 

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