Honda CBX

[isiahstites]

Last week I sold and delivered my custom chopper to guy in L.A. who is shipping it to his friend in Japan. His friend owns a custom bike shop in Japan. I thought that it was really cool someone half way around the world liked my chopper and wanted it for his own personal ride.

I am now offically in the planning stages of the next build. I have gone back and fourth from evo, buell, sporty, CBX and even considered a beemer for a motor. Im not 100% but I am pretty sure my next build is going to be a CBX six cyclinder. Anyone ever own one before? I saw a very nice looking CBX in this issue of Cycle World based on a sport bike frame. So what is everyones thoughts on the CBX? Just looking for any postive or negative feedback on the drivetrain as that is all I will using if I decide to build one. I am thinking along the lines a prostreet/drag bike.


Scott

[Dallara]

~


Ah, yes...

CBX's.

One of my favorite bikes of all time. I've owned three - one 1979 and two 1980 models... Silver '79, one red and one black '80 each. All were spectacular. There really never has ever been, before or since, a motorcycle engine that was anything like a CBX.

Kawasaki 1300 sixes seem like agricultural products compared to one, and Benelli's six felt more like a 500 Honda four (from which it was derived from) than it did a six.

No engine, IMHO, has as much real individual character as the Honda CBX. There are lots of different types of V-Twins around, and inline fours, V-Fours, etc... But only one CBX. Designed by the very same man who designed the world-beating Honda GP 250 and 350 class sixes, Shoichiro Irimajiri, the engine has a presence, an aura, of power and sophistication... even when it's not running.

Believe it or not, they are pretty much bulletproof if anywhere near stock, and actually not that hard to work on or maintain. Sure, it takes a while to check valve clearances and replace any shims if necessary, but only half again as much as an inline four. Interestingly enough it doesn't really take any more time to synch the carbs - that is as long as you have a six-gauge rack (or six tube manometer...). It takes just minutes to adjust both cam chain tensioners, an doil and filter changes are a breeze.

The clutches can be fragile, but only if you throw a bunch of dragstrip style starts at 'em. In normal operation they are perfectly reliable. The alternator clutch (yes, there is a clutch for the alternator... I'll be happy to elaborate on this if you wish) can squeal and act a bit funny form time to time, but this is easy to fix. Alternator brushes wear out pretty quick on CBX's - in about 10,000 miles, or roughly twice as quick as CB-750 and 900-F' of the same period (which also use the same brushes) - but they are cheap and readily available, and an absolute snap to change.

The engine itself, thanks to putting the alternator, etc. behind the cylinders, is actually only about an inch wider than a CB-750/900-F. But still since this width is all cylinders this can look pretty intimidating. These cylinders are both the engine's greatest safety factor, and its most expensive drawback...

Just like a BMW Boxer motor, if you fall the cylinders act as great crash bars to protect your legs... However, and sort of crash at any sort of speed is just about guaranteed to break the crankcases and/or bend the end of the crankshaft. From what I hear CBX crankcase sets and crankshafts are beginning to get pretty scarce...

1979 engines were the fastest, and the early 1979's were the only ones that came with the aluminum tanks and aluminum spoked ComStar wheels. Later CBX's from mid to late 1979 onward, had steel tanks and steel ComStar wheel spokes. 1980's had the best chassis, thanks to a bigger steering head with tapered head bearings, larger diameter forks, stronger triple clamps, longer fork bushings, etc. up front... Out back was a larger swingarm pivot bolt and a swingarm riding on roller bearings (instead of bushings), stronger swingarm, and vastly improved rear shocks. Honda scrapped about 10 HP of the 1980 models, though, for fear that governments were going to limit horsepower... This could be recovered by simply fitting a 1979 part number ignition advance control unit, but these quickly dried up as the part number was superseded to the newer 1980/81/82 advance unit.

Stock mufflers rust out on CBX's pretty easily, and a good set of stock pipes now brings as much as $4,000 or so!!!

All in all they were spectacular, and completely unrivaled motorcycles... And even to this day they draw stares and tons of questions wherever one parks.

I think it's a great place to start for a *Special*, and I hope you do decide to go that way. I, for one, would love to see it!!! :eusa_clap:

If you have any specific questions about 'em I will be happy to help with whatever knowledge I have.

