

This edition of the Honda CB 450 K is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1973. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1974 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV and the 1973 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV.This particular Honda CB 450 has a 445cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.
The 1973 CB 450 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the CB 450's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E | 1989cc.2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid | 2024cc.
Weighing in at 204 kgs (449 lbs) this makes the Honda CB 450 K in the same weight category as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE or the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 445cc 4 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 45 bhp (33 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 27.6 lb-ft (37.4 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Honda CB 450 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1973 Honda CB 450 K has a Power to weight ratio of 220.5 bhp per ton and 135.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1973 CB 450 competing with the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 DOHC [244.9 bhp\ton] and the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 DOHC [244.9 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Honda CB 450 generating around 135.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2024 Honda NX 500 EFI [160.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 1961 Norton Dominator 88 SS [159.4 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 16.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 17.1 secs, this makes the Honda CB 450 K similar in acceleration to the 2017 Honda CBR 250 RR (16.8 secs) and the 2014 Honda NM4 Vultus (16.8 secs). This Honda CB 450 K also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
When talking about the performance of the 1973 Honda CB 450 K on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2007 Honda XR 650 L (0 secs) and the 1987 Kawasaki Gpz 250 R (0 secs).
The 1973 version of the Honda CB 450 K has a maximum speed of 110mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1973 Honda CB 450 K then how about a 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R (121 mph) and the 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SP II (121 mph).