Lot 124
1979 Honda CBX1000 Frame no. CB1-2001251
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1979 Honda CBX1000
Frame no. CB1-2001251
Frame no. CB1-2001251
Honda came to the forefront of Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the mid-1960s, first with the unveiling of their 250 cc 6-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' 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 6-cylinder motorcycle to light up the roads, it was certainly the most sophisticated. The 24-valve in-line six displaced 1,047 cc and made 105 bhp at the crank. The cylinders were fed by a bank of 28 mm Keihin constant vacuum carburetors, which were tilted forward for clearance. As big motorcycles go, it was rather agile for day, only tipping the scales at 600 pounds wet. Suspension was conventional with a standard front fork with twin disc brakes up front and twin shocks at the rear. The engine cases were nearly the same width as a 4-cylinder and did not hinder cornering. This was achieved by stacking the alternator and ignition behind the cylinders.
Cycle magazine best summed up the experience of riding a Honda CBX. 'It embodies extravagance without vulgarity and high style without pretense – you see muscles and tendons, not chrome and fussiness. It has been designed, not decorated. There is no trashiness in the concept, and none in the execution.'
The bike has been kept in a climate controlled environment ever since it was in the vendor's possession and always maintained to a riding-ready condition.
The Honda CBX came onto the market in 1978 as perhaps the pinnacle of Honda technology. While not the first 6-cylinder motorcycle to light up the roads, it was certainly the most sophisticated. The 24-valve in-line six displaced 1,047 cc and made 105 bhp at the crank. The cylinders were fed by a bank of 28 mm Keihin constant vacuum carburetors, which were tilted forward for clearance. As big motorcycles go, it was rather agile for day, only tipping the scales at 600 pounds wet. Suspension was conventional with a standard front fork with twin disc brakes up front and twin shocks at the rear. The engine cases were nearly the same width as a 4-cylinder and did not hinder cornering. This was achieved by stacking the alternator and ignition behind the cylinders.
Cycle magazine best summed up the experience of riding a Honda CBX. 'It embodies extravagance without vulgarity and high style without pretense – you see muscles and tendons, not chrome and fussiness. It has been designed, not decorated. There is no trashiness in the concept, and none in the execution.'
The bike has been kept in a climate controlled environment ever since it was in the vendor's possession and always maintained to a riding-ready condition.
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 CB1E-2001742. Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
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