1979 HONDA CBX, 5,869 ORIGINAL MILES, RUNS AND RIDES FLAWLESSLY

Description

1979 HONDA CBX – ALL ORIGINAL SURVIVOR!  5. 69 ORIGINAL MILES. FRAME # CB1-2016978. Engine # CB1E-2017108 

1979 HONDA CBX – ALL ORIGINAL SURVIVOR!  5. 69 ORIGINAL MILES. FRAME # CB1-2016978. Engine # CB1E-2017108

This Honda CBX epitomizes the late 70’s/early 80’s  sportbike that became a permanent part of Honda history…

The condition of this machine is highly original and un-restored.   The frame and engine numbers are factory correct and original.   It is the 1047 cc engine.   The gearbox is also original to the machine.   This Honda CBX is completely original and has never been apart.  I am either the third or fourth owner from new.   It is in un-restored and beautiful condition. and is a true historical document that should be preserved for the future.  

This machine retains its original Honda CBX exhaust pipes. NOT reproductions.   The pipes are in very good condition and function as they should on the bike.   This CBX also has the extremely rare CBX sport handlebars installed.   

This machine has been in my collection for some time. is started on a regular basis. and ridden occasionally.

When I purchased the bike. it had been in the ownership of another collector for many years who actually rode the bike short distances on a regular basis.   When I purchased the bike. I went over the entire machine and checked all of the major engine. transmission. and braking components for wear and safety.   

The gas tank was cleaned and  and the carburetors inspected. cleaned. re-built. synched. and re-installed along with a new air filter. all fluids were changed. and both front and rear brakes were replaced.    

The tires on the front and back on Dunlops. and are the correct style and size that were originally installed on the CBX when new.   While the tires are in good condition and have plenty of tread. they are not brand new.   I've had no problems running the tires on the street while I've owned the bike. but please perform your  own inspection on the machine and the tires and make sure you are comfortable with the current condition before you ride the bike hard.  

The wheels are original to the machine and are in excellent condition. with very little wear evident.  

The seat is also original and the upholstery is in perfect condition with no rips. tears. or wear evident.  

The engine and transmission are in excellent interior condition due to the low mileage and absence of any type of harsh conditions or abuse throughout its life.

A complete cleaning and detailing was performed. and although detailing on an original machine is never completed. the overall condition of the finishes is remarkable considering the age of the machine. and is in line with the low original mileage.

The aluminum parts are in excellent condition overall. but due to the originality. I did not want to go too far polishing any parts.     

The paint is the stock Honda Perseus Silver Metallic. appears to be original.  and is nearly flawless.   The original tank badges. striping. and decals are still applied to the gas tank. sidecovers. and tail section.   All of the plastic fairings. covers. etc. are in excellent condition and are not in need of any type of repair.    

The CBX on the road is very easy to handle. and rides down the road very tight. with no shakes. shimmies. or rattles.   It shifts and accelerates smoothly and holds the road as it should.  

There is absolutely NOTHING that needs to be done to this machine to ride it occasionally and enjoy it as a showpiece.   Unlike other CBXs for sale on the internet. this one is ready to ride and not in need of any expensive service once you get it home.     

I am always looking for new machines to add to my collection and love talking shop about old motorcycles. so if you have something interesting you are considering parting with. please let me know.

TERMS:  $500 DEPOSIT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF AUCTION CLOSE VIA PAYPAL OR ANY OF THE METHODS LISTED FOR FINAL PAYMENT.   BALANCE OF AUCTION AMOUNT MUST BE PAID BY CASH IN PERSON. BANK TO BANK WIRE TRANSFER. OR CERTIFIED FUNDS (WITH VERIFICATION) ONLY WITHIN 7 DAYS OF AUCTION CLOSE.   SORRY. NO C. O. D. AND NO PAYPAL FOR FINAL PAYMENT.  

The description of this motorcycle is written to the best of my knowledge.   However. I am by no means an expert on vintage Honda motorcycles.   Please don’t hesitate to ask for more photos and. if possible. come and look in person before the auction ends.   ALL SALES ARE FINAL!  If you have any questions. please contact me before the auction ends.

