1981 Honda CBX1000 Touring
Frame no. JH2SC0602CC402314 Engine no. SC08E2402293

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1981 Honda CBX1000 Touring
Frame no. JH2SC0602CC402314
Engine no. SC08E2402293

Just as Honda had startled the market with their hi-tech 1960s CB450 twin and the first 'superbike,' the CB750 four, so they set the late seventies alight with their six-cylinder CBX1000 in 1978. No doubt originally a riposte to Benelli who had drawn first blood with their 'Sei,' the new Honda set out to be the ultimate superbike, a category Honda regarded as their own. The six was certainly the first road motorcycle with more than 100bhp on tap and would do a standing quarter in around 12 seconds.

Unlike the simpler Benelli, the CBX was a complex, six-carburetor motor with four valves per cylinder, echoing Honda's extraordinary 250cc RC165 racing 'six.' In service, the new Honda proved reliable with only infrequent adjustment.

As if to point out this reliability, the second and last incarnation of the CBX in its five-year lifespan was as a distance touring machine fitted as standard with a windjammer-style fairing, hard panniers, a mono-shock rear and new color schemes, the whole a sophisticated nod in the direction of BMW who had done the same but only with a 'four.'

On offer here is a beautiful example of the later touring machine and is one in quite outstanding and original condition. In pearl-white and blue with black highlights, and retaining, undamaged, all of its original touring fairing and pannier equipment it is a rare example of possibly the most charismatic and noticeable Honda yet, already a motorcycle highly sought-after amongst collectors. Since being purchased in 2008, the Honda has had little use and will therefore need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is SC03E-2402293. Additionally, the title will be in transit.

Additional information

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