Description
Additional photos of this Honda CBX are available here for your perusal.
In the late 70s, the big four Japanese companies kicked off a horsepower war that by stuffing increasingly larger engines into their usual frames. When it came to Big Red’s turn, Honda decided to push boundaries and utilize their first 6-cylinder engine in a production motorcycle. Benelli actually beat Honda to the punch in terms of 6-cylinder bikes, but the Honda CBX1000 was easily the most technologically advanced bike of its day – and with a 1/4 mile trap speed of 117.95 @ 11.36 seconds, it was the fastest, too.
In a 1978 review, Cycle Guide said “The CBX is the Vincent Black Shadow of 1979.” The Honda CBX1000 only lasted for five years, but just like the Vincent, it led to a new wave of sports-oriented motorcycles. A 6.1 gallon tank was necessary as the 6 individual carbs and monster power led to mpg figures in the 20s.
This CBX (VIN: CB1-2006136) has covered 18,946 miles. It’s offered by Ray Blank, the former Senior Vice President of the Motorcycle Division at American Honda (retired), and as such it was maintained by American Honda’s shop and lovingly appreciated. Ray believes he is the third owner, and he’s owned it for over 27 years. It is offered with a clean California title that is currently on non-op.
CBXs sold in the US had mid-control pegs and taller handlebars than the Euro counterparts, but customers could source a “Sport Kit”, also known as the Euro GP kit. Said kit is equipped on this machine, and it includes shorter bars, a throttle assembly with cables coming out of the top, new turn signal (has to be replaced because of shorter wiring harness), as well as shorter throttle/choke/clutch cables.
The Sport Kit also includes footpeg plates that set the pegs back 2-3 inches, and a revised shifter, linkage, and brake pedal. Click here for an unboxing video of a NOS Sport Kit if you want to learn more!
The seller recently had a new battery put in and a new cover installed on the original seat.
The sale includes the shop manual, a period copy of Honda RedRider, and some other marketing materials.
The first year of the CBX is the one you want – the bike lost 14 horsepower the next year and eventually evolved into a sport-tourer that lost some of the initial insanity that Honda shocked the market with. With the Sport Kit, this beautiful example is even better to enjoy on the road.
