1982-86 Nighthawk 450

 

The 450 is special for me. I've never owned one, but it's my first real ride. One of these little guys took me through the MSF class, and put up with my abuse for around 8 hours. Never complained at all. As soon as I can dig up some spare change, I will pick up one for a spare bike.

Year by Year Changes

  • 1982- In its debut year, the CB450SC came in two colors; Candy Wineberry Red, and Cosmo Black Metallic. The Wing tank emblem was gold. The gas tank and side cover stripe was chrome. The front fender was chrome. It came with an 85 mph speedometer. The wheels were highlighted black Comstars. Read the article below for a description of the engine, and the rest of the machine.
  • 1983- Only cosmetic changes in 1983. The Cosmo Black metallic was dropped, and a regular Black replaced it. On the Red machines, the striping was black, and the Black machines were adorned with gray striping. The Comstar wheels were replaced with a slightly different Cast Alloy wheel. The speedometer was upped to 105 mph.
  • 1984-There were no 450 Nighthawks in the 1984 model year. Honda does that sometimes. Just spend the year clearing out models from the previous years.
  • 1985- 2 Nighthawk 450 models were produced in 1985. The regular CB450SC, and the "enviro-nazi" model, the CB450SCL (California only). Two striking new color schemes were introduced; Candy Empire Blue, with light blue pinstripes, and Candy Andromeda Red, with red pinstripes. The Honda Wing tank emblem was changed to silver. The Nighthawk 450 side cover decal was silver & red.
  • 1986- In its last year of production the changes were minor; The blue 'hawk got silver pinstripes, and the red 'hawk came with black stripes. The Nighthawk 450 side cover decal changed to silver, and last but not least, the fender was changed from chrome to "body color". Available options were: Nylon luggage (saddlebags, trunk bag, tank bag), leather saddlebags, engine guard, luggage rack and backrest.
  • 1986 was the last year the 450 was produced. Unfortunately, it was not resurrected in the 90's. Maybe it's time? . COME ON HONDA--WE'RE WAITING FOR THE RETURN OF THE 450 NIGHTHAWK--THE COMMUTER'S DREAM BIKE!! LET'S GET WITH IT!!!!!
  • Read this great 1982 magazine article on the newly introduced 450 Nighthawk.
  • Brent M.'s rates the 450's highway manners.
  • Resurrecting a 450 (Brent tells the story of his bike).

Specifications

Engine

447cc parallel twin-cylinder

Bore & Stroke

75mm x 50.6mm

Compression Ratio

9.3 : 1

Carburetors

Two 34mm constant velocity

Ignition

Solid state

Starter

Electric

Transmission

Five speed plus overdrive sixth

Driveline

O-ring sealed chain

Wheelbase

57.1 inches

Seat Height

30.9 inches

Fuel Capacity

3.2 gallons, including 0.5 gallon reserve

Wheels

Cast alloy

Tires

Front: 100/90 - 19 tubeless

Rear 130/90 - 16 tubeless

Suspension

Front: Air adjustable forks with dual Syntallic bushings

Rear: VHD shocks

Brakes

Front: Disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear: Drum

Dry Weight

392.5 pounds

I recently took my little 'hawk out on the highway. It was only a short trip (400 km) but long enough to discover it's touring characteristics. Before leaving, I purchased and installed a small Hurricane windshield. It's a universal fit shield that mounts on the handlebars and is just big enough to block the wind/bug guts off my body and face. The top of my helmet is still out in the breeze, as are my arms/shoulders. I wish I could have installed a slightly larger shield, but I don't think my bike is heavy enough to handle anything bigger. To carry things, I purchased a RoadMaster rear seat bag. It carries enough for weekend trips, but for anything longer I'll have to get saddlebags.

At 70 mph in 6th gear the engine feels very smooth and doesn't appear to be struggling at all to maintain velocity. Passing was accomplished by downshifting to 5th unless I had *lots* of room to complete the pass. Crosswinds are annoying, but I think that's the way it is for all bikes. Wind gusts from meeting trucks really push it around. When the wind was blowing from left to right, I soon learned to meet semi's as far to the right in my lane as possible.

The ride was firm but comfortable on all but the roughest surfaces (come ride Saskatchewan highways sometime and you'll see what I mean - the winter frost can really crack things up. Combine that with a government that's cutting back on everything, including road repair. But I digress.....). I rode about 2 miles in a hard rain, and have decided that rain gear would be a great idea for the next trip. My trip was 120 miles one way, and the fuel lasted that long without going on reserve. Fuel economy for the trip was 52 miles per (imperial) gallon (40 mpg U.S.? One U.S. gallon is 4/5th of an Imperial gallon, I think).

All in all, I had fun, and am looking forward to when I can take it out again for a more substantial trip. Before that happens, I have to get a bike for my wife Shelley and teach her to ride. She didn't like being left at home :^).

Later,

mooney@indigo.quadrant.net

 

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