Photo: Thesupermat · CC BY-SA 4.0
Honda CB450 Black Bomber
74/100 Overall
65 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB450 Black Bomber vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 750
Honda CB450 Black Bomber scores 74/100 overall against Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 on 76/100. On the road: 65–62. As classics: 83–90. Overall result: Royal Enfield Interceptor 750.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 750
76/100 Overall
62 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB450 | Royal Enfield Interceptor | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 8 | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 7 | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 5 | Honda CB450 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 5 | Honda CB450 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 7 | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 9 | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 8 | Honda CB450 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 10 | Royal Enfield Interceptor |
Choose the Honda CB450 if…
you want advanced 1960s Honda engineering, distinctive styling and a twin that challenged established British machinery.
Choose the Royal Enfield Interceptor if…
you want a rare, torquey British twin with handsome styling and a distinctive alternative to Triumph, BSA and Norton.
Background
History
Honda CB450
The Honda CB450 Black Bomber was produced from 1965–1968 and used a 444cc air-cooled DOHC parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Royal Enfield Interceptor
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 was produced from 1962–1970 and used a 736cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB450
- Its production span in this library runs from 1965 to 1968.
- The recorded engine description is: 444cc air-cooled DOHC parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, styling, reliability.
Royal Enfield Interceptor
- Its production span in this library runs from 1962 to 1970.
- The recorded engine description is: 736cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB450
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB450 Black Bomber. Its library score for historic importance is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Royal Enfield Interceptor
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 750. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB450
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Royal Enfield Interceptor
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB450
Rivals to the Royal Enfield Interceptor
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB450 Black Bomber wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.