To me, this bike is pure eye candy. There’s something about a 1960s police motorcycle that’s strangely compelling. This one is a 1965 Honda 450 Police Special, and it’s as rare as hen’s teeth. Just 25 were shipped from Japan to the US, probably because most Police Departments were used to ordering bikes of more than a liter in engine capacity.
The 43 hp CB450P was able to run rings around its larger brethren—it was the only DOHC engine in production at the time—but unfortunately it never caught on.
According to Honda’s contemporary PR push, it was a well-equipped machine: ‘Special police equipment such as an extremely accurate jeweled speedometer with a needle stop button, loud siren, two patrol lamps, and a sturdy rear carrier suitable for mounting radio or emergency equipment is included.’
I especially love the engineering of the siren—it was activated by pulling a lever on the left handlebar, and driven from the rear tire. In those days, the CB450P cost just $720, but how much do you reckon one of these is worth right now?
Via the always excellent MotArt.
