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| | 1966 450 Police Special
The 1966 CB450 Police Special was an experiment by American Honda Company to attempt a market share in the police business. These models were brought in very small numbers and for a very limited time to The USA.
At that time an engine displacing 450cc could not compete with the 1000cc plus American bikes. Unfortunately, the perception of a displacement disadvantage was unfounded because of the performance capability of was considered to be a small bike. The CB450 Police Special was unique in many aspects starting with its solo seat and specialty police equipment.
The CB450 Police Special had a very accurate speedometer that allowed the officer behind the controls to lock the needle at any shown speed using a switch. This feature was used as a tool of speed measurement for over the limit drivers.
A lever on the handlebar, which pushed a roller against the rear wheel, triggered the very loud mechanically actuated siren. This roller is connected to the siren via a cable, which allows the siren to function. The red pursuit lights, front and rear roll bars were standard equipment.
The bike pictured here was purchased in very rough condition. We at Bob Logue Motor Sports managed to get most needed parts through American Honda, including the last siren available in The United States, which was made by the Tokyo Siren Company.
I was particularly proud that this motorcycle was borrowed from us to be on display at the American Motorcycle Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, for the celebrations of 50 years of Honda Motor Company in 1998.
When we retrived the CB450 Police Special from the museum, it included an A.B.A.T.E. calendar in the folder that accompanied the motorcycle.
The calendar featured the CB450 Police Special, and I was told that it was the very first time that A.B.A.T.E. featured a Japanese made motorcycle in their calendar.
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