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
| Spec | Detail |
|---|
| Replaces OEM Part Numbers | 53230-319-305, 53230-375-010 |
| Fits Models | CB450K3 (1970), CB450K4 (1971), CB450K5 (1972), CB450K6 (1973), CB450K7 (1974), CL450K5 (1972–1973), CL450K6 (1974), CB500T (1975–1976) |
| Material | Modern aluminum alloy, denser casting than original |
| Manufacturing | Made in Brazil by an OEM triple tree producer |
| Sold As | Complete kit with triple tree, Space Capsule handlebar dampers, and stainless mounting hardware |
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:
- Upper triple tree fork tube clamp bolts: 12 ft-lbs
- Lower triple tree fork tube clamp bolts: 18 ft-lbs
- 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).
The video above covers both our CB350/CB360 and CB450 replacement triple trees — why the factory castings fail, what makes our reproduction better, and what comes in the kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my triple tree is cracked?
Cracks usually appear at the fork tube clamp areas, where the casting pinches the fork tubes. Look for hairline cracks running away from the clamp bolts toward the body of the casting. On many CB450 bikes the original castings cracked even when the bolts were torqued correctly — don't assume yours is fine just because nothing has come loose yet.
Will this fit my 1971 CL450?
Only if your bike has the later internal-spring forks. A 1971 CL450 could be a K1 or an early K3 depending on build date. The K1 uses external-spring forks (not compatible). The K3 uses internal-spring forks (compatible). Check our fork architecture guide to identify yours before ordering.
Does this fit a CB500K (four-cylinder)?
No. The CB500K uses a different fork architecture (internal spring without dampening rod, similar to the CB550 and CB750) and the fork tube dimensions are different. This triple tree is for the CB450 / CL450 twin-cylinder family and the CB500T.
Do I need any other parts to install this?
No extra parts are required for a basic install. The kit includes the triple tree, the Space Capsule handlebar dampers, and the stainless mounting hardware. Most riders use the job as an opportunity to also upgrade the steering bearings (links below).
Why did the original Honda triple trees crack?
The factory casting was a brittle aluminum alloy that cracked under normal riding load even when the clamp bolts were torqued correctly. Honda originally thought over-tightening was the cause and shipped little D-shaped washers to limit clamp force, but the real problem was the casting quality. Our reproduction uses a denser, more flexible modern aluminum alloy.
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Last updated: April 2026
