upgrade ideas for CM450E

I would like to upgrade some things on my '82 Honda CM450E. I am thinking
of putting front and rear disc brakes on. I figure that I am going to need
a donor front fork and swingarm for the correct mountings. Anyone knows
what fits that frame?

Dave

 

*ding*

Putting a rear disk on a CM450E would be pointless. The standard
drum brake is plenty good. You *could* get the necessary parts
from a donor CM400T/CM450T to do the front disk conversion, but
you'll still have a fairly bland commuter bike when you're done.
If you want real performance, sell it, and use the time and money
you would have spent on upgrading the CM450E toward a worthier bike,
with better engine and suspension, like an EX500.

 

I see your points. Guess I just liked the bike too much. I like the
weight, and ride. I had an accident a number of years ago, and was faulted
by drum brakes. I like the 48-55 mpg I get with this bike, and wanted to
fix it up for the long haul...

Dave

 

Don't get me wrong- I have a CM400T, which is the same bike as the
CM450E, except you've got an extra 50cc and a drum front brake vs. disk
on the 'T' model. It's a fun bike to ride, comfy, and reasonably
good handling. But as a starting point for a project bike, forget it-
there are *much* better bikes out there in nearly every way.

I would make sure the front drum brake is _perfect_, new shoes if
needed, new brake cable, and everything adjusted properly. If it's
set up right, it might even be a better brake than the woefully
uninspiring disk on the 'T' model.

 

I've got a VFR 750 ('94) and got 49mpg on my last tank (it was much
highway riding) and have been getting mid-40's on the last couple. While
a plastic-covered sport-tourer may not be for you, you can still get
good mileage out of a newer bike.

If I were looking at a new model, the Suzuki SV 650 is awfully
attractive. The SV has a racing class, so aftermarket upgrade parts are
plentiful, it's not too large, not much plastic, the S-model has a
windscreen. It's not too expensive, IIRC. Modern chassis and brakes,
reliable electrics (big change from earlier Suzuki's! ;-). If you can
find one used you should think hard about it. If I hadn't been looking
specifically for a VFR, I would probably have landed there. Heck, if the
V-Strom 650 had been out when I was looking, I might very well have
gotten one instead of the VFR.

Just a thought, if you are looking for a new direction.

ps Triumph bikes look pretty nice to me, but there aren't any dealers in
my region; otherwise I'd be looking at them, too.

--
Later,
John



'indiana' is a noun. Leave only the noun between @ and .edu to reply

 

If you like the bike enough, the money doesn't really matter.
If that bike is "your baby", then go for it!
It might not be someone else's perfect ride but who gives a $hit?
Just remember, you'll never get your money back out and you're doing it for
love instead for any sort of investment.

I have been fixing up old Yamaha 250 singles for a bit and I get real
pleasure from getting them "right" but it's a labour of love and nothing
more.
D8
GS850G
SR 250s

 

i have an 03 triumph sprint st. when i took it in for the 500 mile
maintenance last week (its a carry over) i rode at about 95 mph the
whole way - only 80 miles (a small hop for this bike, i am learning).
any way, i got 40 mpg on that trip. coming back yesterday, i had
about the same conditions, but i didn't tuck up tight on the tank as i
now had a set of panniers and a tail trunk on it, and saw no point to
it, but rode just as fast. i haven't filled yet, so no idea on the
mileage, but it is at least what it was without all the touring gear
on. i actually think that it used less fuel. i think they maybe had
the computer set to a rich fuel profile for the initial break in.

matt n