Difference between revisions of "Honda CB900C"

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{{Motorcycle
|name            = Honda CB900C
|photo            = 1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-0.jpg
|aka              =
|manufacturer    = [[Honda]]
|parent_company  =
|production      = 80-82
|model_year      =
|predecessor      =
|successor        =
|class            =
|engine          = 902cc air-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline four
|bore_stroke      =
|compression      =
|top_speed        = 132mph
|power            =
|torque          =
|ignition        =
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|NGK DR8ES}} '80-82
|battery          = {{battery|YUASA YB14L-A2}} '80-82
|transmission    =
|final_drive= Shaft
|frame            =
|suspension      =
|brakes          =
|front_tire      = {{tire|110/90-19}} '80-82
|rear_tire    = {{tire|130/90-16}} '80-82
|rake_trail      =
|wheelbase        =
|length          =
|width            =
|height          =
|seat_height      =
|dry_weight      =
|wet_weight      = 588lb
|fuel_capacity    =
|oil_capacity    =
|oil_filter      = K&N KN-401
|recommended_oil  = Honda GN4 10w40
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius  =
|related          = [[Honda CB900F]]<br />[[Honda CB1000C]]
|competition      = [[Suzuki GS850]]<br /> [[Suzuki GS1100GL]]<br /> [[Yamaha XS1100]]
}}
The '''Honda CB900C''' is a "custom"-styled [[standard]] [[motorcycle]] produced by [[Honda]] from 1980 to 1982.  It used the engine from the [[Honda CB900F]] and transplanted into a factory "custom" cruiser.
==History==
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).
An air/oil cooled DOHC 902cc engine with 4 32&nbsp;mm Keihin CV carburetors and electronic pointless ignition produces 84 BHP @ 8500 RPM. Front suspension relies on air pressure for preload while the rear relies more on air for the actual spring action. Three disk brakes arrest the momentum of the considerable curb weight as listed in the Honda FSM (Factory Service Manual) as 611 pounds or 277&nbsp;kg.
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 [[:Category:Honda GL series|GL]] and [[:Category:Honda CX series|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.
The Sub-transmission is used as a "jack shaft". That is, in order for Honda to use the CB900F engine in conjunction with the GL swingarm and final shaft drive, power must be taken from the CB900F's left hand power take off and transferred to the GL's right hand side final drive shaft. The "Jack Shaft" was given 2 gear ranges ranges at relatively low cost.  Most CB900C riders use the 2-Speed Transmission more like 6th gear overdrive. Leaving the bike in low range while shifting through the normal 5 gears, then shifting into high range once up to speed on highway, reducing engine rpm significantly at touring speeds.
Despite the lackluster treatment of the bike by the media some 27 years ago, the CB900 Custom has gained a small cult following. This phenomenon is not due to any one particular attribute of the cycle, but rather to a culmination of appreciation for its uniqueness (10 speeds), styling, comfort, reliability, and ample power output. "It looks like a bike should look," says a member of the "CB900C CB1000C Custom Club" on Yahoo! groups (well over 2,000 members strong). The CB900C CB1000C Custom Club had been around in its current form since September 14, 2000 and existed on many other forums for several years before settling on the Yahoo! Groups forum. One of main reasons for the clubs existence is to help owners get as many of these bikes as possible back on the road.
==1980==
==1980==
[[Image:1980_honda_Cb900c.jpg|left|thumb|1980 Honda CB900C]]
[[Image:1980_honda_Cb900c.jpg|left|thumb|1980 Honda CB900C]]
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==1981==
==1981==
[[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: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]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


The CB900C'81 900 Custom was sold in 1981 and was available in one of two color schemes: Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic or Cosmo Black Metallic with Blue Metallic. 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*BA100004
The CB900C'81 900 Custom was sold in 1981 and was available in one of two color schemes: Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic or Cosmo Black Metallic with Blue Metallic. 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*BA100004
[[Media:1981-Honda-Motorcycles.pdf|1981 Honda Motorcycle Full-Line Brochure]]


==1982==
==1982==
[[Image:1982_honda_Cb900c.jpg|left|thumb|1982 Honda CB900C]]
[[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]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


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.
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 [[caliper]]s. 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.
 
