|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| [[Image:Honda CBX.jpg|thumb|300px|Honda CBX]]
| |
| [[Image:Honda CBX Engine Detail.jpg|thumb|300px|Engine closeup]]
| |
| Honda's mighty CBX was introduced in [[1978]] with a lot of technical fanfare. It was not the first motorcycle to be powered by a six-cylinder engine, but it was the latest and the most advanced entry into the hotly contested superbike battle being fought by the Japanese manufacturers.
| |
|
| |
|
| Despite its impressive brawn and intimidating six-pipe exhaust system, the CBX never really caught on with the street-racing crowd. Some competitors were cheaper, lighter, and (more importantly) quicker. So the big Honda was often dismissed as being more show than go.
| |
|
| |
| Failing to capture its intended audience, Honda switched gears and headed the CBX into the sport-touring category. Adding a sleek fairing and custom-fitted saddlebags transformed the six-cylinder machine into an impressive road bike, its smooth engine produced effortless cruising at better than 160 km/h (100 mph).
| |
|
| |
| Comfort also came from its air-adjustable shocks and forks which could be tuned to the demands of the rider. Honda decided that dual stainless-alloy ventilated front rotors (a first for the motorcyle industry) were needed to stop its 309 kg (680 pound) weight.
| |
|
| |
| Although it lasted only five years, its style did give birth both to Honda's sport bikes and to its [[Honda ST series]] (viz. [[Honda ST1100|ST100]], [[Honda ST1300|ST1300 Pan European]]).
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|