The allure of British motorcycles and the industrial prowess of Japanese engineering.
The 1965 HONDA CB450K0 embodies both.
The owner, who previously customized a Meguro SG in a British style, next found himself drawn to a machine that could be called "Honda's bid for the world."
The HONDA CB450, released in 1965, was a large sports model developed by Honda with an eye on the global market, particularly the European and American markets where British motorcycles held a strong presence.
Equipped with a 444cc DOHC parallel-twin engine, it featured highly advanced mechanisms for a production motorcycle at the time.
With its high-revving engine and torsion bar valve springs, its specifications were not just about "Japanese practicality" but a serious pursuit of a "world-class sports bike."
The early K0 model, in particular, remains highly popular today due to its distinctive tank design, slender body, and other details unique to the initial production run.
The early K0 model of the CB450 is still popular today for its distinctive tank shape, often called the "whale tank," and other details unique to the initial model (Image: HONDA website)
Encountering the Bike of His Dreams
The owner of this CB450K0, Mr. Yoshikawa, works at the apparel shop "Gusset" in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture.
He was previously drawn to the British motorcycle aesthetic, having customized a Meguro SG in that style.
"I fell in love with this bike at first sight when an acquaintance owned it. When they decided to sell it, I asked if I could have it and they kindly passed it on to me."
It wasn't so much a long search as it was inheriting a bike he had always admired.
The owner, Mr. Yoshikawa, is a staff member at the apparel shop "Gusset" in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture.
This is Mr. Yoshikawa's former beloved bike, the "MEGURO SG."
Uniformity Created by Chrome Fenders
The current specifications are based on customizations made by the previous owner.
The front and rear fenders, which are silver painted on the K0, have been replaced with the chrome fenders from the CB450K1 and later models.
This naturally matches the texture of the chrome on the sides of the tank, giving the entire motorcycle a beautiful sense of unity.
"I like how the chrome on the tank sides matches the chrome on the fenders, creating a cohesive look in color and texture."
Furthermore, Mr. Yoshikawa himself replaced the mirrors with Superior vintage mirrors.
"I was the one who changed just the mirrors (laughs)."
Although a subtle change, it's a detail that subtly enhances the British motorcycle ambiance.
The front and rear fenders, originally silver painted on the K0, have been replaced with chrome fenders from the CB450K1 and later models.
By making the fenders chrome, the texture is matched with the sides of the tank.
Customization Beyond Just "CB-ness"
The thinly processed seat, Lucas tail light, and the combination with a Harley-Davidson fishtail muffler give its style a direction slightly different from typical CB customizations.
It's not a classic "CB Cafe" style either.
Rather, it gives the impression of layering British motorcycle culture onto the CB450K0, a model Honda created with the world in mind.
"I feel this customization reflects the story of the CB450K0, which was born to compete with British motorcycles."
The appeal of this motorcycle lies not just in its vintage customization but in how it expresses the background and era of the bike itself.
The CB450K0 is also known by the nickname "Black Bomber" overseas.
A rear view featuring a thinly processed seat and Lucas tail light.
Unusually for a CB, a Harley-Davidson fishtail muffler has been chosen.
The Joy of Working on a Bike Through Trial and Error
Dealing with vintage motorcycles is never easy.
However, he finds it helpful that genuine parts are relatively easy to obtain for Honda bikes.
"Genuine rubber gaskets and other parts are available, which is a great help. I'm still learning and working on it while researching."
Making mistakes, fixing them, and working on it again.
Even that time spent is part of the enjoyment of engaging with this CB450K0.
The whale tank is, of course, the defining feature of the K0!
The deeply enveloping rear fender is also a major charm of this motorcycle.
Simple handlebars and carefully chosen mirrors.
The vertical odometer is stylish!
On this day, a seat Mr. Yoshikawa had purchased through a private sale had just arrived. He was enjoying fitting it, saying, "This way, no, that way."
A Motorcycle That Matches Its Story
Mr. Yoshikawa aims to first make the bike comfortable for himself to ride while gradually deepening his understanding of the machine.
"First, I want to properly understand the condition of the bike so I can ride it comfortably. Eventually, I hope to find customizations that match the story of this motorcycle."
This CB450K0, naturally embodying both Honda's ambition to conquer the world and the allure of British motorcycle culture, possesses a charm that cannot be fully captured by simply calling it an "old Honda."
Enjoying customizations that match the story of this bike over time... Mr. Yoshikawa's CB450K0 is interesting precisely because it's still "under construction."
11
0
Share 
Copy link
X
Facebook
Save
![[Overseas] 2027 New Model "Ninja ZX-6R" Appears in North America! New Galaxy Silver/Twilight Blue Colors Refresh Lineup](https://news.webike.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/google-g-icon.png){kind=icon}