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara)




~

[isiahstites]

WOW Allan!! That was an awesome post, thank you!! I appreciate all of the info you provided. I have been posting this up on several forums and have been getting great response! The response is really starting to take my idea and turn it into something I wanted to do just to be different into something I must do!

I already have a possible lead on a frame and am waiting for a return phone call. I will post as I find out info.

One thing for sure is everyone agrees the 79' model is the way to go. I have been looking and these bikes I bringing in some nice cash for a bike that is inbetween the ages of 24-27 years of age.

Scott

[isiahstites]

A few pics

[isiahstites]

Here are a few more that I really like alot, however I will not be building anything close that resembles these bikes. And of course the one in the months issue of CW is by the far the best I have seen yet.

Scott

[Dallara]

~


http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=295&d=1163796972


That's a 1980... Black was only available in 1980 (silver and red in 1979, black and red in 1980), but you can also spot it by the "inside-out" black painted wheel spokes. You can also tell it has the bigger forks.

Honestly, I wouldn't fret it whether the engine you started with was a 1979 or 1980, or even an '81 or '82... Particularly if you are going to put it in another frame. IMHO, the 1980 had, by far, the best frame/chassis/suspension. The later 1981 and '82 Pro-Link single-shock rear end models got a LOT heavier, and the wheelbase grew so long that it made it a bear to turn (I was a Honda dealer back in those days and I got to ride all of them - I would never have bought either the '81 or '82). 1979's may have had the best engine... At least on paper, but in the real world it was sure hard to tell any power difference between the '79's and 1980 models.

For me, the handling superiority of the 1980 was more than worth the slight reduction in power, and essentially the 1980, 1981, and 1982 motors are identical power output wise.

One thing you might note for building a *Special*...

The 1979 and 1980 CBX's had an all silver engine finish. Crankcases on those Honda's were actually painted silver, right over the bare aluminum.

However, on the 1981 and 1982 engines the cases were painted black, and the cyclinders were black with polished fins, etc. Some prefer the blacked-out engine treatment of these later models when building a one-off.

Just FYI...

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara)




~

[isiahstites]

~


http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=295&d=1163796972



One thing you might note for building a *Special*...

The 1979 and 1980 CBX's had an all silver engine finish. Crankcases on those Honda's were actually painted silver, right over the bare aluminum.

However, on the 1981 and 1982 engines the cases were painted black, and the cyclinders were black with polished fins, etc. Some prefer the blacked-out engine treatment of these later models when building a one-off.

Just FYI...

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara)




~


More great info, thanks! I prefer the black engine, however if end up with a 79-80' I could always paint it myself. Not something I would like to do, but I probably would anyways to make everything look brand new like the rest of the bike.

What are your thoughts as far as building the motor up a bit?? Nothing major! Maybe some higher performance carbs, air cleaners, ignition and a hotter cam set-up.

Scott

[isiahstites]

This one is pretty nice! Im sure it will go for around 10k.

Scott

[fotomoto]

This one is pretty nice! Im sure it will go for around 10k.

Scott

I had a beater '79 project bike a few years back.

Con's: Parts prices are getting nutty and I quickly found it cost prohibitive to get it back cosmetically to a nice resto-rod condition I wanted. As Allan said, the stock frame was a weak link. Crossing the center line on a crowned highway would get my worn out bike into a nice weave!:dance: To pull the carbs with a stock airbox, you had to partially drop the motor! To do this you had to remove the 6-1-2 exhaust that weight a ba-jillion pounds and was a total bee-otch to re-install by one's self. Hence, aftermarket air filters were/are a great mod for those who play with jetting as they have the necessary clearance to skip all the above and just pull the carbs. Forget modern radial rubber if you keep the stock rims; of course that's for any old bike not just a CBX.

Pros: Nothing and I mean nothing sounds like a piped (6-1) and jetted CBX motor on the boil. If will absolutely raise the hair on your nutz. The common description is "ferrari like". Even today, it still makes respectable power with really good roll on manners. Back in the day, it was described as a top end power band but it rev's out at 9.5k which is mid-range for todays' high winders. As Allan said, the motors are pretty bullet proof in stock form. Unless you get raped on the buy price, you'll most likely not lose money owning one.


Allan can probably handle most, if not all, of your technical motor questions but there is a great cbx mail list too. They know vendors with NOS and replica parts. We watched one of the list members clock an astonding 176mph here at the Texas Mile a couple of Octobers ago. It sounded awesome going by us near the traps. I wanted to go again this year but the Big Bend ride was too close.

