BUYING AND SELLING
Want engineering extremism? It’s hard to beat Honda’s six-cylinder tour de force
Honda’s X Factor and other purchasing-related stuff
Honda’s CBX certainly made a big impression when it hit the market in 1978. It might not have been the first production six – that honour goes to Benelli’s 750 Sei – but it was the most sophisticated example of Honda’s production engineering prowess to date and an instant classic.
Now, over 40 years later, it’s still a sensational machine that turns heads and wins hearts in equal measure. It’s one of the most soughtafter Japanese classics on the scene, with prices on a steep upward trajectory. If you fancy experiencing the joy of six, perhaps now’s the time to jump on the CBX elevator.
For collectors, the twinshock Z models are the ones to have – but you’ll have to be prepared to splash a fair bit of cash to get a good one. At the time of its launch in 1978, the CBX was the fastest production machine on the planet, with Motorcycling Monthly magazine squeezing 132.59mph from their test bike. And with skinny 3.50 front and 4.25 rear section tyres, spindly 35mm forks and singlepiston brake calipers, keeping that performance in check can get a little interesting, to say the least.
But outright performance is not the only reason to own a CBX. The incredibly smooth engine is a delight to experience, the howl from the six-into-two exhaust almost supernatural and the sheer physical presence of the bike with that massive six-cylinder engine hung unapologetically from the tubular spine frame is sensational. Throw in the elegantly sculpted tank and either candy red or metallic silver paintwork (on UK Z models
anyway) and you’ve got a true twowheeled statement. The CBX is a real feelgood machine.
These days, mint low-mileage or properly restored examples can make up to £25,000. Marc Earl, the owner of Earl Classics who are currently offering this 1978 Z model for sale at a comparatively modest £16,250, recently sold a mint, rebuilt machine for £25,000 – though the complete engine rebuild undertaken before the bike went on sale cost him £7000.
This official UK model has been through Marc’s hands three times now – he originally sold it in 2014 and says it has come back in better condition each time he’s bought it. With old Mots confirming its 35,000 recorded miles and in original condition (except for the engine protector bars), apparently it runs as well as it looks. • earlclassics.com