Cold Start:
Electrical Walkaround:
In their test of the Honda CB900 Custom, Cycle World called this bike a “Science Fiction Motorcycle: Air Suspension, Two Transmissions, Shaft Drive Drive and More.” Honda dealers were looking for a shaft drive version of the CB750 to compete against Yamaha’s XS750 and Suzuki’s GS850, but the Japanese firm felt that the parasitic drag of a shaft drive would result in a bike that was slower than customers would be happy with. So they started with the 900 instead and the result was a bike that could knock out the quarter mile in 12.29 seconds, just .2 slower than a KZ1000 shaftie.
Honda’s use of the term “Custom” mirrored Yamaha’s use of “Special”, so you got wide bars that came back towards the rider, a low seat with a rise for the passenger, forward pegs, wider rear tire, four exhausts, chrome fenders, and a tapered tank.
Another distinguishing feature was the “double” transmission, which was basically a five speed gearbox with a separate low range. You could cruise around in town in low range with extra pep and then switch to high range to bring revs down about 500 rpm at highway speeds. Functionality like that with ample performance led Cycle World to say: “Honda’s CB900 Custom is a successful motorcycle. No doubt about it. It is fast. It is comfortable. It is also serviceable with the fairing and saddlebags already made for it and the motorcycle designed to accept common touring accessories.”
This example is VIN: SC042001752. The seller acquired it two months ago from the second owner in the Chicago area.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 5 miles. The odometer shows 18,492 miles.
“This bike has had 2 owners previously, the original owner had from 1980 new until 2001 at which time the previous owner purchased it and rode it for 20 years, had it fully serviced and carbs rebuilt in 2021, installed new tires and parked it in his garage and did not ride it again due to business committments until the point I purchased it 2 months ago.”
Maintenance:
“New battery, changed oil and filter and all fluids, checked operation of all electrical systems, checked air suspension systems. This bike has no known mechanical issues and runs and rides as it should, all systems function properly.”
Modifications:
The seller states that this bike is stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop tires with date codes of 0721 and 0721.
The sale includes 1 ignition key and the owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“This bike is in remarkably nice condition even at 46 years old.. There are various scuffs as one would expect but nothing major that sticks out.”
Currently located in Catoosa, Oklahoma, this Honda is offered on a clean Oklahoma title. Have any CB900 Custom stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
