Difference between revisions of "Honda CB900C"

The '''Honda CB900C''' is a "custom"-styled [[standard]] [[motorcycle]] produced by [[Honda]] from 1980 to 1982.

The slightly modified and larger displacement [[Honda CB1000C|CB1000C]] was produced in 1983 only. It is a derivative of the [[DOHC]] [[Honda CB750K|CB750K]] at the supposed requests of the American consumer, according to ''[[Rider Magazine]]'', March 1980. It is equipped with a handful of features that are unique for its time. These included air assisted suspension front and rear, shaft drive from the [[Honda GL1100|GL1100 Goldwing]] of the same time period, and most notably, a dual range sub-transmission that allows the operator to "split" any of the five gears in the main transmission for a total of ten driveline ratios.  The CB900C is closely related to the [[Honda CB900F]] and the 1983-only [[Honda CB1100F]] (both derivatives of the CB750 line).

Both Rider and Cycle World reviewed this motorcycle in 1980 with varying degrees of disregard and dissatisfaction. The top complaints were the lack of purity in the "custom" styling and its effect on function regarding sport or spirited riding. The soft suspension was recorded as a hindrance to cornering ability as was the highly reactive shaft-drive/sub-transmission combination and the huge mass of the machine in general. Comparisons were made to tractor trailers. The bike garnered some appreciation from Cycle World for its styling and tank design.

The genesis of the CB900C makes it a "parts bin" bike. Honda produced two shaft drive bikes previous to and concurrently with the CB900C. The GL and CX series of touring motorcycles of the time are the source of the final drive and rear suspension assemblies of the CB900C. The European model CB900F supplied the basic frame extended two inches for the sub-transmission, engine, and many other chassis components. Full Hondaline touring equipment (Fairing, Lower Leg Fairings, Saddlebags and Trunk were available from the Honda dealer to make the CB900C a complete Touring Bike.

[[Image:1981_honda_Cb900c.jpg|left|thumb|1981 Honda CB900C]][[Image:1981-Honda-CB900C-MaroonBrown-0.jpg|left|thumb|1981 Honda CB900 Custom in Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic]][[Image:1981-Honda-CB900C-MaroonBrown-1.jpg|left|thumb|1981 Honda CB900 Custom in Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic]][[Image:1981-Honda-CB900C-MaroonBrown-2.jpg|left|thumb|1981 Honda CB900 Custom in Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic]]

[[Image:1982_honda_Cb900c.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C]][[Image:1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-0.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue]][[Image:1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-1.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue]][[Image:1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-2.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue]][[Image:1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-3.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue]][[Image:1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-4.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue]][[Image:1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-5.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue]][[Image:1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-6.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue]]

The CB900C'82 900 Custom was sold in 1982 and was available in one of two color schemes: Candy Muse Red with Candy Antares Red or Candy Empire Blue with Candy Blue. The engine color was black. The front brake discs were slotted with dual piston calipers. The gas tank and side covers were 2-tone. The front forks were leading-axle and air adjustable. The exhaust was a 4-into-4. The transmission was a 5-speed with a dual range sub-transmission thus giving it 10 actual speeds. The engine was a 902cc [[DOHC]] 4-valve inline 4 cylinder with a shaft drive. The serial number began 1HFSC040*CA200101.