1979 Honda CBX1000 Custom Motorcycle

Description

Although Honda had enjoyed success with six-cylinder motorcycles on the track as far back as the 1960s, it wasn’t until the late 1970s that the Japanese manufacturer developed a six-pot road-going machine and the new CBX Super Sport helped re-establish the company's position at the forefront of motorcycle technology, competing with domestic and European rivals for the title of the ultimate superbike.  A stressed member of the chassis, the twin-overhead camshaft in-line motor featured a line of six Keihin carburettors and Honda rated the unit at a mighty 103 horsepower, while the six-into-two exhaust system looked equally impressive.  A five-speed gearbox, Comstar alloy wheels and a huge 5.3 gallon fuel tank were all part of the specification sheet, while massive 276mm twin rotor disc brakes up front and a bigger 296mm single disc at the rear kept all that power (not to mention the CBX’s hefty weight) in check.  Performance was certainly impressive and the quarter mile time of 11.36 seconds (at 117.95 mph) superior to any other superbike of the day.  First sold in late 1978, the CBX remained in production until 1982, the flagship of the Honda model line-up.  The respected Cycle magazine described the CBX as a "breakthrough for the Japanese motorcycle industry" and praised its design, concept, and performance.  Numerous custom bikes and bespoke frame builders have designed lighter, better handling bikes to unleash the full potential of the CBX’s monstrous engine, from the Moto Martin of 1980 right through to present day creations like the bike offered here.