Honda CBX
Year:
1977
Manufacturer:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Minato, Tokyo, Japan
Number Produced:
Unknown
Specifications:
1,047 cc 24 -valve, twin-cam air-cooled inline-6 cylinder engine
Top speed 134 mph (216 km/h)
5 speed gearbox
Description:
Honda came to the forefront of Gran Prix motorcycle racing in the mid-1960's, first with the unveiling of their 250cc six cylinder machine piloted by Phil Read and Mike Duff at Monza. Later in 1966, the great Mike Hailwood won the 250 championship on a Honda Six, winning every race entered. This 1979 Honda CBX six cylinder production motorcycle is considered a direct descendant of Honda's fabulous racer.
The Honda CBX came onto the market in 1978 as perhaps the pinnacle of Honda technology. While not the first six cylinder motorcycle to light up the roads, it was certainly the most sophisticated. As big motorcycles go, it was rather agile for a motorcycle in the 1970's, only tipping the scales at 600 lbs. wet. The engine cases were nearly the same width as a four cylinder motorcycle engine and did not hinder cornering. This was achieved by stacking the alternator and ignition system behind the cylinders.
The CBX has been described as the Vincent Black Shadow of 1979. It was an extremely fast yet competent motorcycle. In a sense, it replaced the Norton Commando as the world's superbike.