[isiahstites]

I had a beater '79 project bike a few years back.

Con's: Parts prices are getting nutty and I quickly found it cost prohibitive to get it back cosmetically to a nice resto-rod condition I wanted. As Allan said, the stock frame was a weak link. Crossing the center line on a crowned highway would get my worn out bike into a nice weave!:dance: To pull the carbs with a stock airbox, you had to partially drop the motor! To do this you had to remove the 6-1-2 exhaust that weight a ba-jillion pounds and was a total bee-otch to re-install by one's self. Hence, aftermarket air filters were/are a great mod for those who play with jetting as they have the necessary clearance to skip all the above and just pull the carbs. Forget modern radial rubber if you keep the stock rims; of course that's for any old bike not just a CBX.

Pros: Nothing and I mean nothing sounds like a piped (6-1) and jetted CBX motor on the boil. If will absolutely raise the hair on your nutz. The common description is "ferrari like". Even today, it still makes respectable power with really good roll on manners. Back in the day, it was described as a top end power band but it rev's out at 9.5k which is mid-range for todays' high winders. As Allan said, the motors are pretty bullet proof in stock form. Unless you get raped on the buy price, you'll most likely not lose money owning one.


Allan can probably handle most if not all of your technical motor questions but there is a great cbx mail list too. They know vendors with NOS and replicate parts. We watched one of the list members clock an astonding 176mph here at the Texas Mile a couple of Octobers ago. It sounded awesome going by us near the traps. I wanted to go again this year but the Big Bend ride was too close.

Thank you for the post. Very good info you provided! I will not likely run into most of the problems you stated as I will only use the motor when I build one and it will have the K&N pods insyead of the airbox. I will be doing a complete one off.

thanks again!

Scott

[fotomoto]

One other interesting thing: there are still a few "zero mile" 81/82's floating around without titles. Why? These years were tthe sport-tourer models that didn't sell and honda ended up donating many of them to tech schools as hands on training tools.

If I wanted to build a high dollar (resale) CBX engined/custom framed bike, I try to get one of these. Last time I checked ebay, these didn't go for much more than an excellent resto bikes. Take that fresh black motor and electics and part the rest of the bike out for big bucks.

[isiahstites]

One other interesting thing: there are still a few "zero mile" 81/82's floating around without titles. Why? These years were tthe sport-tourer models that didn't sell and honda ended up donating many of them to tech schools as hands on training tools.

If I wanted to build a high dollar (resale) CBX engined/custom framed bike, I try to get one of these. Last time I checked ebay, these didn't go for much more than an excellent resto bikes. Take that fresh black motor and electics and part the rest of the bike out for big bucks.

Another good idea! I have been looking on ebay and cycletrader for over a month now and have not seen anything like you mentioned. I will keep a watch out for these bikes.

Scott

[fotomoto]

Yeah, they are getting rare and won't be popping up often but you can do the same with a good used bike and it won't offend the faithful calling for your head!:076:

[DarthRider]

There were 6 of these bikes at a local junior college where I took a motorcycle maintenance course in about 1983.
We worked on one for training and the others were still in crates. They were donated to the school with the proviso that they not be ridden or sold and they had no titles.
Our instructor was a cool guy who was trying to figure out how to get one of the crated ones so he could make a dragster out of it!
I often wondered what happened to those bikes...

[jamming]

Scott, Go For It.
In this land of the rubber stamp chopper that folks build because they want to be different, it's refreshing to see someone think outside the box.

Hell, everyone has a hardtail 12 over Springer raked into next week, with a V-twin that flexes the frame if you START it much less ride it. Oh, and flames, if I see ANOTHER chopper with flames and skulls, I think I'll take a dump on the seat. Come on people, THINK!

The idea of a CBX chopper is absoulutly way outside the box. I commend your thinking.

There's a huge cycle salvage place here in Phoenix called Bob's Cycle salvage. If you need a motor, chances are they have one. I love tromping through there, so I'll look for you if you want. Phone calls might work, however there's piles of forgotton stuff there if you know where to look. I do.
there's also a place in Rye Arizona, name escapes me, but he has a lot of salvage bikes also.

[isiahstites]

Scott, Go For It.
In this land of the rubber stamp chopper that folks build because they want to be different, it's refreshing to see someone think outside the box.


