1979 Honda CBX 1000 (D272)
Very clean example of Honda’s engineering tour de force 6 cylinder naked superbike, ready to enjoy. This CBX was originally sold in Italy and we imported it to the US legally and with all the proper paperwork. Partial restoration of an Italian market model, presents well in all regards. Sourced in Verona Italy from a vintage specialist the CBX is complete and very original. Overall condition is very good, nice paint and excellent chrome. Some minor patina to the engine alloy and various black finished bits. Odometer shows only 22,408 Km (13,923 Miles). Mechanically refreshed in every necessary aspect, tested and fully sorted. Project commenced with a very clean and straight original CBX with only 14k miles. As a European market model this CBX boasts the full 105 hp tuning of the first series CBX, retains the 240kph speedometer and is fitted with lower alloy handlebars than the 1980 US model. An exceptional motorcycle, shows well, runs great and a rocket of a ride.
MODEL HISTORY
Honda's legendary inline six cylinder collectable classic .. European version.
Introduced in 1978 the CBX was Honda’s answer to the Kawasaki Z1 which had taken the superbike crown from Honda’s CB750 in 1974.
The CBX was Honda's first production 6 cylinder road bike and reset the bar for superbike performance. The CBX's advanced DOHC 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine was its outstanding feature. Clever design and packaging kept engine width to a minimum, only 2 inches wider than the CB750 4 cylinder. Chassis layout was conventional with air-assisted forks and a twin shock rear suspension on a 58.9 “ wheelbase. The CBX featured a sporty, but reasonable, riding position and excellent passenger accommodations. One solid piece of machinery, the CBX weighted in at 599 lbs wet.
The first series CBX engine is rated at 105 HP and very tractable. Capable of quarter mile times in the mid 11s and a top speed over 130 mph, nothing has ever matched the exciting feel and sound of the 6 cylinder CBX.
Around town the low European bars and considerable weight can be a minor struggle, but at speed in a straight line the CBX feels smooth, solid and well planted. Overall feel is very sophisticated and this motorcycle is obviously well-engineered. Handling is good by the standards of the period, but there is some notable flex in the forks and chassis when pushed.
Premium priced in the day and more bike than most folks could handle, sales were very modest. While not a huge success in the marketplace, the CBX did retake the superbike crown from Kawasaki’s Z1 and enhanced Honda’s performance and design reputation. First series CBXs are quite rare, especially European spec models.
Later models were upgraded to sport touring status by fitting a fairing and saddlebags but sales remained low and the CBX was produced for only four years.
SPECIFICATIONS
1979 HONDA CBX
Engine :1,047cc (63.9 cu in) 24-valve, twin-cam air-cooled inline-6
6 carburetors in unitized bank
Top speed : 140 mph
Power : 105 hp
Transmission : 5-speed
Suspension
Front: Telescopic Fork
Rear: Twin Shock
Brakes
Front: Twin disc brakes
Rear: Disc
Tires
Front 3.5 x 18" Rear 4.25 x 18"
Wheelbase : 58.9 in
Seat Height : 32 in
Weight : 599 lb wet
Fuel capacity 5.3 US gal