1987 Honda Rebel 450 Manual

The 1987 Honda Rebel 450 is a lightweight cruiser motorcycle featuring a 447cc parallel-twin engine, 5-speed transmission, chain final drive, electric start, drum brakes front and rear, and a low seat height ideal for beginner riders. This manual covers safety precautions, maintenance schedules, operational procedures, troubleshooting, and technical specifications for proper ownership and care.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Pre-Ride Inspection 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Basic Maintenance Procedures 8. Troubleshooting 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 447cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine, 5-speed transmission, chain final drive, electric start with kickstart backup, drum brakes front and rear.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	447cc air-cooled parallel-twin
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Chain
Starting System	Electric with kickstart backup
Brakes Front/Rear	Drum brakes
Fuel Capacity	2.4 gallons
Seat Height	27.2 inches
Weight	394 lbs (wet)
Frame Type	Steel double cradle
Suspension	Telescopic fork front, dual shocks rear

Safety Precautions

Always wear proper protective gear and follow traffic laws.

Wear helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Check motorcycle condition before each ride.
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Follow all traffic laws and ride defensively.

WARNING! Motorcycles offer no crash protection; ride with extreme caution. Always use turn signals and check mirrors.

Pre-Ride Inspection

Perform these checks before every ride:

Tires: Check pressure and condition for wear/damage.
Brakes: Test front and rear brake operation.
Lights: Verify headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Fluids: Check engine oil level, fuel level, coolant if applicable.
Chain: Check tension and lubrication.
Controls: Test throttle, clutch, brake levers for smooth operation.

CAUTION! Never ride with worn tires or insufficient brake function.

Specifications

Engine: 447cc air-cooled parallel-twin, 4-stroke
Bore x Stroke: 70.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1
Fuel System: Two 26mm constant velocity carburetors
Ignition: CDI electronic ignition
Transmission: 5-speed, wet multi-plate clutch
Final Drive: Chain, 15T/37T sprockets
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork, 5.1 inches travel
Suspension Rear: Dual shocks, 3.5 inches travel
Brakes Front: 230mm drum
Brakes Rear: 180mm drum
Tires Front: 3.60-19
Tires Rear: 130/90-16

Controls and Operation

Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, turn signals, horn, headlight dimmer. Right Handlebar: Front brake lever, throttle, engine kill switch, electric start.

Instrument Cluster: Speedometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, turn signal indicators, high beam indicator.

Starting Procedure: Turn key ON, ensure in neutral (green light), pull choke if cold, press start button. Shifting: Pull clutch, shift gears sequentially (1-N-2-3-4-5).

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Item	Every 600 mi	Every 4,000 mi	Every 8,000 mi
Engine Oil	Change	Change	Change
Oil Filter	-	Replace	Replace
Air Filter	Inspect	Clean/Replace	Replace
Spark Plugs	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Chain	Adjust/Lube	Adjust/Lube	Adjust/Lube
Brakes	Inspect	Inspect/Adjust	Inspect/Adjust
Tires	Inspect	Inspect	Inspect

Basic Maintenance Procedures

Engine Oil Change: Warm engine, drain oil, replace filter, refill with 2.7 quarts 10W-40 motorcycle oil.

Chain Adjustment: Check slack (1-1.5 inches), adjust rear axle.
Spark Plugs: Remove old plugs, gap to 0.028-0.031 inches, install new plugs.
Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam filter in solvent, re-oil and reinstall.
Brake Adjustment: Adjust brake lever/cable free play at handlebar and brake arm.
Tire Pressure: Maintain 28 psi front, 32 psi rear (rider only).

WARNING! Use only recommended fluids and parts. Overtightening can damage components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, battery	Check fuel level, spark plugs, battery charge, kill switch position
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, carburetion	Clean air filter, check carburetor settings, fuel flow
Hard shifting	Clutch adjustment, oil	Adjust clutch cable, check oil level and condition
Brakes weak	Worn pads, adjustment	Inspect brake shoes, adjust brake cables
Chain noise	Loose chain, lack of lube	Adjust chain tension, clean and lubricate

Note: For complex issues, consult authorized Honda dealer.

Storage Guidelines

For long-term storage (over 30 days):

Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
Change engine oil and filter
Remove battery and store on tender
Clean and lubricate chain
Inflate tires to proper pressure
Cover motorcycle and store in dry place

CAUTION! Storing with old oil can cause engine damage. Stabilize fuel to prevent varnish.

Warranty Information

Original 1987 Honda Rebel 450 came with 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Current owners should consult local Honda dealers for vintage motorcycle support. For parts and service, contact authorized Honda dealerships or visit www.honda.com. Keep maintenance records for resale value.