Bill's Honda CM450E Bobber


	Bill's Honda bobber... in his own words. For whatever it's worth: I went with the CM450E because it has drum brakes front and back, and it because it has a good, strong charging system. Also because it's an air-cooled twin that will hopefully lend itself to looking like something it isn't. I may yet try to find the right side engine case cover from a CM400 and install it (and the kick starter that comes with it). Assorted bits: The finned case covers were originally intended for a CB-series Honda inline 4. Trimmed them down on a lathe and bead blasted them and polished the ends of the fins, then stuck 'em into place with silicone adhesive. They hide the big HONDA emblems cast into the clutch and alternator covers. The headlight bucket (which incorporates the speedometer) is from a 1964 CB160. I modified a quartz-halogen headlight to install in place of the stock 35 watt headlamp. The front wheel is from a '71 SL350. It uses essentially the same front brake as the CM450E but has a 19 inch rim. The rims were powder coated and I laced them up using stainless steel spokes. The brake drums are drilled for cooling (holes are places so that the internal webbing acts like a centrifugal fan). That tractor seat came from the local bicycle shop, is intended for an adult tricycle, and will set you back all of $29. I have yet to design the mounting system, but will probably take inspiration from your clever setup. A Model A Ford Duo-Lamp taillight will likewise find its way out back, and will probably be mounted just aft of the seat with the license plate hanging over the bobbed frame rails. Note the turn signal mounts (will use reproduction of the OEM units) that thread into the frame rails out back and that serve as headlight bucket mounting bolts up front. Found a vintage pair of red turn signal lenses, will use these on the rear signals and wire them to act as brake/signal/running lights in conjunction with the Model A lamp (I'm paranoid about being visible from behind). Scored a pair of fishtail mufflers for free at the local Harley shop. I'll probably remove the restrictive catalysts. They're essentially a bolt-on replacement for the obnoxious, battered, gutted stock megaphones. Will likely hide the rust and stains on the head pipes using header wrap.		Click for a larger view Click for a larger view Click for a larger view Click for a larger view
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