Triple Tree | Honda CB450 (K3-K7) / CL450 (K5-K6)

Description

Upper Triple Tree | Honda CB450 / CL450 / CB500T

The upper triple tree on your CB450, CL450, or CB500T is one of the most failure-prone parts on the bike. The original Honda casting was a poor-quality aluminum that cracked at the fork tube clamps under normal load, and finding a clean used one is nearly impossible. Our reproduction is built from a modern alloy with a denser, beefier casting in the areas that failed first.

Why You Need This

The original Honda upper triple tree was a brittle aluminum casting that cracked at the fork tube clamps even when the bolts were torqued correctly. For years everyone (including Honda) assumed over-tightening was the cause — Honda even shipped little D-shaped washers to limit the clamp force. The real problem was the casting quality, not the install procedure.

We worked with a Brazilian OEM manufacturer that builds triple trees for the major Japanese motorcycle brands. The reproduction casting is meatier and denser than the factory part, with a more flexible modern aluminum alloy that won’t crack under load. All the factory mount points and dimensions are preserved, so it bolts up exactly like the original.

Specifications

Important: Internal-Spring Forks Only

This triple tree only fits Honda forks with internal springs. Early CB450 and CL450 models (K0–K2) used external-spring forks with a clamp-through triple tree design, which is NOT compatible with this reproduction. If you are not sure which fork architecture your bike has, read our fork identification guide before ordering.

Model-Specific Notes

• CB500T: The factory CB500T triple tree is unique — the key switch bracket is integrated into the casting. This reproduction will work as a replacement on the CB500T, but you will need to fabricate a custom bracket for the key switch and gauge mounting, or use a different style key switch mounted elsewhere.
• CB450 K0–K2 / CL450 K0–K4: Does NOT fit. These early models use external-spring forks with a different triple tree mounting style.
• CB500K (four-cylinder): Does NOT fit. The CB500K uses a different fork architecture (internal spring without dampening rod) with different fork tube dimensions.

What’s in the Kit

• Upper triple tree (1) — Brazilian-made reproduction
• “Space Capsule” polyurethane handlebar dampers (4) — made in USA, replaces the original rubber bushings
• Stainless steel mounting hardware (full set)

Installation

Difficulty: Intermediate

Installation tip: Clean the top of the fork tubes thoroughly and remove all dirt, rust, and corrosion before installing the new triple tree. You may need to loosen the fork tubes in the lower triple clamp to help everything line up properly during install.

Once all the parts align, torque the fasteners as follows:

1. Upper triple tree fork tube clamp bolts: 12 ft-lbs
2. Lower triple tree fork tube clamp bolts: 18 ft-lbs
3. Center steering nut: 60 ft-lbs

While the front end is apart, this is the perfect time to upgrade the loose ball steering bearings to a tapered roller kit (links below).