Honda CBX: history, specs, pictures

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Honda CBX.jpg
Honda CBX1000
Manufacturer
Also called CBX 1000, Honda CBX
Production 1978 - 1982
Class Superbike
Engine
1047cc Air cooled, four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore / Stroke 63.5mm x 63.5mm
Compression ratio 9.3:1
Top Speed 129 mph (208 km/h)
Horsepower 97.89 HP (73.0 KW) @ 9000RPM
Torque 52.37 ft/lbs (71.0 Nm) @ 6500RPM
Fuel System 6x28mm Keihin Carburetors
Spark Plug NGK DR8ESL '82 , '82
NGK D8EA '79 , '80 , '81
Battery YUASA YB18L-A '79 , '80 , '81 , '82
YUASA Y50-N18L-A '82
Transmission Gear box: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Final Drive Chain: 530x108
Front Sprocket 18T
Rear Sprocket 42T
Suspension Front: Air assisted forks
Rear: Pro-Link Adjustable dual damping swing arm
Brakes Front: 2x276mm discs
Rear: Single 296mm disc
Front Tire 3.50-V19
Rear Tire 4.25-V18
Weight 300.0 kg (wet)
Oil Filter K&N KN-401
Recommended Oil Honda GN4 10W-40
Fuel Capacity 5.81 Gallon (22.00 Liters)
Related Honda CBX1000
Honda CBX750
Honda CBX650
Honda CBX400F
Honda CBX250RS
Honda CBX750P
Honda CBX550
Competition Kawasaki KZ1300A
Yamaha VMX1200
Manuals Service Manual

Brochures · Reviews ·


The Honda CBX 1000 was a Air cooled, four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder Naked motorcycle produced by Honda in 1978. Max torque was 52.37 ft/lbs (71.0 Nm) @ 6500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 98.03 HP (73.1 KW) @ 9000 RPM.


Intro[edit | edit source]

Honda CBX
Engine closeup


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.


Overview[edit | edit source]

CBX1000Z

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.

Engine[edit | edit source]

A 63.5mm bore x 63.5mm stroke result in a displacement of just 1047.0 cubic centimeters.

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 5 Speed transmission.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 3.50-V19 front tire and a 4.25-V18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 2x276mm discs in the front and a Single 296mm disc in the rear. The front suspension was a Air assisted forks while the rear was equipped with a Adjustable dual damping swing arm.



Honda CBX1000Z Specification[edit | edit source]

  • Engine - Air/oil-cooled inline six, 1047cc
  • Power - 105 bhp @ 9000rpm
  • Top Speed - 130mph


1979[edit | edit source]


  • 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[edit | edit source]


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. Earlier serial numbers were Japanese built CBX's. CBX production was moved to Maryville, Ohio during 1980.

  • Had 5 row oil cooler.

1981[edit | edit source]


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[edit | edit source]


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.

Videos[edit | edit source]

In Media[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

In Media[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]


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