The idea of a CBX chopper is absoulutly way outside the box. I commend your thinking.

There's a huge cycle salvage place here in Phoenix called Bob's Cycle salvage. If you need a motor, chances are they have one. I love tromping through there, so I'll look for you if you want. Phone calls might work, however there's piles of forgotton stuff there if you know where to look. I do.
there's also a place in Rye Arizona, name escapes me, but he has a lot of salvage bikes also.

Jamming-thanks for the compliment. I think I am going to buy a running bike and then part it out. I want to see and hear it run prior to tearing it down. I think this will be like a road map. One getting to see it run will mean alot to me and being able to take it apart will help alot in assembly of the new bike.

Scott

[isiahstites]

Hell, everyone has a hardtail 12 over Springer raked into next week, with a V-twin that flexes the frame if you START it much less ride it. Oh, and flames, if I see ANOTHER chopper with flames and skulls, I think I'll take a dump on the seat. Come on people, THINK!

The idea of a CBX chopper is absoulutly way outside the box. I commend your thinking.



Dam it!! I was gonna make it a hardtail with a 10 over springer front end!!

I like your thinking! I couldn't put flames and skulls on the last one for that very reason. Would you really dump on this seat?? Here are a few pics of the bike I sold last week.

Scott

[jamming]

Scott, NOW that's what I'm talking about, it's different. Not too much rake, a manageable trail, simple paint, but georgous.
Seems people forget what a chopper was about, started with "bobbers" dude figured he didn't need all the extra garbage and bobbed it off. He raced it on the weekends and rode it to work on the weekdays.

I did choppers 20 years ago, before they were widely accepted, but still had my love affair with the flat twin motor going at the same time. The flat twin won my heart, not the V-twin. I guess because I grew up in an aviation household. I want to ride, not stand around in a bar parking lot and talk about the chrome and paint. Lets talk about the 1000 mile ride we did last weekend. I read something, maybe even here at the Cafe, a Biker looks at the paint and and chrome, a rider looks at the mileage and license plate.

Don't get me wrong, I eat,breath,live,love and ride motorcycles, choppers included and WILL build another chop because I enjoy it. keeps me sane, there even fun to ride but not for distance, and I don't do biker bars anymore, not as tolerant as I used to be, and I ain't that damn tolerant in the first place.
Working on one with a friend now(his) I'm just providing the electrical and mechanical know how, he's a custom painter.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is build them, ride em, love'em, but be different.

[isiahstites]

I would love to see some pics of your friends bike. My first paint job was of the above bike. I will paint everything on the CBX probably even the motor. More than likely I will paint the frame also. I have a great but simple plan for the next pain job.

Scott

[isiahstites]

I found some more pics of some cbx's..........not exactly the look I'm going for but, I can aprreciate the effort that went into these machines.

Scott

[Rchop]

This one looks HOT:ylsuper:

http://www.frsengineering.com/hotcbx.jpg

[DarthRider]

"Hot"...or "Cool"?
Both!

[GPM]

Here's a guy selling CBX engine parts. No idea what he's got.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186959

[isiahstites]

Thank you for your help GPM.

Scott

[Dallara]

~


Some CBX meanderings... pics... links...



A nicely done, very mild 1981 custom

http://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/bikes/CBX1000_1981.jpg



A very well done Japanese 1979

http://www.advantage-net.co.jp/custom_bike/cbx/cbx01b.jpg




An interesting one-off

http://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/bikes/CBX1000.jpg




No CBX is weider than this one that appeared in a movie with Ed Harris as its "Knight Rider"...

http://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/bikes/CBX1000_armour.jpg




And yes, there are CBX chopper-style bikes already out there...

http://www.cbxsix.com/images/L-choppercbx.jpg


Yep, lot's of them...

http://www.boku.ac.at/chemie/oc/staff/ah/cbx_chopper1.jpg



And then there was Jim Hall's awesome drag bike... (more info on his bike here: http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/cw89-1.html )

http://www.cbxsix.com/images/hallcbx1.jpg



A clean British CBX...

http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/gif/cbx.jpg



Moto-Martin CBX artwork...

http://www.bloodrunners.com/gallery/2005/CBX%20ink.jpg




Interesting paint...

http://www.stallard-engineering.co.uk/images/bikes/CBX-2-nh.jpg



Clean stocker '79 with six-into-six pipes...

http://physiology.usouthal.edu/mbvmc/di2002/clarkes_cbx.jpg




Interesting Jap custom...

http://www.seniormc.no/images/4sale_CBX10.JPG

http://www.seniormc.no/images/4sale_CBX12.JPG




Supercharged or turbocharged??? Or both???

http://www.nexialquest.com/westcoastcbx/rpgold.jpg



Where the CBX came from... Can you say RC-166???