{{motorcycle-stub}}
{{Honda CB}}


[[Category:Honda motorcycles|CB900C]]
[[Category:Honda motorcycles|CB900C]]
{{motorcycle-stub}}
[[Category:Honda CB series]]

Revision as of 17:41, 10 July 2019

1982-Honda-CB900C-Blue-4016-0.jpg
Honda CB900C
Manufacturer
[[Honda]]
Production 80-82
Engine
902cc air-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline four
Top Speed 132mph
Spark Plug NGK DR8ES '80-82
Battery YUASA YB14L-A2 '80-82
Final Drive Shaft
Front Tire 110/90-19 '80-82
Rear Tire 130/90-16 '80-82
Weight 588lb (wet)
Oil Filter K&N KN-401
Recommended Oil Honda GN4 10w40
Related Honda CB900F
Honda CB1000C
Competition Suzuki GS850
Suzuki GS1100GL
Yamaha XS1100
Manuals Service Manual

Brochures ·

The Honda CB900C is a "custom"-styled standard motorcycle produced by Honda from 1980 to 1982. It used the engine from the Honda CB900F and transplanted into a factory "custom" cruiser.


History

The slightly modified and larger displacement CB1000C was produced in 1983 only. It is a derivative of the DOHC 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 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).

An air/oil cooled DOHC 902cc engine with 4 32 mm Keihin CV carburetors and electronic pointless ignition produces 84 BHP @ 8500 RPM. Front suspension relies on air pressure for preload while the rear relies more on air for the actual spring action. Three disk brakes arrest the momentum of the considerable curb weight as listed in the Honda FSM (Factory Service Manual) as 611 pounds or 277 kg.

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.

The Sub-transmission is used as a "jack shaft". That is, in order for Honda to use the CB900F engine in conjunction with the GL swingarm and final shaft drive, power must be taken from the CB900F's left hand power take off and transferred to the GL's right hand side final drive shaft. The "Jack Shaft" was given 2 gear ranges ranges at relatively low cost. Most CB900C riders use the 2-Speed Transmission more like 6th gear overdrive. Leaving the bike in low range while shifting through the normal 5 gears, then shifting into high range once up to speed on highway, reducing engine rpm significantly at touring speeds.

Despite the lackluster treatment of the bike by the media some 27 years ago, the CB900 Custom has gained a small cult following. This phenomenon is not due to any one particular attribute of the cycle, but rather to a culmination of appreciation for its uniqueness (10 speeds), styling, comfort, reliability, and ample power output. "It looks like a bike should look," says a member of the "CB900C CB1000C Custom Club" on Yahoo! groups (well over 2,000 members strong). The CB900C CB1000C Custom Club had been around in its current form since September 14, 2000 and existed on many other forums for several years before settling on the Yahoo! Groups forum. One of main reasons for the clubs existence is to help owners get as many of these bikes as possible back on the road.

1980

1980 Honda CB900C


The CB900C'80 900 Custom was sold in 1980 and was available in one of two color: Candy Muse Red or Candy Poseidon Blue. The pinstripes were gold and red. 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 SC04-2000046.

1981

1981 Honda CB900C
1981 Honda CB900 Custom in Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic
1981 Honda CB900 Custom in Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic
1981 Honda CB900 Custom in Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic


The CB900C'81 900 Custom was sold in 1981 and was available in one of two color schemes: Candy Muse Red with Brown Metallic or Cosmo Black Metallic with Blue Metallic. 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*BA100004

1981 Honda Motorcycle Full-Line Brochure

1982

1982 Honda CB900C
1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue
1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue
1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue
1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue
1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue
1982 Honda CB900C in Candy Empire Blue
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.