The CBX wasn’t the first production six-cylinder bike (that honor belongs to the Benelli Sei), but it quickly became the standard as a naked superbike with an intoxicating soundtrack. The model debuted in 1979 a decade after Honda forever changed the motorcycling world with the CB750, and the CBX promised another revolution. Honda had also developed a four cylinder 1000cc engine that produced nearly as much power for the CBX but thankfully went ahead with the six cylinder version gifting the motorcycle world another gem of Honda engineering.
It was big and brutal – the engine alone weighed 233 pounds, while the whole package was just under 600 pounds wet. For the last two years of production (1981 and 1982) Honda decided the CBX had a better chance of success in the market as a sport-tourer. The motor was detuned but everything else got beefier – the frame was strengthened to support the installation of a fairing and hard luggage. To cope with the extra weight Honda also added bigger dual front brake discs, 39mm air forks, and a Pro-Link monoshock.
According to Rider Magazine “This was a minor marvel of motorcycling when the original version was unveiled in 1978 as a 1979 model, more than 40 years ago. Six cylinders, six carburetors, 24 valves, two overhead camshafts and more than 100 crankshaft horsepower—the CBX Super Sport was going to dominate the sport bike scene.”
Manufactured in August 1981 this example is VIN: SC0603CC401804.
The odometer shows 7,976 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. We replaced the battery, changed the oil and filter, cleaned and lined the fuel tank, cleaned and synced the carbs, replaced the fork seals, performed a hydro flush, repaired a broken seat bracket, and replaced the fuel petcock. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok, Professionally Cleaned
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A, Air cooled
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable Clutch
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 95%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 44/18
Tire Date Code Rear: 47/17
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 42 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.5V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.2V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2.4 Miles, unit operates as designed
Modifications:
The bike appears to be all stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Shinko Tour Master tires which have aged out with date codes of 4717 and 4418.
The sale includes three keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean Florida title. Have any CBX stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