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_5.jpg

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_3.jpg

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_2.jpg

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_a.jpg

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_b.jpg

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_c.jpg

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_d.jpg

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_e.jpg

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/honda_250-6_f.jpg




The man responsible for both the RC-166 and the CBX (and the NR-500 for those of you who remember)... Who knows his name???

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/sechs_cbx_irimajiri.jpg



Cut-away of the CBX... Notice how much of the RC-166 architecture remains...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/sechs_cbx_s58.jpg





Fritz Egli CBX...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/sechs_cbx_egli_s75.jpg




Schurger-CBX using Dutch made Bakker frame...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/sechs_cbx_schurger_s77.jpg




Is this the forerunner to the CBX??? A 1921 Spanish six-cylinder design. Only one was built...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/sechs_1921_first_6.jpg




An interesting Euro-Custom CBX...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/eu_acm_lg.jpg


Another Egli CBX...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/eu_egli_lg.jpg



We've already seen this Moto-Martin, haven't we???

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/eu_martin_lg.jpg



Here's a Harris-framed CBX...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/eu_hariss_lg.jpg





German custom done almost entirely with parts and pieces from other Honda models...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/eu_monobr_lg.jpg




A 1,047 cc CBX done up to look like a 250 cc RC-166...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/eu_replica_lg.jpg



A Mocheck-Martin...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/eu_martin3_lg.jpg





Another Fritz Egli take on the CBX... Do you think Fritz ever did LSD???

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/eu_egli2_lg.jpg


More CBX themes...

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom1.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom2.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom3.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom4.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom5.sized.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom7.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom8.sized.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom9a.jpg
http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom10.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/CBXCustom11b.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album25/cbxmotomartin1.jpg


http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/Ron-s-Family/cbx1turbo1.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/Ron-s-Family/Blueturbo.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/Ron-s-Family/Pnumber31.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/Ron-s-Family/Pnumber32.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/Ron-s-Family/Bullet2.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album57/02160001_G.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album57/07160001_G.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album57/07160010_G.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album119/PIC00001.sized.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album17/100_0020_2.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album17/Green_Meanie_1.jpg







Some interesting CBX links...

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/index.html

http://www.members.shaw.ca/cbx4evr/history.htm

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/cbx-1.html

http://www.cbxclub.com/tyranx.html#tx

http://www.nexialquest.com/westcoastcbx/icoaw.html

http://www.cbxclub.com/

http://www.cbxworld.com/

http://pw2.netcom.com/~r_libby/cbx4fun.html


The best CBX source, in many ways...

http://www.timscbx.com/





http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album03/SolidSix.sized.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album03/turbl.sized.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album50/cbxday.jpg

http://www.cbxworld.com/albums/album124/Pa140064.jpg



Enjoy!

Allan (Dallara)




~

[Capt. Blackadder]

http://www.cbxclub.com/davespage/sechs_cbx_irimajiri.jpg

That would be the right honorable Shoichiro Irimajiri... -san. What did I win?! :icon_mrgreen:

[DarthRider]

In honor of CBX-San, here's a little article I did a few years ago for TexMoto (now RideTexas) magazine. I have become separated from the accompanying photos, save this lo-res one.
This piece was one of a series of photo-essays we called "Texas RoadRunners" and I was limited to 600 words, that's why the story of the CBX is so abbreviated. It's easy to write with lots of words, difficult to write with only a few...but I did manage to sneak-in 733 words on this one!
Hope you enjoy it...
Dave


"Six Pack To Go"

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/115258552-L.jpg

“And then there was the night I gave the two flight attendants a ride...at the same time!” Wait, wait, we’re getting ahead of the story...

Young Honda racing engineer Shoichiro Irimajiri was delighted! Mike Hailwood had just ridden his creation to an astounding clean sweep of all ten 250 GP races on Honda‘s RC166. The year was 1966 and the Honda 250 six-cylinder GP bikes ruled!

