1972 HONDA CL498-Super Scrambler

1972 HONDA CL498- Super Scrambler

SOLD- Missouri

This bad lil' mama jama started life out as a 1972 Honda CL450 Scrambler. We originally got her as a parts bike but figured since she only had about 1700 original miles, what the hell, lets build her up!

Stripped down to the frame and chopped off all unnecessary tabs and brackets (including the subframe) she was treated to the ol' pipe bender and welder trick. The motor got some love too. We sent to cylinders and  head out to the pros over at Team Hansen Honda to get a work over, including a new valve train, 10.6:1 high compression pistons, and a bore to 498cc. She also got a new set of Mikuni carbs to fuel her fire, and a custom set of high side exhausts breathing it out.


We just had to upgrade the suspension with all that goodness in the motor and frame. How about some USD's up front and gas charged reservoir shocks in back?

With a comfy seat,  smooth suspension, and plenty of power, you'll  love cruisin' this baby around town- on and off the pavement.

For a quick look at the process click here.

Technical Specs:

Make Model	Honda CL450 K5
Year	1972
Engine	Air cooled, parallel twin cylinder, four stroke, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Capacity	498 cc (444 Stock)
Bore x Stroke	74 x 57.8 mm (70 x 57.8 Stock)
Compression Ratio	10.6:1  ( 9.0:1 Stock)
Ignition  /  Starting	CDI,  Kick
Max Power	53 hp @9000 rpm  (44 Stock)
Max Torque	39.7 f lb @7000 rpm (33.01 Stock)
Transmission  /  Drive	5 Speed  /  Chain
Front Suspension	37mm USD
Front Brakes	Dual Leading Drum
Rear Brakes	Single Leading Drum
Front Tyre	110/80 19
Rear Tyre	120/80 18
Dry-Weight	347.5 lbs (412 Stock)
Fuel Capacity	14 Litres
Top Speed	117 mph

Build Specs

Frame and Seat- De-tabbed and Lightened, added under tank braces to increase rigidity and that are also removable in the event the engine needs to be removed. New lighter subframe and electronics tray. Custom shock mounts. The seat pan was built in house out of aluminum to save weight and wrapped in black leather with silver stitching to match the tank, the seat is mounted using two hinges and a single finger knob for easy- no tool opening

Controls, Gauges, and Levers- New levers and cables up front. 2.5 inch mini speedo with indicators. New custom rearsets and linkage, the right footpeg folds to accommodate the kick starter lever. They are located just far enough back to have your feet firmly underneath you, not behind. The handlebar is a 7/8 inch drag style with fresh grips, kill switch, and left control switch

Electronics and Lighting- New regulator/rectifier unit, new Pamco electronic ignition with an electronic advancer so you don't have to worry about those pesky points, new NGK spark plugs, boots, and 8mm Taylor wires. Combo LED tail light/ brake light/ turn signal unit in back, combo Halogen Headlight/ LED turn signals up front. Starter motor has been removed to save weight, super light Shorai lithium battery, new keyed ignition switch.

Wheels, Tires, Suspension- Trued and balanced wheels with new spokes and nipples, fresh Vesrah brake shoes for plenty of stopping power, Shinko Trailmaster 705 rubber for great grip on and off the road. Modified triple tree, stem, and USD forks from a Suzuki dirt bike with adjustable pre-load and compression and custom Race Tech springs. Added gas charged piggy back shocks in back to balance out the suspension. New tapered steering head bearings for the CL450 neck.

Engine- Completely rebuilt motor with new gaskets, seals, o-rings. New Stainless allen head bolts all around. Bored the cylinders to 498cc and pumping new 10.6:1 high compression pistons. Converted valve train from original torsion bar set up to new coil springs, with new valves, guides, keepers, and seals from Kibblewhite. Re-cut valve seats. Ported and polished intake and exhaust ports. New rubber on all chain guides and tensioner to reduce engine noise. All cylinder head work was done by Team Hansen Honda.  Ceramic coated head, cylinders, and cases. Polished covers. New Barnett kevlar friction plates and heavy duty springs on the clutch to keep all that power at bay when needed. New kinetic oil cooler to help keep the engine temp down.

Fuel, Intake, and Exhaust- Hand shaped scalloped fuel tank coated in two tone metallic charcoal and textured black paint scheme. Replaced locking gas cap with a new finger activated latch. New Mikuni VM32 round slide carbs breathing through washable UNI foam filters. Removed petcock and replaced with quick disconnect fuel lines and inline fuel filters. Custom high side 2 into 2 exhaust system that is free flowing and produces a beautiful note, and custom ceramic coated heat shields so you don't burn your legs off.

Notes- The bike also comes with removable passenger pegs, battery box and receipt in case you have a warranty issue, clutch tool, additional jet sizes, 74mm bore cylinder head gasket, original oil dipstick, and some wiring diagrams. Top speed, HP, and Torque ratings are not based on road tests since the engine has not been run in yet. Ratings are based on computer analysis using engine, intake and exhaust, and weight modifications.