Replacement Mufflers | Honda CB450 / CB500T
Replacement mufflers for Honda CB450 K0-K7 (1965-1974) and CB500T (1975-1976). These mufflers provide a period-correct stock-style appearance with a straight, symmetrical design that fits both left and right sides. Sold as a pair. Does not qualify for free shipping.
Why You Need This
Original CB450 mufflers rust through from the inside out. After 50+ years, most are pitted, perforated, or falling apart. Finding a usable original pair is difficult and expensive. These replacement mufflers are a clean, affordable alternative to rusted-out factory originals or costly full aftermarket exhaust systems. While not an exact reproduction, they look period correct and fit well. They restore proper back pressure, which improves engine performance over open pipes.
Specifications
| Fits Models | Honda CB450 K0–K7 (1965–1974), CB500T (1975–1976) |
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| Design | Straight, symmetrical — left and right sides are interchangeable |
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| Quantity | Sold as a pair (2 mufflers) |
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| Mounting | Slip-on — slides over stock header pipes |
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| Style | Period-correct stock appearance |
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Important Notes
- Universal design: These mufflers are a universal fitment intended to work across multiple bikes. The inner diameter is slightly larger than the CB450/CB500T header pipe outer diameter. A proper seal requires shimming (see Installation section below).
- OEM graphite gaskets do not fit: The factory graphite exhaust pipe gaskets will not fit these mufflers — the muffler inner diameter is smaller than the factory muffler-to-pipe joint. Use the aluminum-can gasket method described below instead.
- CB360 mufflers are different: CB360 models use a slightly up-swept, left-and-right-specific muffler. CB360 mufflers will not fit the CB350 or CB450. Make sure you are ordering the correct muffler for your model.
- Stop ring clearance: When installing, make sure the end of the muffler is flush with — but not covering — the stop ring welded on the header pipe. If the muffler covers the stop ring, the clamp cannot tighten enough to seal.
Model-Specific Notes
- CB450 K0–K7 (1965–1974): All CB450 variants use straight, symmetrical mufflers. Left and right are interchangeable. The exhaust pipe on the CB450 is constructed of double-walled steel tubing to reduce heat transfer.
- CB500T (1975–1976): Uses the same straight muffler style as the CB450. Direct fit on stock CB500T header pipes.
- CL450 Scrambler: The CL450 uses high-mount scrambler-style exhaust with different muffler geometry. These replacement mufflers are designed for the low-mount CB-style exhaust only.
Installation
- Remove the stock muffler clamps and slide off the old mufflers.
- Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the header pipes where the mufflers slide on — this makes future removal much easier.
- If you are refreshing the whole exhaust system, replace the copper exhaust gaskets between the header pipes and cylinder head for a proper seal.
- Sealing the muffler-to-pipe joint: Since the OEM graphite gaskets do not fit these mufflers, use the aluminum-can gasket method. Cut a panel from a soda or beer can, wrap 2–3 layers of aluminum around the end of the header pipe, and secure with one or two zip ties. Slide the muffler over the aluminum sleeve, clip the zip ties, and finish the installation.
- Slide both mufflers onto the header pipes. Do not tighten anything yet — get both mufflers loosely positioned with all mounting points aligned before snugging any bolts.
- Once everything is lined up, tighten the muffler clamps and mounting bolts in stages for proper alignment.
- For the most secure connection and leak-free seal, upgrade to stainless steel T-bolt clamps, which grip better than the clamps included with the mufflers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop these mufflers from leaking at the pipe joint?
The most effective method is wrapping the header pipe end with 2–3 layers of aluminum cut from a soda or beer can before sliding on the muffler. Make sure the muffler end is flush with — but not covering — the stop ring welded on the pipe, so the clamp can tighten fully. Upgrading to stainless steel T-bolt clamps also improves the seal significantly over the included clamps.
Can I use these with aftermarket headers or a full exhaust system?
These mufflers are designed to slip over the stock CB450 / CB500T header pipes. If you have aftermarket headers, check the pipe diameter at the muffler joint to confirm fitment before ordering.
Are these left and right specific?
No. The CB450 / CB500T replacement mufflers use a straight, symmetrical design — both mufflers are identical and interchangeable left to right. This is different from CB360 mufflers, which are left-and-right specific with an up-swept design.
Do I need new exhaust gaskets when replacing mufflers?
If you are removing the header pipes to install these mufflers, yes — replace the copper exhaust gaskets at the cylinder head ports. Note that the OEM graphite gaskets (which sit at the pipe-to-muffler joint on factory systems) will not fit these replacement mufflers.
Will these fit a CL450 Scrambler?
No. The CL450 uses high-mount scrambler-style exhaust. These mufflers are designed for the low-mount CB-style exhaust on the CB450 and CB500T only.
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Questions about exhaust fitment for your specific CB450 or CB500T? Contact us — we are happy to help.
Last updated: March 2026