Fast forward to 1978. Honda had become a bit stodgy and boring as development of their emerging automobile line had left the motorcycle segment with a serious image problem and Irimajiri-San was again asked to turn things around. What resulted was a truly landmark motorcycle, a direct descendant of “Mike-the-Bike’s” GP rides unlike any the world had seen.

The CBX 1000 was unleashed on the unsuspecting world and a unique chapter in motorcycling began: Six-cylinders, 1047CC, double-overhead cams, 24 valves, 103 horsepower. Quarter mile in 11.55 seconds at 117.49 MPH, top speed 136 MPH. What’s so special about that, you ask? Any current 600CC sport bike will top those numbers. True enough but remember this was almost twenty-five years ago and there were no real superbikes yet.

Design enemies were width and weight. These challenges were solved by an exercise in engineering extravagance rivaling that of the HRD Vincents of an earlier era! The engine is barely wider than the CB750 four and the wet-weight was 595.95 pounds, just under the goal of 600. The minimalist/classic styling was delightful with a simple, purposeful look that endures like a ‘57 Chevy.

The CBX was the darling of the motorcycle press due to the silky-smooth torquey engine, excellent brakes and state of the art handling. Performance numbers were the quickest and fastest of any production motorcycle in history. Cycle magazine said of the CBX “...it is the most exotic, charismatic motorcycle we have ever tested. The bike is more than fast; it is magic!”

The CBX was intended for expert riders and attracted buyers such as Evel Knievel who took his on a boozy 100 MPH blast as a pre-acceptance checkout! Sales were never great and the CBX was produced for only four years, the first two as a super-sport and the last two as a sport tourer with fairing, bags, a lot more weight and a lot less power.

There were several reasons for the early demise of this incredible motorcycle: Instead of improving the few weaknesses in the basic design, the engineers “tinkered” until it inevitably gained weight and lost performance. Regulations on maximum horsepower in Germany and emissions in the U.S. added to the decline. The superbike wars were now raging and there were cheaper, lighter, faster, better handling motorcycles available. And the novelty wore off. The last of the CBX’s languished in warehouses and sold for highly discounted prices. Some never sold and were donated to tech schools as training aides.

But now there are associations devoted to the CBX all over the world. And a cottage industry of replacement and performance parts. There are CBX’s with no miles, high miles, stock, modified, with superchargers and turbochargers, and some are Bonneville competitors. One intrepid chap is building a V-12 CBX!

This example belongs to happy-go-lucky auto parts sales dude from Grapevine, Texas, Reid Schulze. It is an early 1979 model built in April 1978. He bought it three years ago in the same condition you see...very good shape, lightly modified, low mileage and a stone-blast!

In it’s previous life it had seen drag-strip use and has a 1130 CC Wiseco big-bore kit, DG six-into-one exhaust (replacing the stock six-into-two), lengthened swing arm and styled chain guard. The front fender is from a Honda CX500 Turbo.

Reid realizes the significance of his special motorcycle and loves to share it with others, thus the memorable night with the flight attendants! Surely Irimajiri-San would approve of the retirement lifestyle of his baby.

“Well I got time for one more round and a...Six Pack To Go!”
As sung by Leon Russell



Article by Dave Howe
Photographs by Daniel Peirce of Trick Photography

(C) 2002 by Dave Howe, All Rights Reserved

[TorqueMonsterMT-01]

I was going to guess that it was Keiji Iwakura, but he was the guy who re-styled the CBX for sport touring in 1982. He also oversaw the design of the CX650 custom and V65 Magna.

Dave, nice article. Do it again!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r53/jefmodee/SpondonframedCBX.jpg

[isiahstites]

Allan,

Thanks for posting all of your CBX links and pictures! This information will be very valuable to me once I get started.

Dave,

Nice article, any other information you have or come across is invited.

On another note I have noticed that many of the sport bike versions of the CBX that have been built can be rather appealing while most of the ones I have seen that are choppers are rather cluttlered and unappealing. I honestly feel that when I am done building my CBX based chopper that "most" will find it appealing. My bike will have very clean lines, simple paint and will be functional, nothing barbaric, Mad Max or over the top.

Scott

[chuck_b24]

Hello I would like some pics &/or links to BARE frames for CBX's!!??..chuck

[fganger]

Let me just say right off - I just find it difficult to think of any Japanese bike/auto as being "Vintage."

