1988 CB 450S?

[hossZ28]

Hi does any one have any opinion on the 1988 Cb 450S model a local classified ads have one listed for $500 The seller says it requires fork seals and a fuel leak repaired .Does this bike have the old Nighthawk 450 twin? any previous owners that can comment on ride and handling It appears to have a naked sport bike look to it I thought it was a cb/cbr/cbf 599 hornet  I thought this would make a good first timers bike for my nephew to learn to ride for minimal investment

[Bad Boy]

I have never seen one before.  Is it one of those bikes not sold in the USA but elsewhere.  Looks like it would be a great bike to start on.  Where are you at?

[ndmeistr]

Here's what I found. Doesn't look like a NH.
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_cb_450_s_1988.php

[geemann]

spec wise, it looks like it could really have some get-up-&-go.  worth checking out. at least with the honda name, you know the engine should be good as long as it was decently cared for.  it couldn't hurt to look at it and do a test ride.

good luck!
~G

[Laminar]

Three valves per cylinder?

[geemann]

yep, the three valve design was a step towards the 4 per.  ferrari even uses a 5 per cylinder!  it just has to do with getting a better gas flow and taking better use of the head geometry. gm even uses a 3 per on one of their recent v8s. chances are that two of the three valves are intended for intake and the third is for exhaust gas.  while compared individually, each intake port is smaller in diameter than the exhaust port, and the two intake ports are the same size, but the combined flow volume of the intake ports are greater than that of the exhaust, just like it is supposed to be.  the more ports tend to help with flame propogation and the like.

~G

[Laminar]

I understand WTF a valve is. And Honda had 4 valve heads in the '70s, so the three valve design isn't an in-between step. I just hadn't heard of a three valve design from Honda.

[geemann]

Sorry laminar, I really didn't mean to step on toes. Just trying to give a comprehinsive answer and I did not realize I had over done it. 

As a side note, I found this article interesting on the 3 per setup:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CB400

Also, this is so far the best info I can find on the 450.  The main article does not say much, but the comments seem pretty favorable:
http://www.bikeexif.com/honda-cb450s

so far, no real people saying it was a bad bike:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080305183021AA9gAh9

so, if that one in the classifieds is in good shape, I say jump on it!  Seems like a reliable bike that could be fun to learn on.

~G

[Munkey]

If the price is right, I'd snag it. Not a bad looking bike and I'm betting they are kinda rare.