Honda CBX
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. ST100, ST1300 Pan European).
1979
* Available colors: Perseur Silver or Candy Glory Red * The tank and fenders were the basic color (silver or red) * The side covers were black * The comstar wheels were silver * The speedometer had a 150 mph (240 km) limit * The exhaust system was a 6-into-2. * There were 6 carburetors. * The engine was a 1047cc DOHC 4-valve inline six linked to a 5-speed transmission and a chain drive. * The serial number began CB1-2000042
1980
The CBX'80 Super Sport was sold in 1980 and was available in one of two colors: Candy Glory Red or Black. The comstar wheels were black. The speedometer had a 85 mph (135 kph) limit. The front forks were air-adjustable. The exhaust system was a 6-into-2. There were 6 carburetors. The engine was a 1047cc DOHC 4-valve inline six linked to a 5-speed transmission and a chain drive. The serial number began SC03-2100021
1981
The CBX'81 Super Sport was sold in 1981 and was available in one color: Magnum Silver Metallic. The fairing and saddlebags were color matched to the Silver color. The stripes were black bordered with red pinstripes. The front brakes were internally ventilated. The rear saddlebags were detachable. The rear suspension were pro-link. The comstar wheels were black. The speedometer had a 85 mph (135 kph) limit. The front forks were air-adjustable. The exhaust system was a 6-into-2. There were 6 carburetors. The engine was a 1047cc DOHC 4-valve inline six linked to a 5-speed transmission and a chain drive. The serial number began JH2SC060*BC300004.
1982
The CBX'82 Super Sport was sold in 1982 and was available in one colors: Pearl Altair White. The fairing and saddlebags were color matched to the White color. The stripes were black, dark blue, and light blue. There was a black aluminum rear grip pipe behind the seat. The front brakes were internally ventilated. The rear saddlebags were detachable. The rear suspension were pro-link. The comstar wheels were black. The speedometer had a 85 mph (135 kph) limit. The front forks were air-adjustable. The exhaust system was a 6-into-2. There were 6 carburetors. The engine was a 1047cc DOHC 4-valve inline six linked to a 5-speed transmission and a chain drive. The serial number began JH2SC060*CC400001.