All we have to do is the math . . . now let's see, when did I see the first Japanese machines in the U.S? When did I buy my first bike from Japan?

GOOD LORD! We are talking well over 50 years. Gasp! Can it really be that long? I must of added wrong, or something. Double Gasp!

Oh never mind. :icon_redface:

[Bertus]

Hi Scott,
Greetings from Botswana. How far are you with your CBX? I am currently rebuilding my one CBX. I have sourced a complete front end and rear end of a CBR929. It has taken many hours to work out how to fit the rear end but it looks good. The front end I had to extend the yolk and it fits...no problems. The next step will now be to re-inforce frame etc.

regards

Bertus

[isiahstites]

Never did get one, I built a land speed bike instead and never looked back.

Post some pictures of your bike I would love to see them.

Scott

[Bertus]

Hi Scott,

Please see attached pic's taken some time ago. The swingarm complete with brackets etc is now complete and I am busy tidying everything. Will send some photos again once completed.

Let's see what the land speed bike looks like!

regards

Bertus

[isiahstites]

Nice bike Bertus!

[DarthRider]

Lots of CBX stuff here.

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/131632557_d9hRw-O.jpg

[6 across]

Thanks Dave! I have most of the CBX books out there.. There is a new one coming by the end of the year! Just check the CBX World website for it..

Mike.

[6 across]

I love taking them from this....
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7229.jpg
& this
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7234-1.jpg
To this..
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7402.jpg
And This..
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7348.jpg

[NakedRider]

Beautiful, simply beautiful.

[Donson]

Hey,Triple Sixxer,I have room in My shed,if You need a place for winter storage.I will even start it and idle it around the block,no charge!

[6 across]

Donson..I already shipped it out to you!! Keep watching for the FedEx guy..
Mike.

[6 across]

a few more CBX pics.. My "81" before & after..
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_6580.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_6606.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7010.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_6996.jpg

[Donson]

Donson..I already shipped it out to you!! Keep watching for the FedEx guy..
Mike.

Great,I will only ride it to Sunday School,to keep the carbs limber,got a tracking # for Me? :zip:

[vintagemxr]

Interesting CBX pictures on the Italian bike site Rocket Garage (http://rocket-garage.blogspot.com/2009/10/moby-six.html).

Also, a CBX with aftermarket pipes. Took this one at a vintage bike meet earlier this year.

the other Doug


http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/44774/2243277610028267445S600x600Q85.jpg

[6 across]

Those look like a set of DG 6-1 pipes, that are still available.. There are listings on E-Bay for them..
Mike.

[6 across]

Here's a few pics from our last big cycle meet this summer. I'm wearing the white Oregon hat, & hanging w/ the Michigan CBX boys! Enjoy!!
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/DSC_0507.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/DSC_0529.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/DSC_0527.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/DSC_0526.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/DSC_0544.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/DSC_0543.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7359.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7360.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7380.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7388.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7389.jpg
http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7362.jpg

[GPM]

When 6 cylinders just isn't quite enough.....


http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/10/30/honda-cbx-v12-by-andreas-georgeades/

[Sir Limpsalot]

Damn! It's 1982 all over again..

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/DSC_0527.jpg

We used to sell these at the dealership I worked for in the late '70s. The last gasp of a dying industry they were a fun ride and I imagine they still are.

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7380.jpg

A beautiful Venom Veeline Clubmans. One of these set a record average of over 100 mph for 24 hours back in 1961. As far as I know that record still stands.

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7388.jpg

Mike, thanks for the pics and the memories they invoke. Your bike is the nicest of the ones shown, you just can't beat the stock exhaust (in my view anyway..).

[DarthRider]

1982 indeed!

I'd love to build a Norton hotrod based on the large-tank Interstate like this '73/'74 850 model, but with the slim, pretty Roadster side-covers, and the nubile, beautiful sounding, 750 'S' twin high-pipes down the left side.:webers:

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu179/orlo09/IMG_7380.jpg

[6 across]

Thanks for the nice comments!! Speaking of exhausts..A NOS set for a 79 CBX, just sold on E-Bay recently for $2600.00!! Thats crazy! The set thats on my "80" had less than 500 miles on them, when I got them at an estate auction. I almost broke even when I sold the 6 into 1 set, that was on the bike when I got it.... Parts prices are absurd for certain items!! It's no wonder so many guys part these bikes out... Mike.