If you have any questions. please contact me.   If you live close to Chicago. I encourage you to come and inspect the motorcycle in person!

In an effort to protect the eBay user information and to help ensure the authenticity of correspondence between sellers and bidders. eBay’s new listing format does NOT display any bidder information.   Nevertheless. I STRONGLY encourage bidders to contact me directly to answer questions or to verify correspondence.   Seller reserves the right to not accept bids or sell the vehicle to anyone with a zero or negative eBay feedback rating.

This motorcycle is being sold as is. where is with no warranty. expressed. written or implied unless there is a warranty in effect from the factory.   The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description. authenticity. genuineness. or defects herein. and makes no warranty in connection therewith.   No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness. imperfection. defect or damage.   Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type.   It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the motorcycle and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely.   The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this motorcycle at the buyer's request PRIOR to the close of sale.   Seller assumes no responsibility for any statements regardless of any oral statements about the motorcycle.

Please remember that your bid constitutes a legally binding contract to purchase this item.  If you require an inspection. have it done prior to bidding.  I strongly encourage all bidders to inspect the motorcycle personally or enlist the services of a professional inspector prior to placing a bid.  After the sale. inspections are not recognized as a contingency to completing your obligation to your winning bid.   If there are any questions regarding the above terms. please e-mail prior to bidding.

Please do not waste my time or yours bidding on an item you do not intend to pay for.   If you bid on this part and win. you are expected to pay for the part and pick it up in a timely manner!

I welcome ALL international bidders and am happy to assist with making shipping arrangements.   I can also arrange crating for shipment on my end for a nominal extra charge.   If you are an international buyer. I understand it can take some time to arrange shipping. so I do not mind keeping the motorcycle for a longer period of time until pick up.   Please contact me before the sale ends. if possible. to discuss the specifics.

Thanks for your interest!

For more on the Honda CBX. please read on past the photos…

Honda CBX Specifications:

Model: Honda CBX

Year: 1980

Category: Sport Touring

Engine and transmission:

Displacement:      1046. 00 ccm (63. 83 cubic inches)

Engine type: In-line six. four-stroke

Power: 100. 00 HP (73. 0 kW)) @ 9000 RPM

Top speed: 208. 0 km/h (129. 2 mph)

Compression: 9. 3:1

Bore x stroke: 64. 5 x 53. 4 mm (2. 5 x 2. 1 inches)

Valves per cylinder: 4

Fuel control: DOHC

Cooling system: Air

Gearbox: 5-speed

Transmission type. final drive: Chain

Chassis. Suspension. Brakes and Wheels:

Front tyre dimensions: 3. 50-19

Rear tyre dimensions: 130/90-18

Front brakes: Dual disc

Rear brakes: Single disc

Physical Measures and Capacities:

Weight incl. oil. gas. etc: 300. 0 kg (661. 4 pounds)

Fuel capacity: 22. 00 litres (5. 81 gallons)

 

A Short History of the CBX

In 1978. Honda's development team headed by Soichiro Honda. finished work on the 1047 cc. 24 valve. six cylinder "CBX. " It was the final of three designs of the CBX engine. The three options initially considered for design were the four cylinder 1000cc and 1200cc engines. and the six cylinder 1047cc.

The 6 cylinder 1047 cc design eventually won the day. but not without numerous design complications. Clearly the initial headache was that of managing a workable design using an engine 585 mm wide. Narrowing the width of the crank case. widening the tank area and tilting the engine forward by 30 degrees were some of the design aspects that were used to make it work.

 

Design

An interesting challenge was that of the sound it produced! The original exhaust produced a sound which was deemed too loud and risky for the marketing of the bike and so the exhaust was redesigned.

 

Honda wasn't new to the 6 cylinder engine though. having produced the previously successfully 247 cc. RC166. which Mike Hailwood won the 250 cc World Championship with in 1966 and 1967. Mike Hailwood also set a new TT record riding the same modified bike in the Isle of Man later on.

