Honda CBX
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 79-82 |
| Engine | 1050cc |
| Sparkplug | DR8ESL '82 , '82 D8EA '79 , '80 , '81 |
| Battery | YB18L-A '79 , '80 , '81 , '82 Y50-N18L-A '82 |
| Front Tire | 3.50-19 '79 , '80 , '81 , '82 , '82 |
| Rear Tire | 6690 '79 , '80 130/90-18 '81 , '82 , '82 |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
| Tech Specs · Brochures · Reviews · Ads · Videos | |
The Honda CBX is a motorcycle produced by Honda from 1979 to 1982.
Honda's six-cylinder beast sent the Japanese firm roaring into the 1980s. Honda has never been shy when it comes to showing off its technological prowess. The NR750, Honda CX500 Turbo, Rune and more pay testament to that. But one of its first, biggest and, arguably best moments was the launch of the CBX1000Z six cylinder in 1978.
All Honda's mechanical know-how went into the engine to make the 24-valve, DOHC behemoth a super smooth, torque-laden beast.
It's a shame more technical authority wasn't stamped into the rolling chassis; the lack of braking power didn't mix with a bike that weighed in at 272.1kg fully gassed. As a result, any sporting pretensions didn't last long and soon enough the fully faired CBX1000B/C tourer rolled up complete with monoshock rear suspension and decent brakes to match the performance.
In terms of desirability the first CBX1000Z is the one to go for, preferably in vibrant red rather than the dowdier silver option.
Honda CBX1000Z Specification
- Engine - Air/oil-cooled inline six, 1047cc
- Power - 105 bhp @ 9000rpm
- Top Speed - 130mph
Intro
Late in 1978, Honda uncorked a knockout punch onto the world of motorcycling with the incredible six-cylinder CBX. An early-release 1979 model, the CBX was created with the inspiration and experience derived from Honda's all-conquering six-cylinder RC166 250cc Grand Prix road- racing motorcycle. Both the RC and CBX were the brainstorms of Shoichiro Irimajiri. When Honda unveiled the CBX, it simply exploded conventional notions of what a high-performance motorcycle could be.
With six cylinders fed by as many carburetors, and double-overhead cams operating 24 valves, the air-cooled 1047cc CBX engine pumped out 103 horsepower at the crankshaft. Class-leading 11.55-second quarter-mile times came easily to the CBX. It was the quickest, most powerful production motorcycle the world had ever seen, and an unbelievable technological achievement. With a sweep of its hand, Honda once again established total performance supremacy.
Apart from the awe-inspiring powerplant, the original CBX was fairly conventional in execution, but no less exceptional. A steel backbone frame, along with telescopic fork, twin-shock rear suspension and triple-disc brakes, provided handling prowess that equaled that of the era's best big-bore streetbikes. But, of course, it was that engine, with its amazing power, ethereal smoothness, unforgettable exhaust note and sheer visual theater that made the original CBX such a showstopper.
The American press were overwhelmed by the CBX. Cycle magazine, which published the first road test, had this to say: "The bike is more than fast; it is magic. The exploding glitter of its technical credentials lights up the sky. To know the motorcycle is to know the only rules Honda follows are Honda's own ... it is uncompromised and utterly self-assured, and it is the most exotic, charismatic motorcycle we have ever tested.
"The CBX is an immensely flattering bike with perfect elegance and total class, and history will rank it with those rare and precious motorcycles which will never, ever be forgotten."
Ebullient praise? The CBX deserved every word, and to this day a ride on the CBX is every bit as awe-inspiring.
The CBX had but a short, four-year production run, the first two years as a pure sports machine, and the last two as a sport-touring model with fairing and saddlebags. Despite its excellence, the world wasn't ready for a six-cylinder motorcycle quite yet ¾that would come later, with the introduction of the six-cylinder Gold Wing® in 1988, and the Valkyrie® in 1997.
It was the original 1979 CBX, though, that demonstrated once again the sheer audacity of Honda's engineering. Building a six was one thing, but putting one into mass production, one that lived up to Honda's standards of performance, durability and ease of use, was a marvel. The CBX is one of a long line of Honda motorcycles that amounted to a thrown gauntlet, a two-wheel dare that said, "Top this!" To this day, nobody has.
1979
1979 Honda CBX
1979 Honda CBX
1979 Honda CBX
1979 Honda CBX in Candy Glory Red
1979 Honda CBX in Candy Glory Red
1979 Honda CBX in Candy Glory Red
1979 Honda CBX in Candy Glory Red
1979 Honda CBX in Candy Glory Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Perseur Silver
1979 Honda CBX in Perseur Silver
1979 Honda CBX in Perseur Silver
1979 Honda CBX in Perseur Silver
1979 Honda CBX in Perseur Silver
1979 Honda CBX in Perseur Silver
1979 Honda CBX in Perseur Silver
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
1979 Honda CBX in Red
- 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
- Had 4 row oil cooler.
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. Ealier serial numbers were Japanese built CBX's. CBX production was moved to Maryville, Ohio during 1980.
- Had 5 row oil cooler.
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.
1981 Honda Motorcycle Full-Line Brochure
1982
The CBX'82 Super Sport was sold in 1982 and was available in one color: 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.
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