       

The CBX Story 

Production began in late 1978. and the new "'79" Honda was soon on showroom floors pulling the crowds in around the globe. When Honda unveiled the CBX. the motorcycling world was unanimous in its acclaim. (The release price was around ?2. 00 in the UK).

Every now and then. a mechanical device makes an indelible mark on history. for the motorcycling world 1979 was a watershed year. CBX. the world’s first 6 cylinder. 24 valve Double Over Head Cam 1047 cc was launched. Yet the charisma lay beyond the groundbreaking specifications. somewhere beyond the motorcycle in its promising repose on the road. awaiting the rider…

 

The Original 1979 CBX Specifications:

Weight: 272. 1 kg (599. 9 lbs. ) wet

Wheelbase: 1495mm (58. 86 in. )

Seat Height: 810mm (31. 9 in. )

Ground Clearance: 150mm (5. 906 in. )  

 

First production

A legend to this day…

The double overhead cam. air cooled. six cylinder engine was a short stroke unit (to enable safe high revving to 10. 00 rpm) with a bore and stroke of 64. 5 mm x 53. 4 mm giving 1047 cc. a compression ratio of 9. 3:1. topped off with an awesome 24 valve head. With four valves per cylinder. the spark plug was mounted centrally in the combustion chamber. The crankshaft was a one piece forged component driving a 350 watt generator. Six 28 mm carburetors with accelerator pumps fueled the engine which produced 105 bhp at 9000 rpm (measured at the crank). Transmission was via multi-plate wet clutch. five speed gearbox and 630 size chain final drive.

Engine width was kept to a minimum by mounting the CDI and alternator behind the crankshaft. The motor sat in a light chrome molybdenum diamond type frame with eight mounting points; four at the cylinder head and four at the gearbox. Suspension came courtesy of oil damped 35 mm telescopic forks up front and 'FVQ' twin shock absorbers and swinging arm at the rear. By modern standards. the Comstar wheels were shod with skinny sized tyres - Dunlop Gold Seal 4. 25 x 18 in rear and 3. 50 x 19 in front.

Braking was handled by twin 10. 9in discs up front and a single 11. 6in disc at the rear. The whole package weighed in at 545 lbs dry. 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.       

 

1980 - Model "A":

“Who?” they asked. was the CBX rider? - A man experienced in the foibles and eccentricities of lesser motorcycles. a man looking for the exceptional bike - who has probably ridden several good ones without being wholly satisfied. until now.

The 'A' model CBX was released in the U. S. in 1980. It featured incremental improvements in a number of areas. mostly handling-related. but lost some horsepower. The 1979 'A' model was identical to the 'Z' except that it was red. Both 'Z' and 'A' models proved reliable machines. the only reported problem being that the left hand carburetor could flood. This was rectified on the later 'B' model which was fitted with a vacuum fuel tap. In 1980 the CBX (in black livery) hit American shores and in so doing lost some of its fire.

Bikes tested in the States were producing 98 bhp at 9000 rpm. Tighter emission controls had meant redesigned silencers which stifled some power but internally the main change was the use of different camshafts. However. this slight loss of power seems to have been a little academic and midrange power was reported to be as good as ever. Handling was improved over early models by changing the plastic swinging arm bushes for a double end-thrust ball and needle roller assembly mounted on a larger swinging arm pivot and stiffer swinging arm.

The 35 mm fork legs were retained but now featured air pressure valves at the top to vary stiffness and preload. The sliders also ran on new style bushes of a Teflon-lead-bronze alloy (as used on Honda's moto cross machines) to improve suspension movement. The final drive chain was also changed to a 530 size which was said to make the drive less noisy.

 

1981 - Pro Link:

Honda reconfigured the CBX for 1981 as a sports touring bike. with fairing and saddlebags. The rear suspension also changed from dual to mono shock. and saw the introduction of the progressive linkage system - hence the name Pro-Link. The mono shock was attached at the bottom to moveable linkage instead of directly to the swingarm. changing it from a fixed to a variable ratio of shock absorber / rear wheel movement.

In Europe the CBX1000 went through the only major specification change of its four year life span with the introduction of the CBX1000B (from engine number SC03E2301512 and frame number SC06-230065). From pure sports. it now devolved into a sports/tourer. Cosmetically the CBX1000B gained a full fairing with storage pockets. engine protection bars and a 54lb weight gain. The brakes were upgraded to help stop the extra bulk. now featuring ventilated discs with twin piston calipers.

The suspension was changed dramatically with the front forks being increased to 39 mm. with the rear suspension now sporting Honda's mono shock 'Pro-link' system and an aluminum swinging arm. This had the knock-on effect of increasing the wheelbase from 58 in to 60 in. Internally the motor was in the same state of de-tune as the American models. with output being a claimed 100 bhp at 9000 rpm. Other changes included adjustable handlebars. an adjuster for headlight level. together with the option of hard panniers. The bike was finished in a dark silver grey with reversed black Comstar wheels.

 

1982 - Pro Link:

1982 was the final year for the CBX - The 'C' model was introduced and differed from the 'B' in only two respects - it now featured a pillion grab rail. and the color change to "Pearl White". Honda was now targeting the touring riders needs. to travel greater distances comfortably. The race inspired Pro-Link suspension was perfected to provide progressive spring and damping rates.

Yet at the heart of this magnificent bike. was the awe inspiring 6 cylinder engine that provided the power to satisfy any performance enthusiast.

Article Courtesy of: cbx6. co. uk

 

More on the CBX…

The Honda CBX1000 was introduced in 1978 as the first production motorcycle Honda had produced with an inline six-cylinder engine (earlier they produced a six-cylinder race bike). The twin-cam 24-valve engine produced 105 bhp (78 kW). The model was produced from 1978 to 1982.

In the late 1970s. the four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers all began to build superbikes. road bikes with superior performance. Honda intended for the CBX to help re-establish the company's position at the forefront of motorcycle technology. American journalists were first introduced to the bike in 1977; a first review appeared in Cycle magazine. The review called the CBX a "breakthrough for the Japanese motorcycle industry" and praised its design. concept. and performance. Yamaha had already introduced the XS1100 in 1979; the CBX was available on the market in late 1979. and the production model was even faster than the prototype. The CBX was not the first production motorcycle to be powered by a six-cylinder engine—the Benelli 750 Sei had that honor—but it was the latest and the most advanced entry into the hotly contested superbike battle being fought by the Japanese manufacturers. The 1979 model's 11. 36 second quarter mile time (at 117. 95 mph) was quicker than other superbikes of the day.

By 1980. Suzuki had released its own superbike. the GS1100. and Honda came with a modified 1980 model which had revised cam timing and ignition for a better midrange performance. On the quarter mile. the Suzuki was a bit faster than the 1980 CBX. which was tuned down slightly; Motorcyclist tested them head-to-head on the quarter mile. with the Suzuki clocking 11. 84 sec. at 116. 1 mph. compared to 11. 34 sec. at 118. 9 mph 3800 for the CBX. Cycle World clocked the CBX at 12. 13 sec. at 109. 89 mph. Motorcyclist's dyno test on the 1980 model revealed that the engine had lost five hp compared to the 1978 model. from 103 down to 98.

In 1981. Honda switched gears and headed the CBX into the sport touring category with the CBX-B. adding a sleek fairing and custom-fitted panniers. besides Pro-Link rear suspension. Honda decided that dual stainless-alloy ventilated front rotors (a first for the motorcycle industry) were needed to stop its 272 kg (600 lb) weight.

For its time. the engine was highly advanced. Honda having started the move toward four valves per cylinder.

To make an otherwise bulky engine more ergonomic. the CBX had a stacked engine accessory arrangement. This involved a jackshaft that provided the drive to the alternator and ignition equipment positioned behind the cylinder block. This arrangement produced an acceptable engine width and removed critical equipment from positions that would incur expensive damage in the event of contact with the ground.

Although it lasted only five years. its style did give birth both to Honda's sport bikes and to its Honda ST series. Cycle Guide praised the bike as "the Vincent Black Shadow of 1979" upon its introduction.

In 2011. 2 Wheels Magazine (an Australian publication). named the CBX1000 as one of their favorite 12 superbikes ever.

Also published at eBay.com